Candied Cashews

Sweet and spicy candied cashews made by deep frying raw cashews coated in confectioners sugar and seasoned with a hint of cayenne pepper. A perfect crunchy snack with just the right balance of heat and sweetness.

6 servings
1 hr 10 min

Ingredients

  • 2 cups raw cashews (9 ounces)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • teaspoon cayenne
  • cup confectioners sugar
  • 3 cups vegetable oil
  • 1 piece deep-fat thermometer

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Cover cashews with water in a 1 1/2- to 2-quart saucepan and simmer until slightly softened, about 4 minutes. Drain, then transfer to paper towels to dry, 40 to 50 minutes.

    54 min

  2. 2.

    Stir together salt and cayenne.

    1 min

  3. 3.

    Toss cashews with sugar in a bowl, then shake in a sieve to remove excess. Heat 1 1/2 inches oil in dried saucepan over moderate heat until it registers 375°F on thermometer. Fry cashews in 3 batches, stirring frequently, until deep golden brown and crisp, 2 to 3 minutes per batch. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a baking sheet as fried and sprinkle with some cayenne mixture. (Return oil to 375°F between batches.)

    15 min