Candied Cashews
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 17 Jan 2026
Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines
- DownloadDownload
- Share
- Language
- Discussion
These spicy candied cashews offer a sophisticated balance of sweetness and heat, making them a standout snack for any occasion. By simmering the nuts before frying, you achieve a unique texture that is exceptionally crisp on the outside while remaining tender within. The dusting of icing sugar caramelises beautifully in the hot oil, creating a delicate, mahogany-coloured glaze that perfectly complements the warming kick of cayenne pepper and sea salt.
This vegan-friendly recipe is an excellent choice for homemade gifts or as a savoury appetiser to serve with drinks. While deep-frying requires a little care, the results are far superior to shop-bought alternatives. Simply store them in an airtight container once cooled to maintain that signature crunch for several days.
In this article:
Continue reading below
Ingredients for Candied Cashews
300g raw cashews (250g)
1/2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
1/8 teaspoons cayenne, or to taste
30ml icing sugar
About 725ml vegetable oil for deep-frying
a deep-fat thermometer
How to make Candied Cashews
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.
Stir together salt and cayenne.
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 191°C 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 191°C between batches.)
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
17 Jan 2026 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editors
Peer reviewed by
UK recipe editors

Ask, share, connect.
Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

Feeling unwell?
Assess your symptoms online for free
Sign up to the Patient newsletter
Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.
By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.