If you love that juicy pop of fresh cranberries but want something a little more snackable than sauce, these air fryer candied cranberries are a fun twist. You soak fresh cranberries in a sweet citrus bath, roll them in sugar, then use the air fryer to jump-start the drying so they set into sparkling, sweet-tart bites. This method skips deep frying and keeps the kitchen cleaner, while still giving you plenty of crunch. It is perfect for holiday charcuterie boards, cocktail garnishes, edible gifts, or just grabbing a small handful when you want something festive and bright.
Quick Recipe Snapshot
- Prep time: 15 minutes (plus 2–4 hours soaking)
- Cook time: 10–12 minutes
- Total time: About 2 1/2–4 1/2 hours
- Servings: 8
- Difficulty: Easy
- Diet type: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
You’ll find a printable recipe card with exact measurements and nutrition details at the end of this post.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Air Fryer Candied Cranberries
For the Soak
- 12 ounces (about 3 cups) fresh cranberries, rinsed and picked over
- 1 1/2 cups lemon-lime soda (such as 7 Up or Sprite) or simple syrup (see note)
Simple syrup option: If you prefer not to use soda, mix 3/4 cup water with 3/4 cup sugar in a small saucepan and heat just until the sugar dissolves, then cool before using.
For the Candy Coating
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided (start with 3/4 cup and add more only if needed)
- 2 tablespoons superfine sugar (optional, for extra sparkle)
- 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest (optional but recommended)
- Pinch of fine sea salt
Equipment
- Air fryer with a basket or tray
- Small saucepan (if making simple syrup)
- Medium bowl for soaking
- Slotted spoon
- Parchment paper or a silicone mat
- Wire rack (helpful for extra drying)
Air Fryer Candied Cranberries
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Soak the cranberries. Place the cranberries in a medium bowl. Pour the lemon-lime soda or cooled simple syrup over the top, making sure they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for 2–4 hours, or up to overnight, to let them absorb sweetness and soften slightly.
- Drain very well. Line a baking sheet with parchment. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cranberries to the sheet, letting excess liquid drip off first. Spread them into a single layer and let them air-dry for 15–20 minutes. The less surface moisture, the better the sugar will cling.
- Preheat the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 250°F (120°C) for 3–5 minutes. If your air fryer has a dehydrate setting, you can use that instead on a low temperature, around 135–150°F (57–65°C), but you may need a longer time.
- Prepare the sugar mixture. In a shallow bowl, combine 3/4 cup of the granulated sugar, the orange zest, and a tiny pinch of salt. Rub the zest into the sugar with your fingers to release its oils. If you want a thicker coating, keep the remaining 1/4 cup sugar nearby to add as needed.
- Coat the cranberries in sugar. Add a handful of drained cranberries to the sugar mixture. Roll and toss them gently until each berry is completely coated. Transfer them to a clean parchment-lined tray or plate in a single layer. Repeat with the remaining cranberries, adding more sugar to the bowl if it starts to clump or look damp.
- Air fry in batches. Place a piece of parchment or a perforated liner in the air fryer basket if needed. Arrange a single layer of sugared cranberries in the basket, leaving a little space between them so air can circulate. Do not overcrowd; work in batches.
- Dry and set the candy shell. Air fry for 5–7 minutes at 250°F (120°C), shaking the basket gently halfway through. You want the sugar to look dry and set, not melted and bubbling. If using the dehydrate setting at a lower temperature, plan for 20–30 minutes, checking every 10 minutes.
- Cool completely. Transfer the cranberries to a clean sheet of parchment or a wire rack. Let them cool and dry at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. As they cool, the shells will firm up and become crunchy.
- Optional second sparkle coat. For extra crunch and sparkle, toss cooled cranberries lightly in the remaining granulated sugar or superfine sugar, then shake off excess and return to the rack for another 10–15 minutes.
- Serve or store. Once fully dry and no longer tacky, your air fryer candied cranberries are ready to use as a snack, garnish, or topping. Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
Air Fryer Candied Cranberries
Tips & Variations
- Don’t rush the drying. The most important step for crunch is letting the cranberries drain and air-dry before you sugar them, and then letting them cool completely after air frying. If they still feel tacky, they need more drying time.
- Play with flavors. Swap orange zest for lemon or lime zest, add a pinch of cinnamon, or include a tiny bit of vanilla bean paste in the soaking liquid for a warmer, dessert-like flavor profile.
- Use alternative sweeteners. You can replace part of the sugar with a granulated alternative like allulose or monk fruit blend. The texture may be slightly less glassy, but you will still get a sweet shell.
- Turn them into snack mix. Toss cooled candied cranberries with roasted nuts, dark chocolate chips, and gluten-free pretzels for a festive snack mix. Just remember that the cranberries contribute most of the sugar.
- Try a lighter soak. For a less sweet version, use half soda and half water, or make simple syrup with a 1:2 ratio (1/3 cup sugar to 2/3 cup water) instead of equal parts.
Serving Suggestions
Air fryer candied cranberries are surprisingly versatile once you have a batch ready.
- Holiday snack boards: Pile them in a small bowl on a charcuterie board with nuts, cheeses, gluten-free crackers, and fresh fruit for a pop of color and tart sweetness.
- Cocktail and mocktail garnish: Thread a few candied cranberries on a cocktail pick and perch it over a glass of sparkling water, prosecco, or a festive drink like the white peach sangria floral mocktail.
- Dessert topper: Sprinkle them over yogurt parfaits, ice cream, or cakes. They pair especially well with recipes from your favorite vegan dessert recipes collection.
- Breakfast upgrade: Add a few on top of oatmeal, chia pudding, or a slice of banana bread for a seasonal crunch.
- Party snack: Serve them in small bowls alongside nuts and popcorn as a bright, sweet-tart nibble guests will remember.
Storage & Reheating (Recrisping)
- Room temperature: Store fully cooled candied cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days. Keep them in a cool, dry spot away from humidity so the sugar shell stays crisp.
- Recrisping: If they soften, spread them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and dry at 200°F (93°C) for 3–4 minutes, then cool on a rack. Do not walk away; sugar can darken quickly.
- Refrigerator: The fridge tends to introduce moisture and can make the sugar sticky, so room temperature storage is usually better unless your kitchen is very warm.
- Freezer: Freezing is not ideal for candied cranberries, because condensation when they thaw will dissolve the sugar coating.
Nutrition Highlights
Approximate per serving (about 1/4 cup candied cranberries, 1/8 of the batch):
- Calories: ~70
- Carbohydrates: ~18 g
- Protein: <1 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Fiber: ~2 g
- Sugar: ~15 g
Fresh cranberries themselves are quite low in calories and provide fiber plus antioxidants like proanthocyanidins, which are linked to benefits for urinary tract and heart health. Candied cranberries do add sugar, but because the base fruit is so light, a small festive serving can still fit into many balanced eating patterns. Compared to store-bought sweetened dried cranberries, which can reach around 120 calories and 29 grams of sugar per 1/4 cup, homemade versions give you more control over how much sugar sticks to each berry.
If you want a deeper dive into how cranberries support health overall, including antioxidants and urinary tract support, it is worth reading this overview on the health benefits of cranberries.
Air Fryer Candied Cranberries
Why This Recipe Matters to Me
Cranberries always meant holidays in my house, but for a long time they only showed up in a sugary sauce that nobody touched after Thanksgiving dinner. When I started focusing on making treats that felt special without being over-the-top heavy, I began playing with fresh cranberries in new ways. Candied cranberries were an instant favorite: small, bright, and easy to share. Using the air fryer keeps the process simple, especially on busy days when every burner and oven rack is already in use. I love that I can make a batch ahead of time, stash them on the counter, and have something crunchy, pretty, and a little bit better balanced ready for charcuterie boards, desserts, and drinks.
FAQ About Air Fryer Candied Cranberries
Can you cook cranberries in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook cranberries in an air fryer, but you want to think of it as gently drying rather than roasting them hard. For candied cranberries, you coat the berries in sugar and use a relatively low temperature so the sugar sets into a shell without burning and the cranberries stay intact. You can also use the dehydrate function on some air fryers to make dried cranberries that are more like homemade “craisins,” though this usually takes several hours at a low setting.
Bottom line: Air fryers work well for candying or drying cranberries when you keep the temperature low and watch them closely.
Why aren’t my candied cranberries crunchy?
If your candied cranberries are not crunchy, they were probably too wet going into the sugar, or they did not get enough drying time. Excess moisture in the skins can dissolve the sugar and keep it sticky. Let the berries drain and air-dry before coating, then be sure they have space in the air fryer and plenty of time to cool on a rack afterward. Humid kitchens and warm storage spots can also soften the sugar shell, so store them in a truly airtight container.
Bottom line: Dry the berries well, avoid crowding, and cool them completely to get that glassy, crunchy finish.
Can I use Sprite instead of 7 Up for candied cranberries?
You can use Sprite, 7 Up, or any similar lemon-lime soda for soaking cranberries. The flavor difference is very small once the berries are coated in sugar. What matters more is how long you soak them and whether you let them drain thoroughly afterward. If you want more control over sweetness, you can skip soda altogether and use a simple syrup made with sugar and water instead.
Bottom line: Sprite and 7 Up both work for candied cranberries, or you can swap in homemade simple syrup for a more customizable option.
Can I use my air fryer as a dehydrator?
Many air fryers can double as dehydrators if they have a dehydrate setting or can hold a low, consistent temperature. For cranberries and other fruits, you usually want temperatures around 135–150°F (57–65°C) and several hours of time. Not every air fryer model goes that low, so check your manual, and always start with smaller test batches to dial in time and temperature.
Bottom line: You can often dehydrate in an air fryer, as long as it has a low-temperature setting and you allow enough time.
How can I make air fryer candied cranberries a little lighter?
To lighten this recipe, shorten the soak time so less sweetness penetrates the fruit, use a lower-sugar soda blend or a less concentrated simple syrup, and roll the berries in a thinner layer of sugar. You can also replace part of the granulated sugar with a lower-calorie granulated sweetener. The cranberries will taste more tart and the shell may be slightly less glassy, but you still get a pretty, special treat.
Bottom line: Use a milder soak, less sugar, or a sugar substitute to make air fryer candied cranberries a bit more everyday-friendly.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoy these air fryer candied cranberries, you might also like these recipes on HealthyAmericanBites.com:
For another playful cranberry snack, try the popping cranberries recipe, which gives you juicy, flavor-packed bites that pair perfectly with nuts and cheese.
When you want a refreshing drink to go with your sweet-tart cranberries, explore the juicing recipes collection for bright, produce-forward combinations, or mix up a batch of the white peach sangria floral mocktail for parties.
For more plant-based ideas that still feel cozy and satisfying, check out these vegan dessert recipes and the broader vegan dinner recipes lineup.
And if you love using your air fryer, do not miss the savory chicken apple sausage air fryer recipe for an easy weeknight protein.
Final Thoughts
Air fryer candied cranberries are a small, simple upgrade that can make your snack boards, drinks, and desserts feel instantly more festive. Once you understand how much soak and sugar you like, you can tweak the flavor, sweetness, and texture to match your style. The next time cranberries show up at the store, grab an extra bag, pull out the air fryer, and turn them into sparkling sweet-tart bites you can share—or keep just for yourself.
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Air Fryer Candied Cranberries (Crispy Sweet-Tart Bites)
These air fryer candied cranberries turn fresh cranberries into sparkling, sweet-tart bites with a crisp sugar shell. The berries soak in a citrusy sweet liquid, get rolled in sugar, and then spend a few minutes in the air fryer to help the coating set. After cooling on a rack, they are ready for snack boards, desserts, or cocktail garnishes. You can control the sweetness and flavor, and the whole method is simpler than oven-drying on a busy holiday baking day.
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
12 ounces (about 3 cups) fresh cranberries, rinsed and picked over
1 1/2 cups lemon-lime soda (such as 7 Up or Sprite) OR cooled simple syrup
1 cup granulated sugar, divided
2 tablespoons superfine sugar (optional, for extra sparkle)
1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest (optional)
Pinch fine sea salt
Instructions
1. Place cranberries in a medium bowl and cover with lemon-lime soda or cooled simple syrup, then refrigerate 2–4 hours or overnight.
2. Drain cranberries with a slotted spoon onto a parchment-lined tray and let them air-dry for 15–20 minutes to remove excess moisture.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 250°F (120°C) for 3–5 minutes, or use the dehydrate setting on a low temperature if available.
4. In a shallow bowl, combine 3/4 cup granulated sugar, orange zest, and a pinch of salt, rubbing the zest into the sugar with your fingers.
5. Add a handful of drained cranberries to the sugar mixture and roll until each berry is well coated, then transfer to a clean parchment-lined tray; repeat with remaining cranberries, adding more sugar if needed.
6. Line the air fryer basket or tray with parchment or a perforated liner and arrange a single layer of sugared cranberries without crowding.
7. Air fry at 250°F (120°C) for 5–7 minutes, shaking the basket gently halfway through, until the sugar looks dry and set but not browned.
8. Transfer cranberries to a clean sheet of parchment or a wire rack and let them cool and dry at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, until no longer tacky.
9. If desired, toss cooled cranberries lightly in the remaining granulated or superfine sugar for extra sparkle, then shake off any excess.
10. Serve immediately or store fully cooled candied cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days.
Notes
For a less sweet version, shorten the soak time or dilute the soda with water before pouring it over the cranberries.
If you prefer not to use soda, make simple syrup with equal parts sugar and water, heat just to dissolve, and cool completely before using.
If your candied cranberries are sticky instead of crunchy, let them drain longer before sugaring and extend drying time on the rack after air frying.
Store candied cranberries in a completely airtight container at room temperature, away from humidity, to keep the sugar shell crisp.
Air fryers vary, so start with a small test batch and adjust time or temperature slightly to avoid melting or browning the sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus soaking time)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American