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.

Air Fryer Candied Cranberries Irresistible Holiday Treat

Ingredients

Scale

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

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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.

Author: Adam Moretti
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus soaking time)
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Snack, Dessert
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American