Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Coat the Pecans: In a medium bowl, add 3 cups whole pecans, 4 tablespoons pure maple syrup, 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder. Toss until the nuts are evenly coated and glossy.
Bake: Spread the pecans in a single layer on the prepared sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, then toss gently with a spatula and bake for an additional 8 minutes, until fragrant and lightly toasted.
Cool Completely: Remove the sheet pan from the oven and let the pecans cool on the pan. The coating will firm up as the pecans cool.
Notes
Make-Ahead Tips: Spiced pecans can be baked several days in advance. Store once completely cooled to maintain crispness.Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerate for up to 3 weeks.Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.Reheating: If the coating softens, re-crisp in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.Serving Idea: Perfect for snack boards, salads, or holiday gifting.