Combine maple syrup, cayenne, and ½ teaspoon sea salt in a large bowl. Stir well, then add the pecans and stir until well coated.
Dump pecans onto a parchment or silicone-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 5 minutes. Check to ensure they're not burning and stir if desired. Cook another 2-4 minutes.
Remove from oven and sprinkle with flakey sea salt. Spread out a little to cool.
Nutrition Notes: The nutrition label is based on 8 servings, but this is probably enough for 15+.
Watch spicy candied pecans closely as the cook. Nuts burn easily which can be prevented by staying close.
Move them around while the cook. Every oven is a little different and may have hot spots. Rotating the tray or moving the nuts around with a spatula will help keep them from burning.
Use a timer. Set it for three minutes, move them around on the tray and continue resetting them until they are ready!
Easy cleanup. Use parchment or a silicone mat under the nuts. The maple syrup can get a little sticky and make cleanup more challenging.