There’s nothing quite like the crunch of roasted pumpkin seeds fresh out of the oven – or, in this case, the air fryer! I first tried this recipe after carving pumpkins with my family, and I couldn’t bear to throw out those delicious seeds. It’s amazing how something so simple can transform into such a satisfying snack. Plus, using the air fryer cuts down the roasting time significantly and ensures they come out perfectly crispy every time.
Pumpkin seeds are incredibly versatile, whether you enjoy them plain with a touch of salt or spiced up with your favorite seasoning blend. With this recipe, you’ll learn how to create crunchy, flavorful pumpkin seeds in no time. It’s easy, fun, and the perfect way to reduce waste while treating yourself to a healthy snack.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Fresh Pumpkin Seeds: The star of this recipe! When scooping seeds from your pumpkin, make sure to separate them from the pulp. Fresh seeds will give you the best flavor and texture.
Olive Oil: A little oil is key to making the seeds crispy and flavorful. It also helps the seasonings stick. You can substitute with avocado oil if you prefer.
Salt: A classic seasoning that brings out the natural nuttiness of the seeds. Adjust to taste, depending on how salty you like your snacks.
Seasoning of Your Choice: This is where you can get creative. From garlic powder to paprika or even cinnamon and sugar, the options are endless!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup fresh pumpkin seeds (cleaned and dried)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon seasoning of your choice (optional)
How to Make Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds
Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Seeds
After scooping the seeds from your pumpkin, rinse them thoroughly in a colander under cold water to remove all the pulp. Spread them on a clean kitchen towel or paper towel and pat them dry. The drier the seeds, the crispier they’ll be!
Step 2: Season the Seeds
In a bowl, toss the pumpkin seeds with olive oil, salt, and your chosen seasoning. Make sure every seed is evenly coated for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Air Fry the Seeds
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 2 minutes. Spread the seasoned seeds in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook them for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even roasting.
Step 4: Let Them Cool
Once the seeds are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. This allows them to crisp up further and makes them easier to handle.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Dry the Seeds Well: Any excess moisture can prevent the seeds from crisping up in the air fryer. Take the extra time to dry them thoroughly.
- Season Before and After Cooking: Tossing the seeds in seasoning before cooking helps coat them evenly, but you can also sprinkle a little extra seasoning after cooking for a flavor boost.
- Shake the Basket: Shaking the air fryer basket halfway through ensures the seeds roast evenly and don’t stick together.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasonings! Try sweet options like cinnamon sugar or savory blends like chili powder and lime.
- Store Properly: Store leftover seeds in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain their crunch.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought pumpkin seeds for this recipe?
Yes! If you don’t have fresh pumpkin seeds, you can use raw, unsalted store-bought pumpkin seeds. Just skip the cleaning step and go straight to seasoning.
2. What other seasonings work well for pumpkin seeds?
You can try cinnamon and sugar for a sweet option, or garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, or even everything bagel seasoning for savory variations.
3. Can I use butter instead of olive oil?
Absolutely! Melted butter works just as well and adds a rich, buttery flavor to the seeds.
4. How do I know when the seeds are done?
The seeds should be golden brown and crispy when done. If they’re still soft, give them a few more minutes in the air fryer, but be careful not to burn them.
5. Can I make these in the oven instead?
Yes! Roast the seasoned seeds in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Enjoy your perfectly roasted air fryer pumpkin seeds! They’re great as a snack, salad topping, or even sprinkled on soups for an added crunch.