Description
Learn how to make perfectly crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds with this quick and healthy recipe. These lightly seasoned seeds are roasted to golden perfection in just minutes, offering a crunchy snack or versatile topping that can be customized to sweet, savory, or spicy preferences. With minimal cleanup and a fast cook time, enjoy a guilt-free snack bursting with roasted goodness anytime.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Raw pumpkin seeds – 1 cup (fresh and cleaned)
- Olive oil or avocado oil – 1 to 2 teaspoons
- Salt – 1/4 teaspoon (or to taste)
Optional Seasonings
- Garlic powder – 1/4 teaspoon
- Smoked paprika – 1/4 teaspoon
- Cinnamon – 1/4 teaspoon
- Cayenne pepper – 1/8 teaspoon
- Chili powder – 1/4 teaspoon
- Brown sugar – 1/2 teaspoon
- Dried rosemary or thyme – 1/4 teaspoon
- Nutritional yeast – 1 teaspoon
Instructions
- Prepare the Seeds: Rinse raw pumpkin seeds thoroughly in cold water to remove any pumpkin pulp. Spread them out on a clean towel and pat completely dry to ensure the crispiest air fryer results.
- Season the Seeds: Transfer the dried seeds to a bowl and drizzle with 1 to 2 teaspoons of your preferred oil. Add salt along with any optional seasonings you like, then toss to coat the seeds evenly with oil and spices.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and preheat for about 3 minutes to ensure the seeds start roasting immediately.
- Air Fry the Seeds: Place the seasoned seeds in a single, even layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to promote even cooking and prevent burning. Begin checking around 10 minutes for your desired crispness.
- Cool and Enjoy: Once the seeds are golden and crunchy, remove them from the air fryer and spread on a plate or baking sheet to cool completely. This cooling step enhances crispness before serving.
Notes
- Ensure pumpkin seeds are fully dry before oiling to avoid sogginess caused by steaming.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; spread seeds in a single layer for even roasting and maximum crunch.
- Shake the air fryer basket every 5 minutes for consistent toasting and to avoid hot spots.
- Adjust cooking time for larger seeds, adding 1-2 extra minutes if needed for full crispness.
- Store cooled seeds in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness and crunch for up to one week.
- To refresh seeds that have softened, reheat in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 2–3 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 to 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Air Frying
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg