Get crispy, crunchy Pumpkin Seeds in only 5 minutes using your air fryer! Roasted pumpkin seeds are a nutritious snack perfect for lunch boxes and snack time.
Air frying the pumpkin seeds from your fall pumpkins is an easy way to make use of all the parts of your pumpkin in addition to using the skin to make crispy air fried pumpkin chips and the flesh to make homemade pumpkin puree.
All you need is a pumpkin, your air fryer, a little oil and the suggested seasonings if you want flavored seeds. You can use your air fryer to cook a whole pumpkin and use the seeds from that! Of use them from any type of pumpkin, from pie pumpkins used to make pumpkin cheesecake, baked pumpkin oatmeal and pumpkin cream cheese muffins, to the pumpkin used for the Jack-O-Lantern you carved!
I love using my air fryer to make foods crispy and get them cooked quickly. It makes the best air fried baby potatoes and air fried bacon.
Table Of Contents
Cooking Time and Temperature
Pumpkin seeds take 5-10 minutes to cook in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 176 degrees Celsius. Air fryers can vary slightly in their power, so you should check them after 5 minutes of cooking to avoid burning, then cook in 2 minute increments beyond that until they've turned golden brown.
How to Clean and Prepare Pumpkin Seeds
- Pick off as much pulp that's stuck to the seeds as possible and discard it. Then you can put the seeds in a colander and run cold water over them while removing the leftover pulp. Hold the seeds under the running water while rubbing them between your fingers to further loosen stuck pulp. Alternatively, put the seeds in boiling salted water for a minutes, then remove, dry and pick off any leftover pulp.
- Before seasoning, you should also thoroughly dry the seeds. This is easiest done by putting them in one layer on top of a clean cloth dish towel rather than a paper towel. Then put another towel on top of the seeds, press down, and leave them like this for about 5 minutes. Pumpkin seeds often stick to paper towels when drying, causing small bits of paper to get stuck to the seeds. It can be a pain to remove the paper.
How To Keep Pumpkin Seeds Crispy
They need to be roasted in 1 layer to become crispy while cooking. After they're cooked, they'll stay crispy in an airtight container for around 5-7 days. Don't over-oil them, as too much oil will make them soft and soggy.
Ingredients
This recipe seasons them with garlic powder and salt. You'll also need olive oil, or another neutral cooking oil like vegetable or canola. I use extra virgin olive oil in all of my recipes.
What Can Pumpkin Seeds Be Seasoned With?
Other seasonings that go well on pumpkin seeds are:
- Paprika, smoked or sweet
- Cumin
- Cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper
- Chili powder
- Garlic salt
- Nutmeg and cinnamon
- Cinnamon sugar
Pumpkin seeds are flavorful on their own, so they really only need about 1 teaspoon of seasonings per 1 cup of seeds. Add more or less than this depending on your personal preference.
Kristina's Tips
- Air fry them in one layer as best you can, working in batches if necessary, to ensure they are evenly crisp all around.
- Cook time can vary based on your seed size.
- There's no need to flip the seeds or shake the air fryer basket halfway through. I have made these multiple times, with and without flipping/shaking. There was no noticeable difference in texture and crispiness.
- Season lightly prior to roasting if you're unsure how you much you want your seeds flavored. You can toss them with more seasonings once they're cooked.
Instructions
- Remove seeds from the pumpkin. Clean off the pulp and any liquid by rinsing them under cold running water. Gently rub between your fingers to remove stringy pulp. (see above for boiling seeds instead)
- Place the seeds between 2 cloth dish towels in one layer. Press down and allow to dry for 5 minutes. Transfer the dried seeds to a small mixing bowl.
- Toss with the olive oil, salt and garlic powder. Mix with a spoon or your hand until oil and seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Place seeds in the air fryer basket or tray overlapping as little as possible (some overlap is fine). Air fry at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, initially checking at the 5 minute mark and every 2 minutes after until they begin to turn golden brown.
- Remove from the air fryer and let cool. Taste and add more seasoning if desired.
Can I Eat Pumpkin Seeds With The Shell On?
You can eat roasted pumpkin seeds with the shell on. You'll get more nutrients and flavor when popping the entire seed in your mouth, shell and all.
How To Store
Store for up to 1 week at room temperature, 1 month in the refrigerator, and 3 months in the freezer. Keep them in an airtight container to prevent moisture from making them soft.
Do Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Need To Be Refrigerated?
They can be refrigerated for longer life but it's not a must.
Recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds
- ½ teaspoon extra virgin olive oil or other neutral cooking oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Remove pumpkin seeds from the pumpkin. Clean off the pulp and liquid by rinsing them under cold running water. Gently rub between your fingers to remove stringy pulp.
- Place the seeds between two cloth dish towels in one layer. Press down and allow to dry for about 5 minutes. Transfer the dried seeds to a small mixing bowl.
- Toss seeds with the olive oil, salt and garlic powder. Mix with a spoon or your hand until oil and seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Place in a single layer (as best as possible, some overlap is okay) in the air fryer basket or tray. Air fry at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, initially checking at the 5 minute mark and every 2 minutes after (see notes below).
- When just beginning to brown, remove from the air fryer and let cool. Taste and add more seasoning if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
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