These Roasted Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds are a deliciously crunchy, healthy, and tasty snack. This snack is the perfect way to use those pumpkin seeds after carving a pumpkin.
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It’s that time of year again. All things Fall are in the air, pumpkin carving is a joyous activity, and we’re getting ready for some of our favorite Fall Holidays. One in particular that we love is Halloween, where we head to the pumpkin patch, pick a pumpkin, and then take it home to carve it.
If you’ve ever carved a pumpkin, you’re familiar with the ooey-gooey pulp and seeds that are scooped from the inside. Well before you toss those seeds, do me a favor and consider roasting them for snacking. You’ll be plenty surprised at how crunchy and delicious they are.
I roast mine in my air fryer because I find the air fryer makes seeds and beans extra crunchy. I followed a similar method when I made these air fryer chickpeas.
How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds in the Air Fryer
Start by prepping the seeds. First, you’ll need to cut the top off the pumpkin and remove the pulp and seeds from the inside. You’ll notice many seeds stuck to a little bit of pulp. Use your hands and gently remove the pulp from the seeds.
Place the seeds in a colander and rinse the seeds. My medium-large-sized pumpkin yielded about 1 and ¼ cups of seeds.
Boil the Seeds
Next, place the seeds in a medium-sized pot and cover with 3 cups of water and 1 Tablespoon kosher salt. Bring to a boil and allow to boil for about 7 minutes. Once done boiling, drain the seeds in a colander and then place them on a clean kitchen towel.
Pat the seeds dry and then place them in the air fryer basket. They will still be partially wet but that is ok.
Close the air fryer basket and air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 4 minutes. This will allow our seeds to dry before adding oil.
After 4 minutes, open the basket and lightly spray the pumpkin seeds with oil, and then stir to ensure all the seeds are covered. Close the basket and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes at 350F, stirring halfway through.
Season the seeds with desired spices
When there are about 1-2 minutes left, season the seeds with any desired seasonings. Once the seeds are roasted, remove them and spread them on a sheet pan. Allow them to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
How to Season the Seeds:
These seeds will taste slightly salty already (thanks to our boiling step) but if you want additional flavors, add seasonings when there are about 2 minutes left on your cook time. You do not want to add seasonings too early or they may burn.
How to store Roasted Pumpkin seeds
Store these seeds in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks at room temperature. You could also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Notes on Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds
- These are good for snacking as is but you could use these for salads, on top of morning oatmeal, or granola.
- Season the seeds like you like. You can use the seasonings I used in my air fryer chickpeas recipe, stick with salt and pepper, or use a little tajin seasoning.
- Use any oil with a high-smoke point that you prefer. I usually use canola or avocado oil.
Looking for more Air Fried Snack recipes? Try these out:
Crispy Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cup raw pumpkin seeds from 1 medium-large sized pumpkin
- 3 cups water
- 1 Tablespoon kosher salt
- Seasonings of Choice
Instructions
- Cut the top off the pumpkin and remove the pulp and seeds from the inside. Place the seeds in a colander and rinse the seeds.
- Place the seeds in a medium-sized pot and cover with 3 cups of water and 1 Tablespoon kosher salt. Bring to a boil and allow to boil for about 7 minutes. Once done boiling, drain the seeds in a colander and then place them on a clean kitchen towel and pat the seeds dry.
- Place the seeds in the air fryer basket. Close the air fryer basket and air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 4 minutes.
- After 4 minutes, open the basket and lightly spray the pumpkin seeds with oil, and then stir to ensure all the seeds are covered. Close the basket and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes at 350F, stirring halfway through.
- Add any desired seasonings when there are about 1-2 minutes left on the air fryer cook time.
- Once the seeds are roasted, remove them and spread them on a sheet pan. Allow them to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
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Notes
- These are good for snacking as is but you could use these for salads, on top of morning oatmeal, or granola.
- Season the seeds as you like. You can use the seasonings I used in my air fryer chickpeas recipe, stick with salt and pepper, or use a little tajin seasoning.
- Use any oil with a high-smoke point that you prefer. I usually use canola or avocado oil.
Kristie says
Do the seeds just fly around the air fryer while cooking?
Tanya says
Great question! They do fly around. I can hear them moving a little while air frying.