Fall is here, and that means it’s pumpkin season! I love making crispy air fryer roasted pumpkin seeds for healthy snacking. My son, Jake, always helps me scoop out the seeds from our pumpkins, and he can’t resist sneaking a few before they even hit the air fryer. These roasted pumpkin seeds are not only delicious but also a great way to enjoy a healthy treat.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- They’re super easy to make in the air fryer.
- You can customize the flavors to your liking.
- They’re packed with nutrients and make a great snack.
Pure Comfort
Roasted pumpkin seeds are a delightful treat that brings back memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings. They’re crunchy, flavorful, and perfect for munching on while watching your favorite fall movies.
What You Need
- 2 cups Pumpkin seeds – Freshly scooped from pumpkins or store-bought
- 2 tbsp Olive oil – Can substitute with melted coconut oil for a different flavor
- 1 tsp Salt – Adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder – Optional for extra flavor
- 1/2 tsp Paprika – For a smoky touch, you can use smoked paprika
Time to Cook
Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 15 minutes | Total: 25 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can prepare the seeds a day in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Start by preheating your air fryer to 300°F. This ensures your pumpkin seeds will roast evenly and become crispy.
- If you’re using fresh pumpkin seeds, rinse them under cold water to remove any pumpkin pulp. Pat them dry with a clean towel; this helps them crisp up nicely.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin seeds, olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss everything together until the seeds are well coated. The oil will help them crisp up while roasting.
- Transfer the seasoned pumpkin seeds to the air fryer basket. Spread them out in a single layer for even cooking. You might need to do this in batches depending on your air fryer size.
- Air fry the seeds for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They should turn a lovely golden brown and smell amazing.
- Once they are crispy and golden, remove the seeds from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. This will help them become even crunchier.
Make It Perfect
- For extra flavor, try adding your favorite spices like chili powder or cinnamon.
- If you want a sweeter version, toss the seeds with a little sugar and cinnamon before air frying.
- Make sure to keep an eye on them towards the end of cooking to prevent burning.
Mix It Up
- Try adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese after roasting for a cheesy twist.
- For a sweet treat, coat the seeds with honey and cinnamon before air frying.
Perfect Partners
- Serve these roasted pumpkin seeds with a warm bowl of soup.
- They make a great topping for salads or can be enjoyed on their own as a snack.
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FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the seeds a day in advance and store them in an airtight container.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover pumpkin seeds in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Can I freeze roasted pumpkin seeds?
Yes, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
What can I use instead of olive oil?
You can use melted coconut oil or avocado oil as alternatives.
How do I know when the pumpkin seeds are done?
They should be golden brown and crispy when finished. Give them a taste to check for crunchiness.
Conclusion
Crispy air fryer roasted pumpkin seeds are a delightful addition to your fall snacking repertoire. With these pumpkin seed recipes, you’ll enjoy a healthy treat that’s easy to make and full of flavor. Give them a try, and you might just find yourself reaching for them again and again!
Crispy Air Fryer Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups Pumpkin seeds Freshly scooped from pumpkins or store-bought
- 2 tbsp Olive oil Can substitute with melted coconut oil for a different flavor
- 1 tsp Salt Adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder Optional for extra flavor
- 1/2 tsp Paprika For a smoky touch, you can use smoked paprika
Instructions
- Start by preheating your air fryer to 300°F. This ensures your pumpkin seeds will roast evenly and become crispy.
- If you’re using fresh pumpkin seeds, rinse them under cold water to remove any pumpkin pulp. Pat them dry with a clean towel; this helps them crisp up nicely.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin seeds, olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss everything together until the seeds are well coated. The oil will help them crisp up while roasting.
- Transfer the seasoned pumpkin seeds to the air fryer basket. Spread them out in a single layer for even cooking. You might need to do this in batches depending on your air fryer size.
- Air fry the seeds for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They should turn a lovely golden brown and smell amazing.
- Once they are crispy and golden, remove the seeds from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. This will help them become even crunchier.