Hey there! If you’re looking for a fun and tasty snack, you’ve come to the right place. This Garlic Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds Recipe is a family favorite in our home. I remember one Halloween when my son, Jake, decided to carve the biggest pumpkin he could find. We ended up with a mountain of seeds, and instead of tossing them, we made these delicious, crunchy treats. Trust me, once you try making pumpkin seeds in the air fryer, you’ll never go back!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- They’re super easy to make and perfect for snacking.
- You can customize the flavors to match your taste.
- They’re a great way to use up pumpkin seeds after carving.
Pure Comfort
There’s something so comforting about munching on homemade snacks, especially when they’re warm and seasoned just right. Plus, the aroma of garlic wafting through the kitchen is simply irresistible.
What You Need
- 1 cup 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (about 120 g) – Make sure they are rinsed and dried.
- 2 tbsp 2 tbsp olive oil – You can substitute with melted coconut oil if desired.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp garlic powder – Feel free to use fresh minced garlic for a stronger flavor.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp salt – Adjust to taste.
- 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp paprika – Smoked paprika adds a nice twist.
Time to Cook
Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 15 minutes | Total: 25 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: You can prepare the seeds in advance and store them.
Steps to Make It
- Start by preheating your air fryer to 300 °F. This helps the pumpkin seeds cook evenly and become nice and crispy. Just a few minutes of preheating will do the trick.
- While the fryer warms up, place the rinsed pumpkin seeds in a bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over them and toss until they’re evenly coated. This step is key for achieving that golden crunch.
- Next, sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and paprika. Stir everything together until the seeds are well-seasoned. You want every bite to be bursting with flavor.
- Now it’s time to transfer the seasoned seeds to the air fryer basket. Spread them out in a single layer for even cooking. If you have a lot of seeds, you might need to do this in batches.
- Cook the pumpkin seeds for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Keep an eye on them; they should turn a lovely golden brown and become fragrant.
- Once they’re done, remove the seeds from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. They’ll continue to crisp up as they cool. Trust me, you won’t be able to resist snacking on them right away!
Make It Perfect
- For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for heat.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them crunchy.
- If you want to make a big batch, just double the recipe and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Mix It Up
- Try different seasonings like ranch or taco seasoning for a unique twist.
- Mix in some nuts or seeds for a crunchy trail mix.
Perfect Partners
- These pumpkin seeds pair wonderfully with a cozy soup.
- Enjoy them as a topping on salads for added crunch.
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FAQs
Can I make these pumpkin seeds ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and season them in advance, then air fry when you’re ready.
How do I store leftover pumpkin seeds?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Can I freeze air fried pumpkin seeds?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just make sure they are completely cool before sealing them in a freezer bag.
What can I substitute for pumpkin seeds?
Sunflower seeds or nuts like almonds work great as substitutes.
How do I know when the pumpkin seeds are done?
They should be golden brown and crispy. If they start to smell burnt, take them out immediately.
Conclusion
Making pumpkin seeds in the air fryer is not only easy but also a delightful way to enjoy a healthy snack. I hope you give this Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds Recipe a try. They’re perfect for munching on during movie nights or as a crunchy topping on your favorite dishes. Enjoy every bite!
Pumpkin Seeds In The Air Fryer — Garlic Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds Recipe
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
Pumpkin Seeds
- 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds Make sure they are rinsed and dried.
- 2 tbsp olive oil You can substitute with melted coconut oil if desired.
- 1 tsp garlic powder Feel free to use fresh minced garlic for a stronger flavor.
- 1 tsp salt Adjust to taste.
- 1/2 tsp paprika Smoked paprika adds a nice twist.
Instructions
- Start by preheating your air fryer to 300 °F. This helps the pumpkin seeds cook evenly and become nice and crispy. Just a few minutes of preheating will do the trick.
- While the fryer warms up, place the rinsed pumpkin seeds in a bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over them and toss until they’re evenly coated. This step is key for achieving that golden crunch.
- Next, sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and paprika. Stir everything together until the seeds are well-seasoned. You want every bite to be bursting with flavor.
- Now it’s time to transfer the seasoned seeds to the air fryer basket. Spread them out in a single layer for even cooking. If you have a lot of seeds, you might need to do this in batches.
- Cook the pumpkin seeds for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Keep an eye on them; they should turn a lovely golden brown and become fragrant.
- Once they’re done, remove the seeds from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. They’ll continue to crisp up as they cool. Trust me, you won’t be able to resist snacking on them right away!