Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds
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Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds are addictive in the best way possible! Featuring a perfectly golden and crispy exterior thanks to the air fryer, you’ll get perfect roasted pumpkin seeds every time. Match a batch (or a few!) to have on hand… It’s also a great way to use up pumpkin seeds come carving season!
Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds
Get ready to up your snacking game with this super simple and ridiculously tasty recipe for air fryer pumpkin seeds!
Once fall rolls around, pumpkin carving begins — in my house anyway!
I try to avoid food waste when I can, which is how I came up with this recipe for pumpkin seeds in air fryer.
I knew that they were going to taste perfect. And boy, I was right!! In just a few easy steps, I’ll show you how to transform those little guys into irresistible crunchy bites of heaven.
Can’t get enough pumpkin? I’ve got you covered! Don’t miss my recipes for dinner rolls and coffee cake.
And for a sweet treat, you can’t go wrong with a frosty milkshake or my No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake! As you can see… I’m a bit of a pumpkin fanatic!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Raw Pumpkin Seeds – The best seeds to choose for this air fryer pumpkin seeds recipe are for sure ones that come straight from a pumpkin!
You could technically look for pepitas in the nut aisle at the grocery store, but they tend to be smaller than actual raw pumpkin seeds.
My advice? Use raw if you’ve got ‘em, but pepitas are a good substitute.
- Oil – Feel free to use any light oil that you like… vegetable, corn, canola, avocado, or olive all work great.
- Salt – Just a pinch to highlight the natural flavors of the seeds! You can also get even more creative with your seasonings.
Like a bit of kick? Add some cayenne pepper. More of a garlic lover? Add a few flakes to the top! I also think smoked paprika would taste delish!!
Expert Tips for Making Pumpkin Seeds in Air Fryer
- Stirring is key for even roasting.
If you’re an air fryer aficionado like I am, you know the importance of shaking the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking process.
Take things a bit further when making pumpkin seeds in the air fryer and actually stir the seeds every 5 minutes!
And, remember to watch carefully during the last few minutes. Roasted pumpking seeds can go from crispy to burnt in a matter of seconds!
- You may need to make adjustments.
All air fryers are different, and pumpkin seeds also vary in size depending on the type you use!
Those pepitas I mentioned are available year-round in the grocery store, but they are quite a bit smaller than raw pumpkin seeds from a pumpkin.
If using raw, you may need to roast them for an additional 5 minutes or so.
- Parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze.
Opt to add a sheet of air fryer-friendly parchment paper to the basket before adding your seeds.
Not only will this keep the seeds from sticking, but it also promotes even cooking and makes cleanup so easy!!
Storing Air Fried Pumpkin Seeds
Make sure that your air fryer pumpkin seeds have cooled completely before storing.
I recommend placing them in an airtight container (mason jars are great!) to keep them nice and fresh.
They will keep in a cool and dark place for up to 6 months! That said, I recommend finishing them within a few weeks for the best texture and taste.
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds FAQ
I personally prefer air fried pumpkin seeds! They cook up so much faster — 15 minutes in the air fryer vs. 25 minutes in the oven — and they come out perfectly crunchy! You also don’t have to use as much oil when you opt for the air fryer.
That said, you can absolutely experiment with both methods to figure out what you prefer!
I like to give mine a good scrub, then lay them out to dry on a paper towel. They need to be completely dry before you roast them in the air fryer, otherwise they could become soggy.
After about an hour of air drying, they’ll be good to go. If you’re short on time, use a hair dryer!
Of course! I recommend trying sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, or even a mixture of several different kinds!
You may have to adjust the cooking time depending on their size. Keep an eye on them as they roast in the air fryer to prevent burning.
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Other Fall Recipes
Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 320 degrees.
- In a small bowl, drizzle the oil over the pumpkin seeds. Season them with salt and use a spoon to toss them until they are evenly coated.
- Place a sheet of parchment paper in your air fryer basket and then evenly spread your pumpkin seeds on top of it.
- Bake for 15 minutes, stirring frequently.
Donna’s Notes
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published August 2023
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Do you have any tricks for getting the seeds out of their shells!