Fall is officially here, and that means one thing: pumpkin everything! But before you toss that pumpkin after carving, don’t forget the treasure trove of deliciousness hidden inside – the seeds! For years, I roasted pumpkin seeds the traditional oven way, but honestly, it takes *forever* and they never get quite as crispy. Enter the air fryer. This Easy Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds Recipe is a game-changer. It’s unbelievably quick, requires minimal effort, and delivers perfectly crunchy, flavorful pumpkin seeds every single time. Forget soggy seeds – we’re aiming for snack perfection!
Why You’ll Love This
- Speed: Air frying cuts down the roasting time dramatically. We’re talking under 15 minutes!
- Crispiness: The air fryer circulates hot air, resulting in incredibly crispy seeds without needing to flip them constantly.
- Flavor Versatility: This recipe is a blank canvas! I’ve included a classic salted version, but the possibilities for seasonings are endless (see ‘Pro Tips’ below).
- Zero Waste: You’re using a part of the pumpkin that often gets thrown away, making this a sustainable and budget-friendly snack.
- Healthy Snack: Pumpkin seeds are packed with nutrients like magnesium, zinc, and healthy fats.
Ingredients & Equipment
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups raw pumpkin seeds (cleaned and rinsed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, cinnamon, everything bagel seasoning, etc.
Equipment:
- Air Fryer
- Large bowl
- Colander
- Paper towels
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Seeds: After carving your pumpkin, scoop out the seeds and rinse them thoroughly in a colander to remove any pumpkin pulp. This is the most time-consuming part, but crucial for clean-tasting seeds!
- Dry the Seeds: Spread the rinsed seeds in a single layer on paper towels and pat them completely dry. The drier the seeds, the crispier they’ll get. Let them air dry for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight for best results.
- Season the Seeds: In a large bowl, toss the dried pumpkin seeds with olive oil, salt, and any other seasonings you’re using. Make sure the seeds are evenly coated.
- Air Fry the Seeds: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the seasoned pumpkin seeds in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; you may need to work in batches.
- Cook & Shake: Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Check for Crispness: Taste a seed to check for crispness. If they’re not crispy enough, continue air frying for another 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to prevent burning.
- Cool & Enjoy: Remove the pumpkin seeds from the air fryer and let them cool completely before enjoying. They will crisp up even more as they cool.
Pro Tips
- Seasoning Ideas: Get creative with your seasonings! Try a smoky paprika blend, a spicy chili lime mix, or a sweet cinnamon sugar coating. Everything bagel seasoning is also AMAZING.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Overcrowding the air fryer basket will result in steamed, not crispy, seeds. Work in batches if necessary.
- Oil Amount: Using too much oil can make the seeds greasy. 1 tablespoon is usually sufficient for 1 ½ cups of seeds.
- Seed Size: Smaller seeds tend to cook faster than larger seeds. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Pre-Soaking (Optional): For extra-crispy seeds, you can soak them in salted water for a few hours before drying and seasoning. This helps to draw out moisture and create a more textured seed.
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store leftover pumpkin seeds in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They may lose some of their crispness over time, but they’ll still be delicious! For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
Print
Easy Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Crispy, golden pumpkin seeds made effortlessly in the air fryer with your choice of savory or sweet seasoning—an easy, healthy fall snack!
Ingredients
1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (cleaned and dried)
1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for savory)
OR
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and 1 teaspoon sugar (for sweet version)
Instructions
1. Rinse pumpkin seeds well to remove pulp, then pat dry thoroughly with a towel.
2. In a bowl, toss the seeds with oil and your choice of seasoning (savory or sweet).
3. Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C) if your model requires preheating.
4. Spread seeds in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
5. Air fry for 10–15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes, until seeds are golden and crisp.
6. Let cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
Pumpkin seeds can be seasoned in endless ways—try taco seasoning, curry powder, or even chili lime.
Make sure seeds are fully dry before air frying to ensure crispiness.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg