Print

The Best Easy Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds Recipe

air fryer pumpkin seeds - featured image
Print Recipe

This easy air fryer pumpkin seeds recipe delivers perfectly crunchy, salty seeds in under 15 minutes. It’s a nostalgic, kid-approved snack that’s perfect for fall.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup fresh pumpkin seeds
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup and a pinch of cinnamon (for sweet version, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the seeds: After carving your pumpkin, separate the seeds from the pulp. Place them in a colander and rinse under cold water, using your fingers to rub off any sticky bits. It takes about 2-3 minutes. Don’t worry if a little pulp remains—it adds flavor.
  2. Dry them thoroughly: Spread the seeds on a clean kitchen towel and pat them dry. Let them sit for 5-10 minutes to air-dry a bit more. If they’re still damp, they’ll steam instead of crisp.
  3. Season the seeds: In a mixing bowl, combine the dried seeds with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Toss until every seed is coated. If you’re adding garlic powder or paprika, sprinkle it in now and toss again. For sweet seeds, add the maple syrup and cinnamon at this stage.
  4. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it run for 3 minutes.
  5. Arrange in the basket: Spread the seeds in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd—if you have more than 1 cup of seeds, cook them in two batches.
  6. Cook for 8-10 minutes: Air fry at 350°F for 8 minutes, then shake the basket. Check for doneness—they should be golden brown and smell nutty. If they need more time, cook in 1-minute increments. I usually go for 9 minutes total.
  7. Cool completely: Transfer the seeds to a plate or baking sheet and let them cool for at least 10 minutes. This is crucial—they’ll get crunchier as they cool.
  8. Serve and enjoy: Once cooled, transfer to a bowl and dig in. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Notes

Don’t skip the drying step—wet seeds will steam instead of crisp. Watch the timing carefully; every air fryer runs differently. Start checking at 8 minutes. The seeds will continue to crisp as they cool, so pull them out when just barely golden. Store in an airtight container at room temperature; do not refrigerate. If they lose crunch, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer pumpkin seeds, easy pumpkin seeds, crunchy pumpkin seeds, fall snack, kid-approved snack

Find it online: https://zestynora.com/the-best-easy-air-fryer-pumpkin-seeds-recipe/