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Roasting pumpkin seeds in the air fryer is a quick and easy way to make perfectly roasted pumpkin seeds with just the right amount of crunch.
Roasted pumpkin seeds are one of the best parts of fall. And typically, you might think of making them in the oven, but with this recipe, we’re taking it up a notch by using the air fryer. We love this method – it’s fast and easy and gives the seeds the perfect crunch!
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What You’ll Need
Here is a short list of ingredients and supplies you’ll need, and then we’ll get right to the detailed step-by-step instructions with photos. Jump below if you want the short and sweet version.
Ingredients
- Pumpkin seeds – freshly scooped from a pumpkin.
- Extra virgin olive oil – for that golden crispiness.
- Seasoned salt – we love Lawry’s. Old Bay seasoning is also yummy. Plain old table salt works great, too!
Supplies
- Air fryer – we love and use the PowerXL air fryer and the Cosori air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Spoon
How to Make Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1 | PREP YOUR SEEDS
After you’ve scooped out your pumpkin, separate the seeds from the pulp. Rinse them in cold water and dry any excess moisture using a clean towel or paper towel.
Easiest Way to Clean Pumpkin Seeds – read here.
Step 2 | SEASON THE SEEDS
In a mixing bowl, toss the pumpkin seeds with olive oil. Add seasoning salt, regular salt, or any other seasonings you’d like. Feel free to adjust to your tastes.
Step 3 | AIR FRYER TIME
Spread the seeds in a single layer in the air fryer basket (if you have a lot of seeds we suggest doing them in multiple batches; otherwise, they may not cook evenly).
Step 4 | COOK AND SHAKE
Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, giving them a good shake halfway through. How much they are cooked is totally based on your preference – some people like them just done, others like them extra crunchy.
You can take one out and test (make sure to allow it to cool slightly) and add extra time cooking time if you’d like.
Also, keep in mind not all air fryers cook the same, so you may need to adjust accordingly.
Step 5 | ENJOY OR STORE
Once they’re perfect, enjoy them right away or store them in an airtight container for later munching.
Recipe Variations
While we love the classic version of roasted pumpkin seeds, don’t be afraid to mix it up. Just keep the oil (or use melted butter!) and change up the seasonings. Here are some fun options to try:
- Sweet cinnamon: Mix cinnamon with a bit of sugar.
- Savory garlic: Combine garlic powder and salt.
- Spicy chili: A blend of chili powder with a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Italian herb: Mix of Italian seasoning with a touch of salt.
- Tangy ranch: Ranch seasoning mix.
- Cheesy parmesan: Grated Parmesan with a bit of garlic powder.
- Zesty lemon pepper: Lemon pepper seasoning.
- Smoky BBQ: Your favorite BBQ seasoning.
- Maple brown sugar: A blend of maple syrup and brown sugar for a sweet twist.
- Taco fiesta: Taco seasoning mix for a zesty kick.
Storing Leftovers
Keep your roasted seeds fresh and crunchy by following these simple storage tips.
- Roasted pumpkin seeds should be kept in an air-tight container in a cool, dry place like a cupboard or pantry.
- Raw or roasted pumpkin seeds will last up to 6 months in the pantry, according to the FoodKeeper App from FoodSafety.gov.
- It is not necessary to store pumpkin seeds in the fridge or freezer.
Perfect Pairings for Pumpkin Seeds
While roasted seeds are delicious as a snack on their own, they also pair well with various flavors and foods. Here are some tasty ideas.
Homemade Trail Mix: For a sweet take, consider pairing them with dried cranberries and dark chocolate chunks.
Savory Mix: If you’re steering towards savory, they blend well with mixed nuts and spices like chili flakes or smoked paprika.
Charcuterie Board: Pumpkin seeds pair well with a variety of cheeses, especially sharper varieties like cheddar or gouda.
Salad Topping: Their crunchy texture also makes them a great topping for salads, adding a nice contrast to greens and veggies.
🥗 Crunchy Salad Topping Ideas – find the list here.
Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds
Roasted pumpkin seeds in the air fryer. A quick and easy way to get perfectly roasted seeds with just the right amount of crunch.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin seeds (~medium pumpkin)
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp seasoning salt (or regular salt)
Instructions
- Separate pumpkin seeds from pulp, rinse, and remove excess moisture (they don’t have to be completely dry).
- In a mixing bowl, combine seeds, olive oil, and seasoning salt.
- Spread seeds in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes at 360°F, shaking halfway.
- Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Cooking times may vary based on your air fryer model.
- Feel free to adjust the oil to your taste and get creative with the seasonings. (see ideas)
- You can use melted butter in place of the oil.
- Prep Time: 13 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 195
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 292.9 mg
- Fat: 17.6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 3.5 g
- Protein: 9.7 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Final Thoughts
Air frying pumpkin seeds is the best and easiest way to roast them (in our opinion). The seeds end up crunchy every time and couldn’t be easier to make. Give them a try, and let us know how you customized yours!
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Have You Tried This Recipe? Please rate it in the comments and let us know your thoughts!
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I would think that the air would be throwing the seeds all over in the oven. how do you keep them from blowing all over?
Hi Jane, we have not had an issue with seeds blowing around. They are contained in the basket and coated in olive oil. But please do follow your specific air fryer manufacturer’s guidance for use and safety. Thanks for the message! -Kelsey