Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds: A Healthy, Quick Treat

Pumpkin seeds are a delicious and healthy snack, and they can easily be made in an air fryer. The air fryer is a convenient way to cook pumpkin seeds, as it makes them crispy and delicious, with a hint of smoky flavour. They can be seasoned in a variety of ways, such as with salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, or cinnamon sugar. The process of making air fryer pumpkin seeds involves cleaning and drying the seeds, seasoning them, and then cooking them in the air fryer for 10-15 minutes.

How to clean pumpkin seeds

• Cut open the pumpkin: If you are turning the pumpkin into a jack-o-lantern, cut a circle around the stem that is large enough to fit your hand through easily. If you are not using the pumpkin for decoration, cut it straight in half.
• Scoop out the seeds: Use a large metal spoon to scoop out the seeds and lightly scrape the sides of the pumpkin to release them. Place the seeds in a large bowl or basin.
• Separate the seeds from the pulp: Fill the bowl with water and swish the seeds around to break off as much pulp as possible. Pinch them between your fingers to loosen and pull away the pulpy fibres.
• Rinse the seeds: Once most of the pulp has been removed, put the seeds in a colander and rinse them under running water to remove any remaining pieces of pulp and the slimy coating on the seeds.
• Optional: Boil the seeds in salted water: If you want to make salty, savoury pumpkin seeds, you can boil the seeds in salted water before roasting them. This helps the salty flavour penetrate the seeds. For every 1/2 cup of pumpkin seeds, use 2 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of salt. Bring the water to a boil and let the seeds simmer for about 10 minutes.
• Dry the seeds: Spread the seeds out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a paper towel and let them air dry for at least 15 minutes. You can also use a paper towel to gently press and remove any excess water.

Once your pumpkin seeds are clean and dry, they are ready to be seasoned and roasted!

How to roast pumpkin seeds in an air fryer

Roasting pumpkin seeds in an air fryer is a great way to make a healthy snack. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Clean the Pumpkin Seeds

Start by removing the seeds from the pumpkin. Separate the seeds from the stringy pulp as much as possible. Rinse the seeds in a colander under running water to remove any remaining pieces of pulp. You can also try boiling the seeds in salted water for about 10 minutes to help remove the pulp and clean them thoroughly.

Step 2: Dry the Seeds

After cleaning the seeds, rinse them once more and lay them out on a paper towel or clean kitchen towel to dry. Gently press or blot them to remove any excess water. Let them air dry for at least 15 minutes or until they are completely dry.

Step 3: Season the Seeds

Take a large bowl and add the dried pumpkin seeds. You can season the seeds with various ingredients such as melted ghee or butter, olive oil, avocado oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic salt, or any other seasoning of your choice. Mix well until all the seeds are evenly coated with the seasonings.

Step 4: Roast the Seeds in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread the seasoned seeds evenly in the air fryer basket. Cook the seeds for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even roasting. Keep a close eye on the seeds during the last few minutes of cooking, as they can go from perfectly cooked to burnt very quickly.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Once the seeds are done to your liking, take them out of the air fryer and let them cool. Adjust the seasoning to your taste and enjoy your crunchy, roasted pumpkin seeds!

You can store any leftover roasted pumpkin seeds in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Should you boil pumpkin seeds before roasting?

Boiling pumpkin seeds before roasting in an air fryer is optional. Boiling the seeds in salted water for 10 minutes can help to remove the pulp and clean the seeds thoroughly. However, some people find that this step is not necessary and does not make a difference in taste.

Step 1: Clean the Pumpkin Seeds

When you carve the pumpkin, remove all the seeds and separate the pulp from the seeds as much as possible. Rinse the seeds in a colander under running water to remove any remaining pieces of pulp. You can also boil the seeds in salted water for 10 minutes to help with this process.

Step 2: Dry the Seeds

After cleaning the seeds, lay them out on a paper towel or clean kitchen towel to dry for at least 15 minutes. Gently press to remove any excess water. It is important to make sure that the seeds are completely dry before roasting.

Step 3: Season the Seeds

In a large bowl, add the dried pumpkin seeds and your desired seasonings. You can use melted ghee/butter, olive oil, or avocado oil, along with garlic powder, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, or any other seasonings of your choice. Mix well until all the seeds are well coated with the seasonings.

Step 4: Roast the Seeds

Preheat your air fryer to 350-360 degrees F. Spread the seasoned seeds evenly in the fryer basket and cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even roasting. After they are done, take them out and check if they are crisp to your liking. If not, air fry them for an additional 3-5 minutes.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Let the seeds cool down before serving. Adjust the seasoning to your taste and enjoy your nutritious and delicious snack!

Tips:

• If you are making a large quantity of seeds, you may need to roast them in batches to ensure even roasting.
• Store your roasted pumpkin seeds in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Should you remove the shell?

Removing the shell of pumpkin seeds is a matter of personal preference. The shell is edible and adds a crunchy texture to the snack, as well as containing fibre. However, some people may not enjoy the texture of the shell. If you do choose to remove the shell, you will find green and oval seeds inside.

DIY seasoning for roasted pumpkin seeds

Roasted pumpkin seeds are a great snack, full of vitamins and antioxidants. They can be seasoned in a variety of ways to suit your taste preferences. Here are some ideas for DIY seasoning blends for roasted pumpkin seeds:

Savory Seasonings

For a savory snack, try adding some of the following spices to your pumpkin seeds:

• Sea salt
• Black pepper
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Chili powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Onion powder
• Celery seed
• Dry mustard
• Oregano
• Nutritional yeast
• White vinegar

You can also try a pre-made seasoning blend like Trader Joe's Chili Lime seasoning, or a Mediterranean blend with za'atar, sumac, and Aleppo pepper.

Sweet Seasonings

If you're craving something sweet, try these seasoning options:

• Cinnamon
• Brown sugar
• Nutmeg
• Allspice
• Ground ginger

Ranch Seasoning

For a classic ranch flavor, you'll need a combination of the following spices:

• Sea salt
• Onion powder
• Parsley
• Garlic powder
• Dry mustard
• Celery seed
• Paprika
• Black pepper

Pizza Seasoning

For a pizza-inspired snack, try this blend:

• Grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast
• Oregano
• Sea salt
• Garlic powder

Dill Pickle Seasoning

For a tangy, crispy snack, use these seasonings:

• White vinegar
• Garlic powder
• Sea salt
• Black pepper

Customizing Your Seasoning

When creating your own seasoning blend, feel free to experiment with different spices and adjust the quantities to suit your taste preferences. You can also try using different types of oil, such as avocado oil or peanut oil, to add a unique flavor to your roasted pumpkin seeds.

Frequently asked questions