Dehydrating Pumpkin Seeds: Air Fryer Magic

Pumpkin seeds are a tasty and nutritious snack, and you can easily dehydrate them in an air fryer. They are a great way to use the insides of a pumpkin you're carving, and they can be seasoned in a variety of ways to suit your taste.

Pumpkin seed prep: cleaning and drying

Cleaning and drying your pumpkin seeds is a crucial step in preparing them for roasting in the air fryer. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Cleaning the Seeds:

• After carving your pumpkin, remove all the seeds and separate them from the pulp as much as possible. You can use your hands or a spoon to do this.
• Place the seeds in a colander or strainer and rinse them thoroughly under running water to remove any remaining pieces of pulp.
• If you find it challenging to separate the pulp, you can try boiling the seeds for about 10 minutes in salted water. This will help loosen and remove the pulp, making the cleaning process easier.

Drying the Seeds:

• After rinsing the seeds, lay them out on a paper towel or clean kitchen towel to dry. Use another paper towel to gently press and remove any excess water.
• Let the seeds air dry for at least 30 minutes to an hour. However, if you want your seeds to be extra crispy, you can leave them out to dry overnight.
• Before roasting the seeds, ensure they are completely dry. Any remaining moisture can affect the roasting process and the final texture of the seeds.

Once your pumpkin seeds are cleaned and dried, you can proceed to season and roast them in your air fryer following your preferred recipe. Enjoy the delicious and healthy snack!

Air fryer settings for pumpkin seeds

Roasting pumpkin seeds in an air fryer is a convenient and tasty way to prepare them. The ideal air fryer settings for pumpkin seeds will depend on the desired level of doneness and the specific air fryer being used. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect crispy texture and flavour:

Step 1: Clean and Dry the Pumpkin Seeds

Begin by removing the seeds from the pumpkin and separating them from the pulp as much as possible. Rinse the seeds in a colander under running water to remove any remaining pieces of pulp. For a more thorough cleaning, you can boil the seeds for about 10 minutes in salted water. After rinsing, lay the seeds on paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to dry for at least 15 minutes. Gently press or blot to remove excess water.

Step 2: Season the Pumpkin Seeds

Transfer the dried seeds to a medium-sized bowl. Add your desired amount of melted butter, ghee, avocado oil, or olive oil. You can also experiment with other types of oil, such as peanut or vegetable oil. Next, season the seeds generously with salt and pepper, or get creative with seasonings like garlic powder, smoked paprika, cinnamon, or brown sugar. Mix well until the seeds are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.

Step 3: Air Fry the Pumpkin Seeds

Preheat your air fryer to between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius). Evenly spread the seasoned seeds in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even roasting. For a larger batch, you may need to roast the seeds in multiple batches. Keep a close eye on the seeds during the final minutes of cooking, as they can go from perfectly roasted to burnt very quickly.

Step 4: Cool and Enjoy

Remove the seeds from the air fryer and let them cool before serving or storing. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, if needed. Air-fried pumpkin seeds can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Tips and Variations:

• If you prefer to remove the outer shell of the seeds, you can do so before cleaning and seasoning them.
• To add an extra kick, try using Trader Joe's Chili Lime seasoning or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• For a sweet variation, season the seeds with cinnamon and sugar.
• If you're concerned about the seeds flying around in the air fryer, you can place them in a small metal mesh basket or cage container inside the air fryer basket.

Pumpkin seed seasoning

Pumpkin seeds can be seasoned in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas for seasoning your pumpkin seeds:

Savoury Seasonings

• Salt
• Pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Olive oil
• Avocado oil
• Garlic powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Ghee/butter
• Chili powder
• Sumac
• Aleppo pepper
• Harissa
• Curry powder
• Za'atar
• Chili lime seasoning

Sweet Seasonings

• Cinnamon
• Sugar
• Nutmeg
• Allspice
• Ground ginger

Other Tips

• Pumpkin seeds can be seasoned before or after roasting.
• Seasoning will stick better to seeds that are a little wet.
• If you are making a bigger batch, you may need to roast the seeds in batches to ensure they are roasted evenly.

How to stop seeds from burning

Yes, you can dehydrate pumpkin seeds in an air fryer. However, it is important to watch the seeds carefully during the last 5 minutes of cooking as they can go from perfectly cooked to burnt very quickly.

• Ensure that the seeds are completely dry before placing them in the air fryer. Moisture can cause seeds to steam and become soggy, rather than crispy. Use paper towels to gently press and remove excess water from the seeds. Let them sit and thoroughly dry for at least 15 minutes.
• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C).
• Cook the seeds at a lower temperature. Some recipes recommend cooking at 360°F for 10-15 minutes, while others suggest 350°F for up to 35 minutes. Lowering the temperature can help prevent burning, but you may need to increase the cooking time.
• Shake the air fryer basket frequently to prevent seeds from sticking to the basket and to ensure even cooking.
• Use perforated parchment paper liners in the air fryer basket. This can help to prevent food from sticking and burning.
• Use high-temperature spray oil, such as avocado oil, on the basket before adding the seeds. This will help prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.
• Clean the air fryer regularly to prevent residue build-up, which can cause sticking and burning.
• If you are cooking a large batch of seeds, cook them in smaller batches to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
• Keep a close eye on the seeds during the cooking process, especially towards the end. Seeds can burn quickly, so it's important to monitor them and adjust the cooking time as needed.

By following these tips, you can help prevent seeds from burning in your air fryer and enjoy a delicious and healthy snack.

Storing roasted pumpkin seeds

Roasted pumpkin seeds are a delicious snack and can be stored for future consumption. To store roasted pumpkin seeds, you should first allow them to cool completely after roasting. Then, transfer the seeds to an airtight container or storage bag. You can use plastic Ziploc bags or opt for eco-friendly alternatives like Stasher bags, which are made from reusable silicone. Stackable storage solutions, like Mepal Airtight Storage Containers, are also ideal for storing roasted pumpkin seeds.

When stored in airtight containers or bags, roasted pumpkin seeds can be kept in a cool, dry place for about 3-4 months. Alternatively, you can extend their shelf life by placing them in a sealed bag and storing them in the freezer, where they will stay fresh for up to a year.

It is important to note that roasted pumpkin seeds have a high-fat content, so proper storage is crucial to maintain their freshness and prevent spoilage.

Frequently asked questions