Air-Fryer Pumpkin Seeds: A Healthy, Quick-Fix Snack

Pumpkin seeds are a tasty and nutritious snack, packed with healthy fats, magnesium and zinc. They can be roasted and seasoned in an air fryer to make a delicious treat. The process is simple: clean and dry the seeds, add seasoning, and cook in the air fryer for 10-15 minutes. You can even make them in an oven-style air fryer without worrying about them blowing around.

How to clean pumpkin seeds

Roasted pumpkin seeds are a nutritious and delicious snack, but cleaning them can be a tedious and messy process. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to clean pumpkin seeds effectively:

• Cut Open the Pumpkin: Begin by cutting the pumpkin, either by carving a circle around the stem or splitting it in half. Use a sharp kitchen knife, a pumpkin carving blade, or a fine-toothed hand saw, being careful as pumpkins can be slippery.
• Scoop Out the Seeds: Use a large metal spoon to scoop out the seeds and pulp into a large bowl or basin. If creating a jack-o-lantern, remove the seeds first, then clear away the stringy pulp.
• Separate the Seeds: Fill the bowl with water and swish the seeds around gently. Pinch and squeeze them between your fingers to dislodge and separate the seeds from the pulp.
• Rinse and Strain: After most of the pulp has been removed, dump the seeds into a colander and rinse them under cold running water. This will help remove any remaining pumpkin guts and slimy coating.
• Optional Boiling: If you want saltier, savoury seeds, you can optionally boil them in salted water before roasting. Add 2 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of salt per 1/2 cup of pumpkin seeds to a pot and simmer for about 10 minutes.
• Dry the Seeds: Spread the rinsed (or boiled) seeds on a parchment-lined baking sheet. You can also use paper towels to pat them dry. Let them air dry for at least 30 minutes or until completely dry.

Once your pumpkin seeds are clean and dry, they are ready for seasoning and roasting! You can follow various recipes to roast them in an oven or an air fryer. Enjoy your healthy, crunchy snack!

How to roast pumpkin seeds in an air fryer

Roasting pumpkin seeds in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a tasty snack. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to roast pumpkin seeds in an air fryer:

Step 1: Clean the Pumpkin Seeds

After carving your pumpkin, separate the seeds from the pulp. Rinse the seeds in a colander or strainer under running water to remove any remaining pieces of pulp. You can also boil the seeds in salted water for about 10 minutes to help remove the pulp and clean them thoroughly.

Step 2: Dry the Seeds

Spread the cleaned seeds on a paper towel or clean kitchen towel. Let them air dry for at least 15 minutes to an hour, or even overnight if you want extra crispy seeds. Make sure the seeds are completely dry before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3: Season the Seeds

In a large bowl, toss the dried seeds with melted butter or oil, and your choice of seasonings. You can use salt, pepper, garlic salt, or other spices like chili powder, smoked paprika, or curry powder. Mix well until all the seeds are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.

Step 4: Air Fry the Seeds

Preheat your air fryer to between 350-380°F (180-190°C). Spread the seasoned seeds in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally to ensure even roasting. Keep a close eye on the seeds during the last few minutes of cooking, as they can go from perfectly roasted to burned very quickly.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Once the seeds are done to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and enjoy your crispy, roasted pumpkin seeds!

Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and spices to find your favorite flavor combinations. Roasted pumpkin seeds are a nutritious and delicious snack that can be enjoyed on their own or as a topping on salads, soups, or other dishes.

Air fryer temperature and time

The temperature and time for roasting pumpkin seeds in an air fryer vary depending on the recipe and the desired level of doneness. Here is a detailed guide:

Air fryer temperature:

Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius). However, some recipes suggest a temperature of 360 degrees Fahrenheit.

Air fryer time:

• The cooking time can range from 10 to 35 minutes, depending on the recipe and the desired level of crispness.
• It is important to shake the basket frequently or halfway through the cooking process to ensure even roasting.
• Some recipes suggest checking the seeds around the 5-minute mark and every 2 minutes thereafter to prevent burning.
• For even roasting, it is recommended to roast the seeds in batches if you are making a larger quantity.

It is worth noting that air fryer brands and models may vary, so it is crucial to keep a close eye on the seeds during the cooking process to prevent burning.

Boiling seeds before roasting

Boiling the pumpkin seeds before roasting them in an air fryer is an optional step. It is recommended to boil the seeds if you find it difficult to separate the seeds from the pulp. Boiling the seeds in salted water for about 10 minutes can help remove the pulp and clean the seeds thoroughly. After boiling, it is important to rinse the seeds again and let them dry completely before roasting.

Some people who have tried both methods of boiling and not boiling the seeds before roasting did not notice a difference in taste. However, boiling can make it easier to clean the seeds. If you are short on time, you can skip the boiling step and just make sure to clean and dry the seeds thoroughly before roasting.

• Remove the seeds from the pumpkin and separate them from the pulp as much as possible.
• Rinse the seeds in a colander under running water to remove any remaining pieces of pulp.
• Optional: Boil the seeds in salted water for 10 minutes for easier cleaning.
• Rinse the seeds again and lay them out on a paper towel or clean kitchen towel to dry for about 30 minutes. Gently press to remove excess water.
• Make sure the seeds are completely dry before roasting.
• In a large bowl, add the dried seeds and mix with melted ghee/butter, olive oil, or avocado oil. You can also add seasonings like garlic powder, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, or chili powder. Mix well until the seeds are evenly coated.
• Spread the seeds evenly in the air fryer basket.
• Cook at 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through for even roasting.
• Check if the seeds are crispy to your liking. If not, air fry for an additional 3-5 minutes.
• Let the seeds cool down and adjust the seasoning according to your taste.

Note: If you are making a large batch of roasted pumpkin seeds, you may need to roast them in smaller batches to ensure even roasting.

Removing the shell

The outer shell of a pumpkin seed is white, and inside are green, flat, oval seeds. To remove the shell, simply use your fingers to pull it away from the seed. You can also buy raw, shelled pumpkin seeds at the grocery store if you don't want to go through the process of shelling them yourself.

Frequently asked questions