Air-Fryer Pumpkin Seeds: A Healthy, Quick Treat

Pumpkin seeds are a tasty and nutritious snack, and they can be made even more delicious by roasting them in an air fryer. They are a great alternative to roasted nuts and can be seasoned in a variety of ways, from sweet to savoury. Making pumpkin seeds in an air fryer is also a quick and easy process, which is perfect for when you're craving a crunchy snack.

Cleaning and preparing the seeds for roasting

To clean and prepare your pumpkin seeds for roasting, start by removing all the seeds from the pumpkin. Then, separate the pulp from the seeds as much as you can. You can use a large metal spoon to scoop out the seeds, as it helps to separate the pulp from the interior walls of the pumpkin.

Once you've removed as much pulp as possible, place the seeds in a fine mesh sieve or colander and rinse them under running water to remove any remaining pieces of pulp. If you find this process difficult, you can also boil the seeds for 10 minutes in salted water, which will help remove the pulp and clean the seeds more effectively.

After rinsing, lay the seeds out on a paper towel or clean kitchen towel to dry. Gently press or blot them to remove any excess water. Make sure the seeds are completely dry before roasting. This step is important because the dryer the seeds are, the crispier they will become in the air fryer.

At this point, you can choose to remove the outer white shell to expose the green and oval seeds inside. However, removing the shell is optional, and you can roast the seeds with the shell intact if you prefer.

If you want to season your seeds before roasting, place the dried seeds in a large bowl and add your desired seasonings. You can use melted butter or oil, along with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or any other seasonings of your choice. Mix well until all the seeds are evenly coated with the seasonings.

Now your pumpkin seeds are clean, dry, and seasoned, ready for roasting in your air fryer!

The best oil to use

When making air-fried pumpkin seeds, you can use a variety of oils to coat the seeds before cooking. The oil helps the seasonings stick to the seeds and also helps them get crispy. Here are some of the best oils to use:

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is a great option for air-frying pumpkin seeds. It has a high smoke point, which means it can withstand the high temperatures of the air fryer without burning. Avocado oil also has a mild flavour that won't overpower the other seasonings.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is another popular choice for air-frying pumpkin seeds. It has a lower smoke point than avocado oil, but it is still suitable for air frying. Olive oil has a distinct flavour that can enhance the taste of the pumpkin seeds.

Canola Oil

Canola oil is a neutral-flavoured oil with a high smoke point, making it a good option for air frying. It won't alter the flavour of the pumpkin seeds, allowing the seasonings to shine through.

Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil is a versatile option that can be used in place of olive oil or canola oil. It has a high smoke point and a neutral flavour, making it suitable for air-frying pumpkin seeds.

Ghee or Butter

Ghee, which is clarified butter, can also be used to coat pumpkin seeds before air frying. It adds a rich, buttery flavour and helps the seeds get crispy. However, ghee and butter are not suitable for vegan, plant-based, or dairy-free diets.

When using oil to coat the pumpkin seeds, it's important to use just enough to lightly coat the seeds. You don't want to drench the seeds in oil, as this can make them greasy. A light coating of oil will ensure that the seeds get crispy without becoming soggy.

Seasoning options

There are many different ways to season your pumpkin seeds. The most common and simple way is to sprinkle them with salt. If you want to get a little more creative, you can try seasoning them with a combination of spices such as garlic powder, cumin, ground coriander, chili powder, smoked paprika or cinnamon sugar. For a savoury option, you could try a taco or Cajun seasoning. You could also try a popcorn seasoning mix, such as cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, oregano and salt. For a sweet option, you could try stirring the seeds with ground cinnamon and sugar, or seasoning them with a pumpkin pie spice mix.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air-fried pumpkin seeds vary depending on the quantity of seeds and the desired level of crispiness. However, here is a detailed guide:

Firstly, ensure that your pumpkin seeds are completely dry before placing them in the air fryer. This is an important step as any moisture can affect the cooking time and the crispiness of the seeds.

When cooking, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to a temperature between 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time can vary from 10 to 35 minutes, depending on the desired crispiness and the model of the air fryer. It is important to keep a close eye on the seeds during the cooking process, especially towards the end, as they can go from perfectly cooked to burnt very quickly.

For even roasting, shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking time. Additionally, if you are cooking a large batch of seeds, you may need to roast them in smaller batches to ensure even cooking.

As a general guideline, cook the seeds for 10-15 minutes at 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit. If you prefer your seeds with a higher level of crispiness, you can air fry them for an additional 2 to 5 minutes.

It is worth noting that every air fryer is different, and the cooking time may vary slightly. Therefore, it is always a good idea to keep a close eye on the seeds during the cooking process to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.

How to store the seeds

Once you've roasted your pumpkin seeds, you'll want to store them in an airtight container. If you've seasoned them with oil and salt, they can be stored at room temperature and will stay fresh and crunchy for up to a week. You can also store them in the fridge, where they will last for up to a month, or in the freezer, where they will last for up to three months. If you're storing raw pumpkin seeds, make sure they are completely dry before placing them in a Ziploc bag and storing them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

If you're storing seeds for planting, the process is a little different. First, you'll need to ferment the seeds, which kills any soil-borne diseases or fungi. Place your seeds in a jar and cover them with water. Leave for three to four days, stirring once a day and adding more water if necessary. Drain and rinse the seeds, then lay them out on a towel to dry for five to seven days. Once they are completely dry, package the seeds in paper envelopes, date and label them, and store them in a cool, dry place for up to a year. Alternatively, you can store them in a sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator, where they will remain viable for up to four years.

Frequently asked questions