Roasting Pumpkin Seeds: Air Fryer Magic

Pumpkin seeds are a tasty and nutritious snack, and roasting them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare them. In this article, we will explore the benefits of roasting pumpkin seeds, the step-by-step process for air frying them to perfection, and some tasty seasoning ideas to elevate your snack.

How to clean pumpkin seeds

To clean pumpkin seeds, start by cutting open the pumpkin and removing the seeds with a large spoon. You can then separate the pulp from the seeds by placing them in a colander and rinsing them under running water. If you want to speed up this process, you can also try boiling the seeds in salted water for 10 minutes, which will help remove the pulp.

Once you've removed most of the pulp, rinse the seeds one more time and lay them out on a paper towel or clean kitchen towel to dry. Gently press to remove any excess water and let them sit until they are thoroughly dried, which should take at least 15 minutes. Before roasting, make sure that the seeds are completely dry.

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 do it:

Firstly, you will need to clean and dry your pumpkin seeds. Remove the seeds from the pumpkin and separate them from the pulp and flesh. 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 about 10 minutes to help remove the pulp and clean them. After rinsing, lay the seeds out on a paper towel or clean kitchen towel and leave them to dry. For extra crispy seeds, you can leave them for up to overnight, but a minimum of 15 minutes drying time is recommended.

Next, preheat your air fryer to between 350-380 degrees F. While the air fryer is heating up, prepare your seeds. Place the dried seeds in a bowl and add your chosen oil and seasoning. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, vegetable oil, or melted butter, and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or any other spices you like. Mix well until the seeds are evenly coated.

Now you are ready to roast the seeds. Place the seeds in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 10-15 minutes. Shake the basket frequently to ensure even roasting. Keep a close eye on the seeds during the final few minutes of cooking as they can go from perfectly roasted to burnt very quickly.

Finally, let the seeds cool before serving or storing. You can store roasted pumpkin seeds in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

How to store air-fried pumpkin seeds

Once you've air-fried your pumpkin seeds to perfection, you'll want to store them properly to maintain their freshness and crunch. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to store air-fried pumpkin seeds:

• Cooling: Allow the freshly air-fried pumpkin seeds to cool completely before storing them. This step is crucial as storing warm seeds can create moisture and affect their shelf life.
• Container: Choose an airtight container to store the seeds. Glass jars or containers with tight-fitting lids are ideal. Avoid using plastic bags or containers with loose lids, as they may not keep the seeds fresh for long.
• Storage Conditions: Store the airtight container of pumpkin seeds at room temperature in a cool, dry place. The pantry or a kitchen cabinet is usually a good option. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight or near heat sources, such as the oven or stove.
• Shelf Life: Properly stored air-fried pumpkin seeds can last for about two weeks at room temperature. If you plan to keep them longer, consider refrigerating or freezing them.
• Refrigeration: If you want to extend the shelf life of your pumpkin seeds, you can store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three months in the fridge.
• Freezing: For even longer storage, freezing is an option. Place the airtight container of pumpkin seeds in the freezer, where they can last for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Labeling (Optional): If you wish, label your container with the date of preparation and the expiration date. This will help you keep track of how long the seeds have been stored.
• Serving: When serving the pumpkin seeds, you can enjoy them at room temperature or slightly warmed. If you've refrigerated or frozen them, bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavour.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your air-fried pumpkin seeds stay fresh, crunchy, and delicious for as long as possible!

The benefits of roasted pumpkin seeds

Roasted pumpkin seeds are a tasty snack, but they also come with a host of health benefits. Here are some reasons why roasted pumpkin seeds are good for you:

Nutritional Powerhouses

Pumpkin seeds are highly nutritious and packed with valuable nutrients. They are rich in healthy fats, magnesium, zinc, antioxidants, protein, and dietary fibre. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including manganese, copper, phosphorus, potassium, riboflavin, and folate, as well as iron, selenium, copper, and tryptophan.

Heart Health

The nutrients in pumpkin seeds are great for keeping your heart healthy. The seeds are a good source of antioxidants, magnesium, zinc, and unsaturated fats, all of which contribute to heart health. Pumpkin seeds have been shown to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, two important risk factors for heart disease. The high magnesium content in pumpkin seeds also helps to regulate blood pressure and maintain a healthy heart.

Cancer-Fighting Properties

Some research suggests that pumpkin seeds may contain compounds that can help protect against cancer growth. A 2012 study found that eating pumpkin seeds was associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Laboratory studies have also shown that pumpkin seeds can stop the growth of breast and prostate cancer cells and may even trigger cancer cell death.

Digestive Health

Pumpkin seeds are a good source of dietary fibre, which promotes digestive health. High-fibre diets have also been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.

Improved Sleep

Pumpkin seeds are a natural source of tryptophan, an amino acid that promotes sleep. The magnesium in pumpkin seeds has also been linked to better sleep quality, and studies suggest that it can help reduce stress and anxiety, which are contributors to insomnia.

Bladder and Prostate Health

Pumpkin seeds have been shown to improve symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and an overactive bladder. BPH is a condition where the prostate gland is swollen, causing issues with urination. Pumpkin seed oil has been found to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life in people with BPH. Similarly, studies have shown that pumpkin seed oil can improve symptoms of an overactive bladder, reducing the urge to urinate suddenly and frequently.

Blood Sugar Control

Some studies have shown that pumpkin seeds can help reduce blood sugar levels, which is beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes. The high magnesium content in pumpkin seeds is thought to be responsible for this positive effect.

Easy to Prepare and Add to Your Diet

Roasted pumpkin seeds are a delicious and healthy snack, and they can be easily prepared in an air fryer. They can also be added to your diet in a variety of ways, such as in smoothies, granola, yogurt, salads, soups, or baked goods.

So, the next time you're carving a pumpkin, don't forget to save those seeds! Roasting them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy a nutritious and tasty treat.

Seasoning ideas for roasted pumpkin seeds

Roasted pumpkin seeds are a versatile snack, and you can season them in many ways to suit your taste. Here are some ideas for seasoning your roasted pumpkin seeds:

Savoury Seasoning Ideas:

• Smoked paprika and avocado oil (or olive oil): This combination gives the seeds a hint of smokiness.
• Garlic powder, salt and pepper: A simple yet classic combination that enhances the flavour of the seeds.
• Trader Joe's Chili Lime seasoning: This seasoning adds an extra kick to the pumpkin seeds.
• Ranch seasoning: A popular choice that gives the seeds a savoury flavour.
• Taco seasoning: For a Mexican-inspired twist to your pumpkin seeds.
• Cajun seasoning: A little spice goes a long way!
• Salt and pepper: A nose-tickling kick of black pepper and a generous amount of salt.
• Chilli powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper: A well-rounded blend of spices for a mild heat and slightly smoky flavour.
• Sea salt, onion powder, parsley, garlic powder, dry mustard, celery seed, paprika and black pepper: A lengthy list of ingredients that come together to create a classic ranch flavour.
• Garlic salt and smoked paprika: A savoury, smoky and roasty flavour.
• Chilli powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper: A blend for a mildly spicy and smoky flavour.
• Sea salt, oregano, garlic powder and nutritional yeast or Parmesan cheese: A nutty, savoury flavour.
• White vinegar, garlic powder, sea salt and black pepper: A tangy, crispy version of your favourite dill pickle.
• Curry powder, garlic, cumin, salt and pepper: A flavourful curry kick.
• Chilli powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt and pepper: A chilli kick.
• Everything bagel seasoning: A blend of spices that needs no introduction.

Sweet Seasoning Ideas:

• Cinnamon and sugar: A sweet and crunchy combination.
• Brown sugar and cinnamon: A sweet and spicy blend, but keep a close eye on them in the oven as the brown sugar tends to burn easily.
• Brown sugar, sea salt, cayenne pepper and black pepper: A sweet and spicy combination with a subtle kick.

Frequently asked questions