Toasting Pumpkin Seeds: Air Fryer Magic

Pumpkin seeds are a tasty and healthy snack, and roasting them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare them. Air-fried pumpkin seeds are crunchy and delicious, with a hint of smokiness. They can be seasoned in a variety of ways, from savoury to sweet, and are a great alternative to store-bought seeds, which tend to be high in sodium. Preparing pumpkin seeds in an air fryer is also a fun activity for the whole family to enjoy during the fall season.

Pumpkin seed cleaning and prep

Cleaning the Pumpkin Seeds:

• Start by removing all the seeds from the pumpkin. When you carve the pumpkin, separate the pulp from the seeds as much as possible.
• Rinse the seeds: Place the seeds in a colander and rinse them thoroughly under running water to remove any remaining pieces of pulp.
• Optional boiling step: If you find it challenging to separate the pulp, you can also boil the seeds in salted water for about 10 minutes. This helps remove the pulp and clean the seeds effectively.
• Dry the seeds: After rinsing or boiling the seeds, spread them out on paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Gently press or pat them to remove excess water. Let the seeds air dry for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, to ensure they are completely dry before roasting.

Preparing the Pumpkin Seeds for Air Frying:

• Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) to preheat.
• Season the seeds: In a medium bowl, combine the dried pumpkin seeds with your desired seasonings. You can use melted ghee, butter, avocado oil, olive oil, or any other oil of your choice. Add spices such as garlic powder, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, or any other seasonings you prefer. Mix well until all the seeds are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
• Transfer to the air fryer basket: Spread the seasoned seeds evenly in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer. This allows for even cooking and crispiness.
• Air fry the seeds: Place the basket in the preheated air fryer and cook the seeds for about 10-15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even roasting.
• Check for doneness: After the initial cooking time, remove the seeds from the air fryer and check if they have reached your desired level of crispiness. If not, return them to the air fryer for an additional 3-5 minutes.
• Cool and adjust seasoning: Once the seeds are done to your liking, let them cool down. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences before serving.

Remember to keep an eye on the seeds during the final minutes of cooking, as they can go from perfectly toasted to burnt very quickly. With these steps, your pumpkin seeds will be cleaned, prepared, and ready for roasting in your air fryer!

Air fryer temperature and timing

The ideal temperature for roasting pumpkin seeds in an air fryer is between 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit. The timing can vary depending on the air fryer model, but on average, it takes around 10-15 minutes to roast the seeds. It's important to shake the basket frequently during cooking to ensure even roasting. Some recipes suggest cooking for up to 35 minutes, but it's crucial to monitor the seeds closely during the last 5 minutes to prevent burning.

• Clean and dry the pumpkin seeds: Remove the seeds from the pumpkin and separate them from the pulp. Rinse the seeds in a colander and dry them thoroughly using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Let them air dry for at least 10 minutes, or until completely dry.
• Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Season the seeds: Place the dried seeds in a medium bowl and add your choice of oil (olive oil, avocado oil, or melted butter), salt, and any other desired seasonings. Mix until the seeds are well coated.
• Cook the seeds: Transfer the seasoned seeds to the air fryer basket, spreading them evenly. Cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally to ensure even roasting.
• Check for doneness: After the recommended cooking time, check if the seeds are crispy to your liking. If not, return them to the air fryer for an additional 3-5 minutes.
• Cool and serve: Allow the roasted seeds to cool before serving. You can adjust the seasoning according to your taste.

It's important to note that different air fryer models may vary in terms of temperature and timing settings. It's always a good idea to monitor the seeds closely during the cooking process to prevent overcooking or burning.

Oil and seasoning

The oil and seasoning you use on your pumpkin seeds will depend on your personal preference and dietary requirements. You can use a variety of oils, including avocado oil, olive oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, peanut oil, or melted butter.

For seasoning, you can use salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, sumac, or cinnamon sugar. You can also add Parmesan cheese, sprinkling it on the seeds as soon as they come out of the air fryer so it melts.

• Avocado oil, smoked paprika, and salt
• Olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
• Olive oil, Trader Joe's Chili Lime seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
• Butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
• Olive oil, garlic salt, and smoked paprika
• Olive oil, sea salt, and cinnamon sugar
• Olive oil, ranch seasoning, chili powder, or sumac

Storage

To store raw pumpkin seeds, you must first dry them in an oven or dehydrator. Spread the seeds in a single layer on paper towels and pat them dry to remove any excess moisture. Then, transfer the cleaned seeds to a baking tray and bake at 250°F for one hour until they are crispy. Allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container or storage bag.

Roasted pumpkin seeds can be stored in the same type of containers but require a different preparation process. Roasting pumpkin seeds requires a higher temperature to dry them out and achieve a super crispy and crunchy texture. You can season them simply with salt or get creative with flavour combinations such as brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, vanilla extract, paprika, garlic powder, maple syrup, or black pepper. Once roasted and seasoned, allow them to cool, and then store them in airtight containers or bags.

When properly stored, roasted pumpkin seeds can stay fresh and crunchy for up to a week at room temperature. If you prefer to store them in the refrigerator, they can last for up to two weeks. For longer-term storage, consider placing them in freezer bags and freezing them. This way, you can enjoy your homemade snack for months.

It is important to note that the recommended storage times may vary depending on the specific conditions and individual preferences. Always inspect the seeds before consumption, and if they show any signs of spoilage, discard them.

Health benefits

Yes, you can toast pumpkin seeds in an air fryer! Here is a basic recipe:

• Clean the pumpkin seeds in a colander and lay them on some parchment paper to air dry for at least 10 minutes.
• Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F.
• Place the dry pumpkin seeds inside the air fryer basket with parchment paper underneath, spritz them with a little oil, and sprinkle them with sea salt.
• Air fry the pumpkin seeds for about 10 minutes, shaking the basket frequently and moving them around halfway through cooking so that both sides get crispy.

Now, here are some health benefits of pumpkin seeds:

Rich in Nutrients and Antioxidants:

Pumpkin seeds are packed with valuable nutrients like healthy fats, magnesium, zinc, copper, selenium, and protein. They are also a good source of antioxidants, which help protect your body's cells from damage caused by harmful free radicals.

Improved Heart Health:

The nutrients in pumpkin seeds, including antioxidants, magnesium, zinc, and unsaturated fats, contribute to better heart health. They can help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which are risk factors for heart disease. The high magnesium content in pumpkin seeds is especially beneficial for maintaining a healthy heart and steady blood pressure.

Cancer Prevention:

Pumpkin seeds contain plant compounds and antioxidants that may help protect against certain types of cancer, including breast and prostate cancer. Laboratory studies show that pumpkin seeds can stop the growth of these cancer cells and may even trigger cancer cell death.

Better Sleep:

Pumpkin seeds are a natural source of tryptophan, an amino acid that promotes sleep by helping your body produce melatonin and serotonin. The magnesium in pumpkin seeds can also help reduce stress and anxiety, which are contributing factors to insomnia.

Improved Prostate and Bladder Health:

Consuming pumpkin seeds can help ease symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and improve quality of life. They may also help with an overactive bladder by reducing the urge to urinate frequently.

May Improve Sperm Quality:

Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of zinc, and low zinc levels have been linked to reduced sperm quality. By increasing zinc intake, pumpkin seeds may play a role in improving male fertility and reproductive performance.

Pumpkin seeds are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that offer a wide range of health benefits. Remember to consume them in moderation, as they are calorie-dense, and always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Frequently asked questions