Air-Fried Pumpkin Seeds: A Quick, Crunchy Treat

Pumpkin seeds are a tasty, healthy snack and can be made easily in an air fryer. They are a great way to use the seeds from a pumpkin you've carved or used for a puree, and they can be seasoned in a variety of ways. The seeds are similar in texture to nuts, with a nutty, smoky flavour. They can be seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and even cinnamon sugar for a sweet option.

Pumpkin seed cleaning and prep

Firstly, when you are carving your pumpkin, separate and collect all the seeds. You can use a colander or strainer to help with this process. Rinse the seeds well under running water to remove any remaining pieces of pulp. If you find this difficult, you can also boil the seeds for 10 minutes in salted water first, which will help to remove the pulp and clean the seeds.

Secondly, dry the seeds. Lay them out on a paper towel or clean kitchen towel and gently press to remove any excess water. Leave them to air-dry for at least 10 minutes, but you can leave them for up to 30 minutes or even overnight if you want extra crispy seeds.

Thirdly, if you want to remove the outer shell, you can do so at this stage. The shell is edible and adds a nice crunch, but some people don't like the texture. Removing the shell can be a fiddly and time-consuming process, so many people choose to roast the seeds with the shell on.

Finally, transfer the dried seeds to a medium-sized bowl and add your chosen oil and seasonings. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or melted butter, and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or smoked paprika for a savoury flavour, or cinnamon and sugar for a sweet treat. Mix well until the seeds are evenly coated.

Air fryer temperature

Most sources recommend preheating the air fryer to 350°F or 360°F for roasting pumpkin seeds. At this temperature, the seeds will cook through and achieve a desirable crispy texture without burning. Cooking at 350°F for 30 minutes, shaking the basket frequently, should yield well-roasted seeds.

However, some sources suggest that 380°F for 10 minutes is the ideal setting for crispy pumpkin seeds. This higher temperature for a shorter duration can produce similar results, but it's important to closely monitor the seeds to prevent burning.

It's worth noting that every air fryer is unique, and temperatures can vary, so it's always a good idea to keep a close eye on the seeds during the roasting process. Adjustments may be necessary, and you may need to experiment with different temperatures and timings to find the perfect setting for your air fryer.

Additionally, it's important to ensure that the pumpkin seeds are completely dry before placing them in the air fryer. Moisture can impact the cooking process and affect the final texture of the seeds.

Oil and seasoning

The oil and seasoning you use for your pumpkin seeds will depend on your personal preference. You can use a variety of oils, including avocado oil, olive oil, peanut oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, or melted ghee/butter. For seasoning, you can use salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, or any other spices you like.

• Avocado oil, smoked paprika, and salt
• Olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
• Olive oil, garlic salt, and smoked paprika
• Olive oil, seasoning salt, sugar, and cinnamon
• Olive oil, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil and sea salt
• Olive oil and ranch seasoning
• Olive oil and chili powder
• Ghee, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
• Vegetable oil, salt, and pepper
• Butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper

When seasoning your pumpkin seeds, make sure to mix well so that all the seeds are evenly coated. You can do this by tossing the seeds with the oil and seasoning in a bowl, or by placing the seeds in a plastic bag with the oil and seasoning and shaking the bag until the seeds are coated.

Air frying time

Firstly, it is important to ensure that your pumpkin seeds are thoroughly dried before placing them in the air fryer. This step can be done by spreading the seeds on paper towels or a clean kitchen towel and gently pressing to remove excess water. Letting them air dry for at least 15 minutes is recommended, but for extra crispy seeds, you can leave them out for longer or even overnight.

Once your seeds are dried, it's time to preheat your air fryer. Different recipes suggest varying temperatures, ranging from 350 degrees Fahrenheit to 380 degrees Fahrenheit. Preheating ensures that your seeds start cooking as soon as they hit the air fryer basket, promoting even cooking.

Now, it's time to add the seasoned seeds to the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer for optimal air circulation and even cooking. Close the basket and place it in the preheated air fryer.

The cooking time for pumpkin seeds in an air fryer can vary depending on the quantity of seeds and the desired level of doneness. On average, pumpkin seeds will take around 10 to 15 minutes to cook at the recommended temperatures. However, it is crucial to shake the basket frequently, approximately every 5 minutes, to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

Keep a close eye on your seeds during the final few minutes of cooking, as they can go from perfectly cooked to burnt very quickly. The seeds are done when they are lightly golden and crispy. If they need a little longer, you can air fry them for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, checking frequently to avoid burning.

Lastly, let the seeds cool before serving or storing. Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and healthy snack!

Storage

Storing your air fryer pumpkin seeds is simple. After cooling, store any leftover seeds in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks. You can also store raw seeds by letting them air dry for a few hours and then placing them in a Ziploc bag in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

If you want your seeds to be extra crispy, you can leave them out to dry overnight before cooking. This ensures that your seeds are completely dry before cooking or storing.

Frequently asked questions