Air-Fryer Pumpkin Seeds: Timing For Perfect Crunch

Pumpkin seeds are a tasty and healthy snack, and roasting them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare them. The air fryer method is faster than using an oven and produces crispier seeds. The seeds can be seasoned in a variety of ways, from sweet to savoury, and spicy to salty. But how long do you need to cook pumpkin seeds in an air fryer?

Pumpkin seed prep: clean, dry, season

Cleaning

To clean your pumpkin seeds, start by removing all the seeds from the pumpkin. Separate the pulp from the seeds as much as you can. Then, place the seeds in a colander and rinse them under running water to remove any remaining pieces of pulp. If you find this difficult, you can also boil the seeds in salted water for about 10 minutes, which will help remove the pulp and clean the seeds.

Drying

After cleaning, lay the seeds out on a paper towel or clean kitchen towel to dry. Gently press or pat them to remove excess water, and let them air-dry for at least 10-15 minutes, or until they are thoroughly dried. The drier the seeds are, the crispier they will become when cooked.

Seasoning

Once the seeds are dry, transfer them to a bowl and add your desired seasonings. You can use melted ghee or butter, olive oil, avocado oil, or another light oil. For seasoning, salt and pepper are a classic option, but you can also get creative with spices like garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, or chili powder. Stir or toss the seeds until they are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.

Air fryer settings for pumpkin seeds

Roasting pumpkin seeds in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a crunchy, healthy snack. Here are the steps to follow to ensure your seeds are roasted to perfection.

Cleaning and Drying the Seeds

First, separate the seeds from the pumpkin's pulp as much as possible. Rinse the seeds in a colander under running water to remove any remaining pieces of pulp. You can also boil the seeds for 10 minutes in salted water to help with this process.

Next, dry the seeds. Spread them out on a paper towel or clean kitchen towel and gently press to remove excess water. Let them air dry for at least 15 minutes, or until they are completely dry. The dryer the seeds are, the crispier they will become.

Seasoning the Seeds

Transfer the dried seeds to a medium-sized bowl. Add your desired amount of oil (avocado, olive, canola, vegetable, or melted butter/ghee) and seasonings, and mix until the seeds are well coated. You can keep it simple with just salt, or get creative with spices like garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, or cinnamon and sugar for a sweet treat.

Air Frying the Seeds

Preheat your air fryer to between 320-360 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a sheet of parchment paper in the air fryer basket, and then spread your seasoned seeds on top in a single layer. This helps the seeds cook evenly and makes cleanup easier.

Cook the seeds for 10-15 minutes, shaking or stirring the basket frequently to prevent burning and ensure even roasting. Keep a close eye on the seeds during the last few minutes, as they can go from perfectly cooked to burnt very quickly.

Once they have reached your desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool before serving or storing.

Storing Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Allow the seeds to cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. You can store roasted pumpkin seeds on the kitchen counter for up to 2 weeks, in the refrigerator for up to 1 month, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How to stop seeds from flying around

To stop seeds from flying around in the air fryer, you need to weigh them down. This can be done by using aluminium foil or parchment paper to line the tray at the bottom of the air fryer. However, make sure that there is still airflow and that the lining is weighed down by the seeds or another item. Alternatively, you can preheat the air fryer and then place the seeds inside, allowing the residual heat to cook them.

How to store cooked pumpkin seeds

Once your pumpkin seeds are roasted to perfection, it's important to store them properly to maintain their freshness and crispiness. Here are the steps to ensure your seeds stay tasty:

Cooling:

Allow the roasted pumpkin seeds to cool down completely before storing them. This step is crucial to prevent moisture buildup in the storage container, which can cause the seeds to go rancid.

Container:

Use an airtight container to store your cooled pumpkin seeds. A hard or disposable container with an airtight seal is ideal, as it will keep the seeds fresh and crisp. If you live in a dry climate, you can also use a plastic ziplock bag.

Spices:

Before storing, you can add spices like salt, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, or chili powder to your seeds. This not only enhances the flavor but also helps absorb any remaining moisture.

Storage Location:

You have a few options for where to store your container of pumpkin seeds:

• Counter: You can keep your seeds in an airtight container on the kitchen counter, where they will stay fresh for 1-2 weeks.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, place the container in the refrigerator, where the seeds can last for up to 2 months.
• Freezer: If you want to store the seeds for even longer, put them in the freezer, where they can stay fresh for up to 3 months.

Defrosting:

If you choose to freeze your pumpkin seeds, you can defrost them by letting them sit at room temperature. If they lose their crunch, simply pop them back into the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to restore their crispiness.

Storage Time:

Keep an eye on the storage time of your roasted pumpkin seeds. When stored in an airtight container, they typically last for 1-2 weeks at room temperature, up to 1 month in the refrigerator, and up to 3 months in the freezer. If the seeds start to taste rancid or "off," it's best to discard them.

How to store raw pumpkin seeds

To store raw pumpkin seeds, you must first clean and dry them. Remove the seeds from the pumpkin and separate them from the pulp as much as possible. You can then use water and your fingers to separate any remaining pieces of pulp. Place the seeds in a colander and rinse them well under running water.

Once the seeds are clean, it's time to dry them. Spread them out on a kitchen towel or paper towel and gently press to remove excess water. Let them air dry for at least 10-15 minutes, or until they are completely dry.

Once the seeds are dry, you can store them in an airtight container or storage bag. For an eco-friendly option, you can use reusable silicone bags. Make sure to store the container or bag in a cool, dry spot in your pantry, away from any sunlight or heat sources.

If you plan to open the package frequently, it's best to transfer some seeds to a small container to avoid exposing the entire bag to fresh air each time.

Raw pumpkin seeds can also be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. To prepare them for freezing, place the seeds in a tightly sealed container and label them with a best-by date. Frozen pumpkin seeds can last for a year or longer.

Frequently asked questions