Air-Fryer Pumpkin Seeds: Timing For Perfect Crunch

Pumpkin seeds are a tasty and healthy snack, especially in the fall. They can be seasoned in a variety of ways, from sweet to savoury, and are a great way to use up pumpkins after carving. The air fryer is a popular method for cooking pumpkin seeds as it is faster than the oven and produces a crunchy texture. The seeds need to be cleaned and dried before cooking, and then seasoned and placed in the air fryer for around 10-15 minutes, depending on the desired crispness.

Pumpkin seed preparation

Preparing your pumpkin seeds for roasting is a simple process, but it can be a little time-consuming. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get the best results:

Step 1: Clean the Pumpkin Seeds

Start by removing the seeds from your pumpkin. You can do this when you are carving your pumpkin or preparing a pumpkin for cooking. Separate the seeds from the stringy pulp as much as possible. Rinse the seeds in a colander under running water to remove any remaining bits of pulp. If you find this difficult, you can also try boiling the seeds for about 10 minutes in salted water, which will help to clean them.

Step 2: Dry the Seeds

After cleaning, lay the pumpkin seeds on paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to dry. Gently press or blot to remove excess water. Leave them to air-dry for at least 10 minutes, or until they are thoroughly dried. This step is important because if the seeds are not completely dry, they may become soggy when roasted.

Step 3: Season the Seeds (Optional)

Once the seeds are dry, you can choose to season them before roasting. Place the seeds in a medium-sized bowl and add your desired seasonings. You can use melted butter or oil (such as avocado oil, olive oil, or vegetable oil), along with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or any other seasonings you prefer. Stir or toss the seeds until they are well coated with the seasonings.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating to between 320-360°F (160-180°C).

Step 5: Roast the Seeds

Place the seasoned seeds in the air fryer basket. If you are concerned about the seeds falling through the basket, you can place a sheet of parchment paper or aluminium foil at the bottom of the basket before adding the seeds. Spread the seeds in a single layer to ensure even cooking.

Air fry the pumpkin seeds for about 10-15 minutes, shaking or stirring the basket frequently to ensure even roasting. Keep a close eye on the seeds during the last few minutes of cooking, as they can go from perfectly roasted to burnt very quickly.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove the roasted seeds from the air fryer and let them cool before serving. You can adjust the seasoning to your taste, and then enjoy your crunchy, delicious snack!

Air fryer temperature

Preheating the Air Fryer:

It is recommended to preheat your air fryer before adding the pumpkin seeds. The ideal temperature for preheating is 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius). This ensures that the air fryer reaches the optimal temperature for cooking the seeds effectively. Allow the air fryer to preheat for a few minutes before adding the seeds.

Cooking Temperature:

Once your air fryer has preheated, you can proceed with cooking the pumpkin seeds. Set the temperature between 350 to 360 degrees Fahrenheit (about 180 degrees Celsius). This temperature range will allow the seeds to cook thoroughly and become crispy. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the quantity of seeds you are preparing.

Cooking Time and Monitoring:

The cooking time for pumpkin seeds in an air fryer can range from 10 to 35 minutes. It is important to keep an eye on the seeds during the cooking process, especially towards the end. Pumpkin seeds can go from perfectly cooked to burned very quickly, so frequent checking is necessary. Shake the air fryer basket frequently to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking.

Adjusting Temperature:

Depending on your air fryer model and its settings, you may need to adjust the temperature slightly. Some people have found that the recommended temperature settings work well, while others have found it a bit high and have turned it down a few degrees to prevent burning. It is advisable to monitor the seeds closely and adjust the temperature as needed to avoid overcooking or burning.

Large Batches:

If you are preparing a large batch of pumpkin seeds, it is recommended to cook them in smaller batches to ensure even cooking. Cooking a large quantity of seeds at once may result in uneven results. By cooking smaller batches, you can ensure that each seed gets the proper exposure to hot air and cooks evenly.

Single Layer Arrangement:

For optimal cooking and even crispiness, arrange the pumpkin seeds in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This allows the hot air to circulate properly and ensures that each seed gets crisped. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure consistent cooking results.

Air fryer cooking time

The cooking time for pumpkin seeds in an air fryer varies depending on the quantity of seeds, the desired level of crispiness, and the specific air fryer being used. On average, the cooking time ranges from 10 to 35 minutes at temperatures between 320 to 360 degrees Fahrenheit (160 to 180 degrees Celsius).

Step 1: Clean and Dry the Pumpkin Seeds

Before cooking, it is important to clean the pumpkin seeds by removing any remaining pulp or stringy bits. Use a colander to rinse the seeds under running water, and then lay them on paper towels or parchment paper to air-dry. Gently press or blot the seeds to remove excess water. Let the seeds dry thoroughly, which can take at least 15 minutes, or even a few hours if time allows.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 320 to 360 degrees Fahrenheit (160 to 180 degrees Celsius). The specific temperature may depend on your air fryer model and personal preference.

Step 3: Prepare the Pumpkin Seeds

Place the dry pumpkin seeds in a medium-sized bowl. Add your desired amount of oil—options include avocado oil, olive oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, or melted butter—and sprinkle with salt and any other desired seasonings. Mix well until the seeds are evenly coated. You can also add the oil and seasonings directly to the air fryer basket and toss the seeds to coat.

Step 4: Cook the Pumpkin Seeds

Transfer the seasoned seeds to the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer for even cooking. Cook for about 10 to 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 of cooking, as they can go from perfectly crispy to burnt very quickly.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Once the seeds are golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool before serving. Adjust seasoning to taste, and enjoy your crunchy, delicious snack!

Tips for Perfect Air-Fried Pumpkin Seeds:

• Always ensure the pumpkin seeds are completely dry before placing them in the air fryer.
• Stir or shake the air fryer basket frequently during cooking for even roasting and to prevent burning.
• Watch the seeds closely during the last few minutes of cooking, as they can burn easily.
• If your seeds are not crispy enough after the initial cooking time, you can air fry them for an additional 3 to 5 minutes.
• Get creative with seasonings! Try garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, cinnamon sugar, or even Parmesan cheese.

Air fryer basket vs parchment paper

Air fryer baskets are great for cooking food that needs a lot of airflow, like chicken wings, to get crispy. However, they can be a pain to clean, with food often getting stuck in the holes. This is where parchment paper comes in. Lining your air fryer basket with parchment paper can make cleaning up easier and quicker. It also prevents food from sticking to the basket.

However, there are some safety concerns when using parchment paper in an air fryer. Firstly, it is important to ensure that you are using food-grade parchment paper, as other types of paper can be dangerous. Secondly, you should always check the maximum temperature of the parchment paper and the air fryer to ensure that the paper does not ignite. It is recommended to keep the paper away from the heating element and to weigh it down with food to prevent it from blowing around. Parchment paper can be heated to around 428-450°F (220-232°C) so if your air fryer exceeds this temperature, it may be safer to forgo using it.

To use parchment paper in your air fryer, cut the paper to the size of the bottom of the basket, ensuring it is not too big, as this can restrict airflow. Perforating the paper can improve airflow and allow grease to drain away from the food. It is best to add the parchment paper to the basket at the same time as the food to prevent it from lifting up and coming into contact with the heating element.

In conclusion, while air fryer baskets are great for achieving crispiness, they can be a hassle to clean. Parchment paper can be a useful tool to line your air fryer basket, making cleanup easier and preventing food from sticking. However, it is important to follow safety precautions when using parchment paper in an air fryer to avoid any hazards.

Pumpkin seed flavour variations

There are many ways to flavour pumpkin seeds when cooking them in an air fryer. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Spicy

For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your pumpkin seeds. You could also try using Trader Joe's Chili Lime seasoning, or smoked paprika for an extra spicy kick. Taco seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or ranch seasoning are also delicious options.

Savoury

For a savoury flavour, try adding garlic powder, garlic salt, salt, and pepper to your seeds. You could also add olive oil, avocado oil, or melted ghee/butter for a savoury, roasted flavour.

Sweet

For a sweeter flavour, try adding cinnamon sugar to your pumpkin seeds.

Other ideas

Other seasoning ideas include sumac, ranch seasoning, or chili powder.

Combinations

You can also combine the above ideas to create unique flavour combinations. For example, you could try a sweet and spicy combination by adding both cinnamon and cayenne pepper to your pumpkin seeds.

Other tips

When seasoning your pumpkin seeds, be sure to mix well so that all the seeds are evenly coated. You can also adjust the seasoning to your taste after the seeds have finished cooking.

Frequently asked questions