Air Fryer Roasted Pumpkin Seeds: Perfect Timing For Crunchy Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are a tasty and healthy snack, and roasting them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare them. In this article, we will explore the steps involved in roasting pumpkin seeds in an air fryer, including cleaning, seasoning, and cooking times. We will also discuss the benefits of roasting pumpkin seeds, as well as provide tips for achieving the perfect crisp texture. So, how long do you need to roast pumpkin seeds in an air fryer?

Pumpkin seed cleaning and drying

Pumpkin Seed Cleaning:

• Cut Open the Pumpkin: Start by cutting a circle around the stem of the pumpkin, making sure the hole is large enough to fit your hand through. If you're not using the pumpkin for a Halloween decoration, you can simply cut it in half. Be careful when handling the knife, as pumpkins can be slippery.
• Scoop Out the Seeds: Use a large metal spoon to scoop out the seeds and pulp from the inside of the pumpkin. Place the contents into a large bowl or basin. This step is a great opportunity to involve kids, who often enjoy handling the gooey insides of pumpkins.
• Separate the Seeds: Fill the bowl with warm water and gently swish the seeds around, pinching and pulling away the pulpy fibres. The water will help break down the pulp, making it easier to separate from the seeds.
• Rinse the Seeds: Once most of the pulp has been removed, dump the seeds into a colander and rinse them under cold running water. This will wash away any remaining pumpkin guts and slimy coating on the seeds. Repeat the rinsing process as needed.
• Optional Boiling: If you want to make salty pumpkin seeds, you can optionally boil the seeds in salted water before roasting them. This helps the salty flavour penetrate the seeds. For every ½ cup of pumpkin seeds, use 2 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of salt. Boil the seeds for about 10 minutes, then strain and skip rinsing.

Pumpkin Seed Drying:

• Spread on Parchment Paper: After rinsing or boiling, spread the seeds out on a piece of parchment paper. Make sure the seeds aren't touching each other so they don't stick together. Parchment paper is preferable to paper towels as it prevents sticking.
• Pat Dry: Gently pat the seeds with a paper towel to help remove excess water and speed up the drying process.
• Air Dry: Leave the seeds to air dry completely. You can let them dry at room temperature for a few hours or place them in a preheated oven at a low temperature to speed up the process. It's important that the seeds are completely dry before roasting to ensure even cooking.

Once your pumpkin seeds are clean and dry, they're ready to be seasoned and roasted!

Air fryer temperature settings

Air fryers are a convenient way to roast pumpkin seeds, and the temperature setting you use will depend on the desired level of crispiness and the specific model of your air fryer. Here are some general guidelines and tips for air fryer temperature settings when roasting pumpkin seeds:

• Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to around 350°F (180°C). However, some sources suggest cooking at a slightly lower temperature of 360°F.
• The cooking time for pumpkin seeds in an air fryer can vary from 10 to 35 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness. Keep in mind that pumpkin seeds can go from perfectly cooked to burnt very quickly, so it's important to keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of cooking.
• It's important to shake the air fryer basket frequently during cooking to ensure even roasting. This can be done every 5 minutes or halfway through the cooking process.
• Every air fryer is different, and the cooking time may vary depending on the size and heat distribution of your specific model. Some people have reported that their seeds were done much sooner than expected, so it's a good idea to start checking on them around the 15-minute mark.
• If your seeds are not crispy enough after the initial cooking time, you can air fry them for an additional 3 to 5 minutes.
• If you are making a large batch of pumpkin seeds, you may need to roast them in smaller batches to ensure even cooking.
• Before roasting, make sure your pumpkin seeds are completely dry. This will help ensure even cooking and prevent sogginess.
• You can season your pumpkin seeds with a variety of spices and oils before roasting them. Popular choices include avocado oil, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cinnamon sugar.

Oil and seasoning options

Roasted pumpkin seeds can be seasoned in a variety of ways, and the options are only limited by your creativity and what's available in your pantry.

For a savoury flavour profile, you could try:

• Salt and pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Trader Joe's Chili Lime seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Cumin
• Cayenne pepper
• Ranch seasoning
• Taco seasoning
• Cajun seasoning
• Curry powder
• Chili powder
• Cinnamon and red pepper
• Creole seasoning
• Garlic, hot paprika, and red pepper
• Spicy Montreal steak spice
• Smouldering smoked Applewood
• Dill
• Red pepper flakes
• Cinnamon sugar
• Garlic salt
• Worcestershire sauce

If you're after something a little sweeter, you could try:

• Honey
• Maple syrup
• Brown sugar
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Cinnamon
• Cinnamon and sugar
• Olive oil and cinnamon brown sugar

Air fryer basket preparation

Before you begin roasting your pumpkin seeds, ensure that they are completely dry. Place the dried seeds in a large bowl and add melted ghee/butter, olive oil, avocado oil, or any other oil of your choice. You can also add seasonings like garlic powder, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, or garlic salt. Mix well until all the seeds are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.

Now, you are ready to spread the seeds onto the air fryer basket. Make sure to spread them evenly in a single layer to allow for even cooking. Depending on the quantity of seeds, you may need to roast them in batches.

Once the seeds are in the air fryer basket, you can set the temperature and timer. Most recipes recommend cooking at around 350-380 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes. However, cooking times may vary depending on your desired level of crispness and the model of your air fryer, so keep an eye on the seeds to avoid burning them.

It is a good idea to shake the basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even roasting. After the seeds are done, take them out and adjust the seasoning according to your taste. Allow them to cool before serving or storing.

Cooking time and aftercare

The cooking time for pumpkin seeds in an air fryer varies depending on the quantity of seeds, the desired level of crispness, and the specific air fryer being used. On average, the cooking time ranges from 10 to 15 minutes at a temperature setting between 350 to 380 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even roasting and to prevent burning. Some recipes suggest cooking the seeds for up to 35 minutes, checking frequently during the last 5 minutes to avoid overcooking.

After air frying, it is recommended to let the pumpkin seeds cool down before serving or adjusting the seasoning to taste. The seeds can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks if they are raw and up to one week if they are cooked. This makes it convenient to prepare a large batch and enjoy them as a snack over several days.

To enhance the flavour of the pumpkin seeds, various seasonings can be added before or after cooking. Popular choices include salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cinnamon, sugar, Parmesan cheese, and various spice blends such as taco seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or ranch seasoning. The seeds can also be tossed with olive oil, avocado oil, or butter before air frying to add richness and facilitate even roasting.

In summary, air frying pumpkin seeds is a quick and convenient way to prepare a healthy and delicious snack. With some experimentation, you can find the ideal cooking time and seasoning combinations to suit your taste preferences.

Frequently asked questions