Air-Frying Pumpkin Seeds: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Pumpkin seeds are a tasty snack and a great way to use up the insides of your Halloween pumpkin. You can cook them in an air fryer in just a few simple steps. First, you need to clean and dry the seeds. Then, place them in the air fryer basket with some oil and salt. Cook for around 10 minutes, shaking the basket a few times to ensure they cook evenly. Keep reading to find out more about how to cook pumpkin seeds in an air fryer.

How to prepare pumpkin seeds for cooking in an air fryer

To prepare pumpkin seeds for cooking in an air fryer, start by cutting the top off a pumpkin with a large sharp knife. Use a large metal spoon to scoop out the seeds, separating them from the pulp. Remove as much pulp as possible, as any remaining pieces can add moisture and affect the crispiness of the seeds. Dry the seeds, then place them inside the air fryer basket with parchment paper underneath. Spritz the seeds with a little oil and sprinkle them with sea salt. Toss the seeds in a bowl until all the ingredients are evenly coated, then place them in the air fryer in a single, thin layer.

Air fry the pumpkin seeds for about 10 minutes, shaking the basket or stirring the seeds a few times to ensure they roast evenly. Move the seeds around halfway through cooking so that both sides get crispy. If the seeds still seem soft or chewy after 12 minutes, let them cool for a few minutes. They will usually get crispier as they cool. If they are still chewy, put them back in the air fryer for a few more minutes.

Some recipes suggest cooking the seeds at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes, and adding another 5 minutes if needed. However, it is important to keep a close eye on the seeds as they can go from done to burnt very quickly.

The best temperature and cooking time for air-fried pumpkin seeds

It is important to note that every air fryer cooks differently, so the cooking time may vary. Some people report that their pumpkin seeds are done much sooner than the recommended 30 minutes, so it is advisable to start checking on them around the 15-minute mark.

Before air frying, it is crucial to clean and dry the pumpkin seeds thoroughly to remove any pieces of pumpkin pulp, as this can interfere with the seeds reaching their ultimate crispiness. Placing the seeds in a single layer in the air fryer basket with parchment paper underneath and spritzing them with a little oil can also help ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.

Once the seeds are cooked to your desired level of doneness, let them cool before serving. Allowing the seeds to cool completely will also help them to crisp up further. If they are still chewy after cooling, you can always put them back in the air fryer for a few more minutes.

How to ensure pumpkin seeds are evenly cooked in an air fryer

To ensure your pumpkin seeds are evenly cooked in an air fryer, it's important to follow a few key steps. Firstly, make sure you clean and dry the seeds thoroughly. This will help remove any excess moisture that can interfere with the seeds reaching the desired crispiness. Place the dry seeds in a single, thin layer inside the air fryer basket with parchment paper underneath. Spritz them with a little oil and sprinkle with sea salt, tossing the seeds to ensure an even coating.

During the cooking process, it's crucial to shake the basket or stir the seeds periodically. Aim to move them around halfway through the cooking time, and continue cooking for another 5 minutes if needed. Keep a close eye on the seeds, especially after the 15-minute mark, as they can go from done to burnt fairly quickly.

If the seeds still seem soft or chewy after the initial cooking time, allow them to cool for a few minutes. They often become crispier as they cool. If they're still not crispy enough, simply return them to the air fryer for a few more minutes.

How to season pumpkin seeds before and after air frying

Pumpkin seeds can be seasoned before and after air frying. Before air frying, place the dry seeds in a bowl and toss them with a little oil and sea salt until they are evenly coated. You can also add other seasonings to suit your taste. Place the seasoned seeds in the air fryer basket with parchment paper underneath and air fry for about 10 minutes, shaking the basket or stirring the seeds occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. After air frying, let the seeds cool for a few minutes – they will get crispier as they cool. If they are still chewy, put them back in the air fryer for a few more minutes.

How to store air-fried pumpkin seeds

Once you've cooked your pumpkin seeds in the air fryer, you'll want to let them cool down before storing them. If you have the time, it's best to let them sit on parchment paper for a few hours before storing them. This will help to ensure they're completely dry and prevent them from going soggy.

When it comes to storing your seeds, it's best to keep them in an airtight container. This will help to keep them fresh and crispy. You can store them at room temperature, but if you want to keep them for longer, it's best to store them in the fridge.

If you're looking to keep your seeds for an extended period, you can also freeze them. To do this, spread the seeds out on a baking tray and place them in the freezer until they're frozen solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They'll keep for several months this way.

When you're ready to eat your seeds, you can thaw them at room temperature or pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to warm them up and crisp them back up.

Frequently asked questions