Air-Fried Pumpkin Seeds: A Quick, Healthy Treat

Pumpkin seeds are a tasty and nutritious snack, similar to nuts in texture and flavour. They can be roasted in an air fryer in less than 30 minutes and seasoned with salt, sugar, cinnamon, or even Parmesan cheese. The seeds can be coated in oil or butter and various seasonings before being air-fried, and it is recommended to shake the basket during cooking to ensure even roasting.

How to season pumpkin seeds for air frying

Pumpkin seeds are a nutritious and delicious snack, especially when air-fried! There are many ways to season them, and you can get creative with the flavours. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season pumpkin seeds for air frying:

Step 1: Clean and Dry the Pumpkin Seeds

Firstly, clean the pumpkin seeds by removing any remaining pumpkin flesh or pulp. You can use a colander to do this, rinsing the seeds under running water. If you want to really get rid of the pulp, you can boil the seeds for about 10 minutes in salted water. After cleaning, lay the seeds on paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to dry. You can also use a microwave; just make sure they are thoroughly dried.

Step 2: Prepare the Seasoning

There are many seasoning options for your pumpkin seeds. You can go for a simple salty flavour by just sprinkling sea salt over the seeds. If you want something more savoury, you can use garlic powder, smoked paprika, or even Trader Joe's Chili Lime seasoning. For a sweet treat, sprinkle some sugar and cinnamon on the seeds. If you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment with other spices, such as cayenne pepper, or even Parmesan cheese (add this after cooking so it melts on the hot seeds).

Step 3: Coat the Seeds

Place the dried seeds in a bowl and add your chosen seasoning. You can also add some melted ghee or butter, or a drizzle of oil (avocado, olive, or peanut) to help the seasoning stick and make the seeds extra crispy. Toss the seeds in the bowl until they are evenly coated with the seasoning.

Step 4: Air Fry

Spread the seasoned seeds onto the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are in an even layer so they cook uniformly. Air fry at 350°F (180°C) for about 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep a close eye on them during the last 5 minutes, as they can go from perfectly cooked to burnt very quickly.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Once they are done to your liking, remove the seeds from the air fryer and let them cool. Adjust the seasoning if needed, and enjoy your crunchy, delicious, and nutritious snack!

The best temperature and time to air fry pumpkin seeds

The best temperature and time to air fry your pumpkin seeds will depend on the type of air fryer you have, the quantity of seeds you are frying, and your personal preference for the texture of the seeds.

Most sources recommend air frying pumpkin seeds at around 350°F for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even roasting. Some sources suggest adding 3-5 minutes to this cooking time for a crispier texture.

If you prefer your seeds to be on the crispier side, you can air fry them at a higher temperature of 360°F to 370°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally to prevent burning.

It is important to note that every air fryer cooks a bit differently, and the cooking time may vary depending on the moisture content of the seeds. It is recommended to keep a close eye on the seeds during the final minutes of cooking, as they can go from done to burnt very quickly.

For larger quantities of seeds, it is advisable to roast them in batches to ensure even roasting.

How to prevent pumpkin seeds from burning in the air fryer

To prevent pumpkin seeds from burning in the air fryer, follow these steps:

Firstly, ensure the seeds are thoroughly dry before placing them in the air fryer. You can do this by rinsing the seeds and then spreading them out on a paper towel or towel to air dry. If you are short on time, you can use a hairdryer to speed up the process. It is important to ensure the seeds are dry as this will prevent them from becoming soggy during the cooking process.

Secondly, line your air fryer basket with parchment paper. This will make cleanup easier and prevent the seeds from falling out. Place the dry pumpkin seeds on top of the parchment paper, ensuring they are spread out in a single layer. This will allow the hot air to properly circulate and crisp up each seed.

Thirdly, keep a close eye on the seeds during the cooking process and stir or shake them frequently. Depending on your air fryer model and the size of the seeds, the cooking time may vary, so it is important to monitor them closely to prevent burning. Check on them regularly, especially during the last few minutes of cooking, as pumpkin seeds can go from perfectly cooked to burnt very quickly.

Finally, allow the seeds to cool before serving or storing. They will continue to crisp up as they cool. Store any leftover seeds in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and crunchy for up to a week.

The best type of oil to use for air frying pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds are a tasty snack and can be cooked in an air fryer with minimal preparation. The best type of oil to use when air-frying pumpkin seeds is a matter of personal preference, as several types of oil can be used, including olive oil, avocado oil, peanut oil, and pumpkin seed oil.

Olive oil is a popular choice for air-frying pumpkin seeds, as it gives the seeds a tasty flavor and helps them crisp up. Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its flavor. Avocado oil is also a good option and can be replaced with olive oil if you don't have it on hand. Peanut oil is another alternative, though it may be less commonly used.

Pumpkin seed oil, also known as pepita oil, is extracted from pumpkin seeds and has a rich, nutty flavor. It is often used as a cooking oil, especially in salad dressings, marinades, and as a finishing oil. Its lower smoke point makes it less suitable for frying or sautéing. However, its unique flavor can enhance the taste of air-fried pumpkin seeds.

When preparing pumpkin seeds for air frying, start by cleaning and drying the seeds. Then, transfer the seeds to a bowl and add your choice of oil along with seasonings like garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the seeds are evenly coated. Finally, spread the seeds in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, stirring or shaking the basket occasionally for even cooking.

How to clean and prepare pumpkin seeds for air frying

Preparing pumpkin seeds for air frying is a simple process, but it can be a little time-consuming. Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning and preparing your pumpkin seeds for air frying:

Cleaning the Seeds:

First, you will need to separate the seeds from the pumpkin's pulp and flesh. This can be a messy process, but it is not complicated. Using a large spoon, scrape out the pulp and seeds from the pumpkin and transfer them to a bowl. Next, separate the seeds from the stringy pulp by hand. Brush off any large clumps of seeds, then gently squeeze the pulp to remove any remaining seeds. You can also try squeezing the pulp to help release more seeds. Finally, discard any large clumps of pulp that are sticking to the seeds.

Rinsing and Drying the Seeds:

Place the seeds in a colander or strainer and rinse them under running water to remove any remaining pieces of pulp. Give them a good shake to remove excess water, but do not blot them with paper towels as they will stick. If you want to ensure your seeds are extra clean, you can boil them for 10 minutes in salted water before rinsing and drying them. Spread the seeds in a single layer on a paper towel, clean kitchen towel, or baking sheet to dry. Leave them to air dry for at least 10 minutes, but ideally 30 minutes to an hour. You can also let them dry overnight for extra crispy seeds. The drier the seeds are, the less cooking time they will need.

Seasoning the Seeds:

Once the seeds are clean and dry, it's time to season them. Place the seeds in a bowl and add your desired seasonings. You can use oil or melted butter, along with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or any other seasonings you prefer. Toss the seeds well until they are evenly coated with the seasonings.

Now that your pumpkin seeds are cleaned, dried, and seasoned, they are ready to be placed in the air fryer! Spread the seeds in a single layer in the air fryer basket and follow your air fryer's instructions for cooking time and temperature. Enjoy your delicious and healthy snack!

Frequently asked questions