Air-Fryer Pumpkin Seeds: A Quick, Healthy Treat

Pumpkin seeds are a tasty and nutritious snack that can be made in an air fryer in just a few easy steps. This method is faster than using an oven and gives you more control over the seasoning. You can use seeds straight from a pumpkin or buy them from a store, and then season them with anything from salt and pepper to cinnamon and sugar.

Cleaning pumpkin seeds

Step 1: Begin by removing the seeds from the pumpkin. You can do this by cutting the top off your pumpkin and scooping out the pulp and seeds. Place the seeds in a bowl.

Step 2: Separate the seeds from the stringy pulp as much as possible. This can be done by hand or by using a spoon.

Step 3: Rinse the seeds in a colander or strainer under running water to remove any remaining pieces of pulp. You can also boil the seeds in salted water for about 10 minutes to help remove the pulp and clean the seeds.

Step 4: Lay the seeds out on a paper towel or clean kitchen towel to dry. You can gently press or blot them to remove excess water. Leave them to air dry for at least 15 minutes, or up to overnight if you want extra crispy seeds.

Step 5: Optionally, you can remove the outer white shell to expose the green and oval seeds inside. However, this step is not necessary, as the shell is edible and adds flavour to the seeds.

Once your pumpkin seeds are cleaned and dried, you can proceed to season and roast them in your air fryer.

Drying pumpkin seeds

Step 1: Clean the Pumpkin Seeds

After removing the seeds from the pumpkin, separate them from the stringy pulp. Rinse the seeds in a colander or strainer under running water to remove any remaining pieces of pulp. You can also boil the seeds in salted water for about 10 minutes to help remove the pulp and clean them thoroughly.

Step 2: Dry the Pumpkin Seeds

Spread the cleaned seeds on a paper towel or clean kitchen towel. Gently press or blot them to remove excess water. Leave the seeds to air-dry for at least 15 minutes, or until thoroughly dried. You can also let them dry for longer, up to overnight, if you prefer your seeds extra crispy.

Step 3: Pre-treat the Pumpkin Seeds (Optional)

Before roasting, you can pre-treat the seeds with oil or butter and your choice of seasonings. Place the dried seeds in a bowl and add melted butter, ghee, or olive oil. Then, add your desired seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, or chili powder. Toss the seeds well to ensure they are evenly coated.

Step 4: Prepare the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to between 350-380 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 5: Roast the Pumpkin Seeds

Spread the pre-treated seeds evenly in the air fryer basket. Cook the seeds for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket frequently or halfway through to ensure even roasting. After the initial cooking time, check the seeds and continue cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes if needed, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove the roasted seeds from the air fryer and let them cool before serving. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and enjoy your crispy, healthy snack!

Seasoning options

If you have a sweet tooth, you could try cinnamon sugar, or brown sugar and cinnamon.

Air fryer temperature and duration

The temperature and duration for roasting pumpkin seeds in an air fryer vary depending on the quantity of seeds and the desired level of crispness. Here is a detailed guide:

Firstly, it is important to ensure that the pumpkin seeds are thoroughly cleaned and dried before roasting. This can be achieved by rinsing the seeds in a colander and then drying them with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. The seeds can be left to air-dry for at least 10 minutes, or up to overnight for extra crispness.

Once the seeds are prepared, it is time to preheat the air fryer. Different recipes suggest varying temperatures, ranging from 350 degrees Fahrenheit to 380 degrees Fahrenheit. It is recommended to cook the seeds at a temperature that suits your air fryer and desired level of doneness.

When cooking the seeds, it is important to shake the basket frequently to ensure even roasting. The duration of cooking will depend on the quantity of seeds and the desired level of crispness. For a single layer of seeds, cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. For a larger batch, cook in batches to ensure even roasting. The seeds are done when they are lightly golden and crispy.

It is important to note that air fryers can vary, and the seeds can go from perfectly cooked to burnt very quickly, so it is crucial to keep a close eye on them during the cooking process.

Finally, allow the seeds to cool before serving or storing. The seeds can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks if they are raw.

Storing roasted pumpkin seeds

Roasted pumpkin seeds will stay crispy and fresh for a few days at room temperature. If you'd like to keep them longer, you can store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, where they'll last for about 3-4 months. Alternatively, put them in a sealed bag and store them in the freezer for up to a year.

Frequently asked questions