Ya’ll haven’t experienced fall until you’ve experienced it with these perfect smoked pumpkin seeds! These pumpkin seeds can be smoked on your Traeger grill, Pit Boss, or any other pellet grill you have! The deep, smokey flavor from the grill, combined with a simple seasoning blend will skyrocket your pumpkin seeds off the fall charts!
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Hello fall! It’s pumpkin season, ya’ll! The time of year when we dust off our boots, don our plaid, sip pumpkin spice lattes and embrace everything PUMPKIN!!
It’s also PUMPKIN CARVING TIME!!
You spend so much time scooping out those yummy pumpkin seeds and guts, so PLEASE don’t let the seeds go to waste! SMOKE THEM!!!
Air frying pumpkin seeds is the down and dirty, super EASY cooking method, so if you’re short on time, try the air fryer version. But if you have a bit of time, SMOKE YOUR YOUR SEEDS!
You’ll get the deep, rich smoke flavor that will take your plain old pumpkin seeds over the top! These seeds can be smoked on your Traeger grill, Pit Boss, or any other brand pellet grill.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- Delicious, smokey flavor
- A healthy snack — perfect snack when you’re on the go!
- A perfect way to use the seeds from your Halloween pumpkins!
- Endless ways to spice up your seeds!
RECIPE INGREDIENTS
You’ll need the following ingredients to make these delicious Smoked Pumpkin Seeds:
INGREDIENT NOTES
Pumpkin Seeds: One medium to large pumpkin will yield about one cup of pumpkin seeds.
Spices: There are endless ways to spice up your seeds! I included both a “basic” and a “smokey” recipe in the recipe card below. I also added more ideas below as well!
HOW TO MAKE SMOKED PUMPKIN SEEDS: STEP BY STEP
Here are some quick visual instructions. Remember that full instructions with exact ingredients will be in the recipe card below!
Step 1: Scoop the seeds from your pumpkin. Then, separate seeds from the stringy pumpkin pulp. This can be done by running the seeds under a bit of cold water and picking off the excess “pumpkin guts!”
Step 2: (OPTIONAL) Spread seeds in an even layer on a paper towel and allow them to dry for at least an hour and up to overnight! If you don’t have time to dry the seeds, simply pat off the excess water with a kitchen towel.
Step 3: Toss seeds with olive oil and spices.
Step 4: Spread seeds on a baking sheet and place them onto the smoker grill grate. Close the lid. Smoke pumpkin seeds for 60 minutes. At the 30-minute mark, give them a good stir. Close the lid and smoke for another 30 minutes. At the 60-minute mark, check for desired crispness. If they aren’t crisp enough for your liking, smoke for 10 minutes more.
PRO TIPS
- Although it’s NOT necessary, drying seeds for at least an hour (and up to overnight!) helps them get supper crispy and also helps the oil and spices adhere to the seeds.
- Make Ahead: Get all the “dirty work” done and separate the seeds from the pumpkin flesh. Let the seeds dry overnight and then add the spices and smoke them when you are ready!
⭐️ CONFIDENCE TIP ⭐️
Cook time will depend on your desired crispiness. Test for seeds for crispiness at about the 60-minute mark. If they aren’t done to your liking, add another 10 minutes.
STORING SMOKED PUMPKIN SEEDS
- Storage: Cool completely. Then, store smoked pumpkin seeds in an airtight container or mason jar at room temperature for 1-2 months. To extend the shelf life, pop them in the fridge and they’ll keep for up to a year!
OTHER SPICE OPTIONS TO TRY
Sky’s the limit when it comes to seasoning your seeds! Here are a few options to try:
- Cinnamon and Sugar
- Smoked Salt
- Everything Bagel Seasoning
- Seasoning Salt
- Trader Joe’s Chili Lime Seasoning
- Chili Powder + cayenne pepper
- Ranch seasoning
- BBQ seasoning
- Taco Seasoning
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes, the key to crispy pumpkin seeds is getting them super dry so they crisp up nicely when cooked. Drying them also helps the olive oil and spices cling to the seeds so they are perfectly spiced!
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TOOLS FOR THIS RECIPE
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Smoker: Of course, a Traeger is the Nordstrom of all smokers, but we have the Wal-Mart of all smokers, the Pit Boss, and it has served us well for MANY years! 🙂
Measuring Spoons: To measure your spices
Strainer/Colander: To rinse your seeds.
Rate this recipe! I love your feedback!
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TRY THESE PUMPKIN FAVORITES NEXT…
Perfect Smoked Pumpkin Seeds
Ingredients
Basic Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipe
- 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds from one medium to large pumpkin (See Note 1)
- 3 tsp olive oil vegetable oil, avocado oil and melted butter also work well
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt or sea salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Smokey Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipe
- 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds from one medium to large pumpkin (See Note 1)
- 3 tsp olive oil vegetable oil, avocado oil and melted butter also work well
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt or sea salt
Instructions
- Prep: With a sharp knife, carefully cut off the top of your pumpkin. Preheat smoker to 200°F for 10-15 minutes (lid closed).
- Scoop: Using your hands or a large spoon, scoop out the pumpkin seeds (you'll get lots of pumpkin guts, too, in the process!). Try your best to separate the seeds from the the larger pieces of stringy pulp. Place seeds in a strainer/colander.
- Clean: Clean pumpkin seeds by running them under a little cold water and separating the seeds from the pumpkin pulp completely and rinsing clean. It's perfectly OK for a little of the pumpkin pulp to stick to the seeds, just get off as much as you can!
- Dry (OPTIONAL): Transfer pumpkin seeds to a small baking sheet lined with paper towels. Pat off any excess water on the seeds with a kitchen towel (See Note 2).
- Season: Coat seeds with olive oil. Then, add seasonings depending on which recipe you are following. Mix well until seasonings evenly coat the seeds.Basic Recipe: Salt and fresh ground pepperSmokey Recipe: Garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt
- Smoke: Spread pumpkin seeds in a single layer on a foiled-lined baking sheet (or oiled baking sheet). Place baking sheet onto the smoker grill grate. Close the lid. Smoke pumpkin seeds for 60 minutes. At the 30-minute mark, give them a good stir. Close the lid and smoke for another 30 minutes. At the 60-minute mark, check for desired crispness. If they aren't crisp enough for your liking, smoke for 10 minutes more. We have found the sweet spot is between 65-75 minutes at 200°F.
- Enjoy! Transfer seeds to a plate or bowl. Allow a couple of minutes for them to cool and dig in!
Toni says
One of our favorite fall snacks!! This is great! Thank you!
Janessa says
Wow, these are addictive! I love the combo of spices.
Kate says
So easy to make and really tasty – my kids loved making these after we carved pumpkins, thanks!
Claudia Lamascolo says
This is a delicious idea for making the seeds I am going to try it this weekend love everything in it! thanks
Jovita says
What a simple snack! Looks delicious! Thanks for the recipe 🙂
Kim says
So good! These had the perfect blend of seasonings and the smoky flavor just put them over the top! I want to buy more pumpkins so I can make more!