Roasted Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds
There is no easier way to enjoy pumpkin seeds than whipping up these roasted Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds! Roasted pumpkin seeds are a healthy snack to enjoy during the fall season and a great way to use pumpkin seeds from Halloween pumpkin carving! There is a basic roasted pumpkin seeds recipe, along with my favorite version that adds a bit more spice and smokey flavor! Whatever version you make, they are a delicious snack that will be gone in no time!
Hello fall! Nothing quite says fall like pumpkins! Pumpkin pie, pumpkin spice, pumpkin carving, and…pumpkin SEEDS!!
There is really no easier way to make homemade pumpkin seeds than the air fryer! Clean your seeds, slather on desired spices, pop them in the air fryer for about 10 minutes and you have a healthy, tasty snack!
These crunchy air fryer pumpkin seeds have a nutty flavor and you can customize the spices in so many ways! Want a deeper, smokier flavor? Try my delicious Smoked Pumpkin Seeds recipe!
Need more easy air fryer recipes? Check them out here! And this is my very favorite air fryer!
What you’ll love about this recipe:
RECIPE INGREDIENTS
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this delicious Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds Recipe:
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 ROASTED AIR FRYER 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: Spread seeds in an even layer on a paper towel and allow them to dry for at least an hour and up to overnight!
Step 3: Toss seeds with olive oil and spices.
Step 4: Air fry at 360°F for 10-12 minutes or until desired crispness is reached. Check seeds at about the 8-minute mark and give them a good shake. Transfer seeds to a bowl and enjoy immediately!
RECIPE TIPS & TRICKS
- Drying seeds for at least an hour (and up to overnight!) helps them get supper crispy! It 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 air fry them when you are ready!
Confidence Tip
Cook time will depend on your air fryer and desired crispiness. Test for seeds for crispiness at about the 8-minute mark. If they aren’t done to your liking, add another 2-3 minutes. When they are finished cooking, TASTE and add more seasoning, if necessary! It’s always important to TASTE your food creations until it’s just how YOU like it! 🙂
STORING AIR FRYER PUMPKIN SEEDS
- Storage: Cool completely. Then, store roasted 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
- Everything Bagel Seasoning
- Seasoning Salt
- Trader Joe’s Chili Lime Seasoning
- Chili Powder + cayenne pepper
- Ranch seasoning
- BBQ 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!
Dry your pumpkin seeds for at least an hour, and up to overnight.
Chances are, you overcooked them a bit. Pumpkin seeds can get a little bitter when they are overcooked. Also, depending on which spices you use, the spices can also turn bitter if they are cooked too long.
I always check my seeds around the 8-minute mark and give them a good shake to ensure they don’t overcook.
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TOOLS FOR THIS RECIPE
Check out all of my kitchen essentials in my Amazon store!
Air Fryer: I LOVE Cosori air fryers! They are affordable and work so well! I have this basket-style air fryer AND the 12-1 Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo!
Measuring Spoons: To measure your spices
Strainer/Colander: To rinse your seeds.
TRY THESE PUMPKIN FAVORITES NEXT…
I hope you love these Smoked Pumpkin Seeds! If you make it be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked it. Enjoy, xo!
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!
This is definitely a must-have fall snack!! One of our favorites! Thanks for the recipe!
These air fryer pumpkin seeds look fantastic. I can’t wait to try your recipe. Thanks for sharing.
This is my new favorite way to cook pumpkin seeds!
Was very excited to try pumpkin seeds in the air fryer and they did NOT disappoint. One of my favorite fall time snacks! The seasoning was perfect, too!
I love all the different ideas you gave to change up the seasonings on these! I always do mine in the oven with salt, but I think cinnamon and sugar and the air fryer may be my new favorite way!