Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds Recipe

Name: Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds Recipe
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 2 h 12 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups pumpkin seeds; 2 teaspoons avocado oil; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon chili powder; ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

So, the other night, Alex was working on his pumpkin carving skills, and I got to thinking—what's a good way to use those leftover pumpkin seeds? Enter our trusty air fryer. Not only are these Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds a crunchy delight, but they’re also packed with flavor while being surprisingly easy to make. If you’re after a quick, kid-approved snack that gives a nod to fall flavors, this recipe is perfect! Also, they make a great addition to our Gluten Free Lemon Crinkle Cookies for a delightful afternoon treat.

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Why you’ll love this recipe
Ingredients
Step-by-step instructions
Recipe tips & variations
Storage & reheating
FAQs
Recipes you may like
Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds Recipe

Why you’ll love this recipe

Pumpkin carving often leaves us with a messy kitchen, but this recipe calls for just a little prep and toss in the air fryer. Alex, Sarah, and Donald love snacking on these while watching a movie. It’s that satisfying crunch and smoky spice that makes this snack a family favorite.

Ingredients

2 cups pumpkin seeds
2 teaspoons avocado oil
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon chili powder
⅛ teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-step instructions

Remove all the seeds from a large carving pumpkin. Place the seeds and pulp into a colander under cool running water, and separate all the seeds from the pulp. Discard as much pulp as possible.
Spread the clean seeds in a single layer onto a large rimmed baking sheet and pat dry with paper towels. Allow the seeds to sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours to dry completely.
Transfer the dry pumpkin seeds to a bowl with the avocado oil, salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and black pepper. Toss to evenly coat all the seeds with the oil and spices.
Spread the spiced pumpkin seeds in a single layer evenly in the basket of a large air fryer. Air fry the spiced seeds at 360°F for 10-12 minutes or until golden and crisp. Pause the fryer after 5 minutes to shake the seeds to ensure even crisping.
Allow the seeds to cool for 5 minutes before transferring them to a bowl for serving.

Recipe tips & variations

I’ve discovered that you can play around with the spices—add a little cayenne for a kick or swap paprika with cinnamon for a hint of sweetness. If you're missing one ingredient, it's fine! This recipe is flexible enough to accommodate personal tastes.

Storage & reheating

Once your air fryer pumpkin seeds have cooled, store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay crunchy on the counter for about a week, but in my house, they never last that long!

FAQs

How do you clean pumpkin seeds properly before air frying?

Rinse the seeds in a colander under cool water, scrubbing gently with your fingers to separate them from the pulp.

How long does it take to make pumpkin seeds crispy in the air fryer?

Typically, it takes about 10-12 minutes at 360°F, with a shake halfway through to ensure even crisping.

What seasonings work best for air fryer pumpkin seeds?

Smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and a touch of salt and pepper bring out the best flavor.

How should air fryer pumpkin seeds be stored to stay crunchy?

An airtight container is best to preserve their crispness for about a week.

Recipes you may like

Enjoy snacking and don’t forget to share your pumpkin seed creations!