Air Fryer Spiced Pumpkin Seeds Recipe
Introduction
Air fryer pumpkin seeds are a quick and tasty way to enjoy a healthy snack using fresh pumpkin seeds. Crisp, flavorful, and seasoned with a smoky spice blend, they’re perfect for munching anytime.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pumpkin seeds (pulp removed and very dry)
- 2 teaspoons avocado oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Remove all seeds from a large pumpkin and rinse them under cool running water in a colander to separate seeds from pulp. Discard the pulp.
- Step 2: Spread the clean seeds in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet and pat dry with paper towels. Let them sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours until completely dry.
- Step 3: In a bowl, combine the dry seeds with avocado oil, salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and black pepper. Toss well to coat evenly.
- Step 4: Arrange the seasoned seeds in a single layer in the basket of a large (6 quart) air fryer.
- Step 5: Air fry at 360°F for 10-12 minutes until golden and crisp, shaking the basket halfway through cooking (after 5 minutes) to ensure even crisping.
- Step 6: Let the pumpkin seeds cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, dry the seeds overnight in the fridge before air frying.
- Swap smoked paprika for cayenne for a spicier kick or add a pinch of cinnamon for a sweet twist.
- Use olive oil or melted butter instead of avocado oil for different flavor profiles.
Storage
Store cooled pumpkin seeds in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To re-crisp, warm them briefly in the air fryer or a dry skillet before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use this method with store-bought raw pumpkin seeds?
Yes, this recipe works great with raw pumpkin seeds from the store. Just skip the cleaning step and season them before air frying.
What size air fryer basket do I need?
A large (around 6-quart) air fryer basket is ideal to spread the seeds in a single layer for even crisping. Smaller baskets may require cooking in batches.
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Air Fryer Spiced Pumpkin Seeds Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 2 cups roasted pumpkin seeds 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy and flavorful air fryer pumpkin seeds seasoned with a blend of smoked paprika, garlic, chili, and black pepper. This easy recipe uses the air fryer for a quick and healthy snack that’s perfect for fall or anytime you want a nutritious crunch.
Ingredients
Pumpkin Seeds
- 2 cups pumpkin seeds (pulp removed and very dry)
Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons avocado oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Clean the Seeds: Remove all seeds from a large carving pumpkin and separate seeds from pulp under cool running water, discarding pulp.
- Dry the Seeds: Spread seeds in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet, pat dry with paper towels, and let them sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours until completely dry.
- Toss with Seasoning: In a bowl, combine the dry pumpkin seeds with avocado oil, salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly to coat evenly.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the spiced seeds in a single layer in the basket of a large 6-quart air fryer.
- Start Air Frying: Air fry at 360°F for 10-12 minutes until golden and crisp, pausing halfway at 5 minutes.
- Shake Seeds: Pause to shake the basket after 5 minutes to ensure even crisping of all seeds.
- Finish Air Frying: Continue air frying for the remaining 5-7 minutes until fully crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Let the air fried pumpkin seeds cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a bowl and serving as a crunchy snack.
Notes
- Ensure pumpkin seeds are completely dry before seasoning to maximize crispiness.
- You can adjust seasoning quantities to taste or substitute spices as preferred.
- Use a large enough air fryer basket to avoid overcrowding for even cooking.
- Store leftover seeds in an airtight container once fully cooled to maintain crunch.
- Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pumpkin seeds, air fryer, roasted pumpkin seeds, healthy snack, fall recipe, seasoned pumpkin seeds, spicy pumpkin seeds, avocado oil
