If you’re searching for a quick, crunchy, and satisfying snack, these Crispy Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds are just what you need. This easy air fryer recipe transforms simple pumpkin seeds into a golden, perfectly seasoned treat that’s full of flavor and nutrition. It’s the best way to make use of leftover pumpkin seeds after carving or cooking pumpkins—and it only takes minutes to prepare!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds Recipe
- Crispy Every Time: The air fryer guarantees evenly roasted, crunchy seeds without needing to heat up your oven.
- Simple Ingredients: Just pumpkin seeds, olive oil, and seasonings—nothing artificial or complicated.
- Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with protein, fiber, and heart-healthy fats, pumpkin seeds make an excellent guilt-free snack.
- Totally Customizable: You can switch up the seasonings to make them spicy, sweet, or herby.
- Perfect for Fall: Ideal for cozy snacking, party treats, or even as a salad topper during pumpkin season.
Crispy Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds You’ll Crave All Season
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Quick, crunchy, and flavorful Crispy Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds – the perfect fall snack that’s healthy, satisfying, and ready in minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Clean and dry the pumpkin seeds thoroughly after removing from the pumpkin.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, toss pumpkin seeds with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Place seeds in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 10–15 minutes, shaking every 5 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Remove, let cool completely, and store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
Ensure seeds are completely dry before seasoning for maximum crispiness. Customize flavors with spices like cinnamon sugar, chili powder, or everything bagel seasoning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients for Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds – Fresh from a pumpkin or store-bought (unroasted and unsalted).
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil – Helps the seasoning stick and promotes crispiness.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder – Adds delicious savory depth.
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt – Balances flavors and enhances the nutty taste.
- Freshly ground black pepper – Optional, but adds a subtle kick.
Ingredient Notes (Substitutions & Healthy Swaps)
- Oil Options: If you prefer, substitute olive oil with avocado oil or grapeseed oil for a lighter flavor and higher smoke point.
- Seasoning Variations: Swap garlic powder for smoked paprika, chili powder, or everything bagel seasoning for a twist.
- No Garlic? Try onion powder or nutritional yeast for a mild, cheesy taste.
- Salt-Free Version: If watching sodium, reduce or omit salt and rely on herbs like rosemary or thyme for natural flavor.
- Pumpkin Seed Type: Both pie pumpkin and jack-o’-lantern varieties work; the larger ones just need a bit more cooking time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Clean and Dry the Pumpkin Seeds
Scoop out the seeds from your pumpkin and place them in a large bowl of water. Gently separate the seeds from the stringy pulp. Transfer to a paper towel or baking sheet and let them dry for at least 30 minutes—the drier they are, the crispier they’ll become.
Pro Tip: You can even leave them out overnight on the counter covered with a towel if you have time.
Step 2 – Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures even cooking and crisping from the start.
If your air fryer doesn’t require preheating, you can skip this step—but you may need to add 2–3 extra minutes to the cook time.
Step 3 – Season the Seeds
In a medium bowl, combine the pumpkin seeds, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Toss well to coat each seed evenly with oil and spices.
Optional: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon sugar, depending on whether you want them spicy or sweet.
Step 4 – Air Fry the Seeds
Transfer the seasoned seeds to the air fryer basket in a single layer (a little overlap is fine).
Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to ensure even roasting.
The seeds are done when they’re golden brown and crisp. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and seed size.
Step 5 – Cool and Store
Remove the seeds from the air fryer and spread them on a baking sheet or plate to cool.
Once completely cool, transfer them to an airtight container or jar.
They’ll stay crispy for up to 2 weeks at room temperature—if they last that long!
Pro Tips for Success
- Dry Completely: Moisture is the enemy of crispness—make sure your seeds are well dried before seasoning.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Airflow is key in air frying. If you have lots of seeds, cook them in batches.
- Season After Drying: Oil and seasoning stick much better to dry seeds.
- Shake Regularly: Stirring every few minutes helps the seeds roast evenly on all sides.
- Watch Closely: Pumpkin seeds can go from golden to burnt quickly in the final minutes.
- Let Them Cool: Cooling helps them crisp up even more before storing.
Flavor Variations
Want to mix it up? Here are some tasty seasoning ideas:
- Sweet Cinnamon Sugar: Toss with a teaspoon of sugar and a pinch of cinnamon before air frying.
- Spicy Kick: Add chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot smoked paprika.
- Herb & Garlic: Mix with dried rosemary, thyme, and extra garlic powder.
- Everything Bagel: Coat with everything bagel seasoning for an on-trend twist.
- Maple Crunch: After air frying, drizzle lightly with maple syrup and a sprinkle of sea salt.
Serving Suggestions
- Snack Time Favorite: Enjoy them warm straight from the air fryer.
- Salad Topper: Sprinkle over green salads or grain bowls for crunch and protein.
- Soup Garnish: Add on top of creamy soups like butternut squash or tomato basil.
- Trail Mix Boost: Combine with nuts, dried cranberries, and dark chocolate chunks.
- Party Appetizer: Serve in small bowls for guests at fall gatherings or movie nights.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight jar or container for up to 2 weeks.
- Recrisping Tip: If they soften, re-air fry at 350°F for 2–3 minutes.
- Freezing: You can freeze roasted pumpkin seeds for up to 3 months in a sealed bag or airtight container. Thaw and reheat briefly before serving for best texture.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 24 kcal |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 1 g |
| Fat | 2 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sodium | 40 mg |
(Values are approximate and will vary based on portion size and ingredients used.)
FAQ About Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds
How do I get pumpkin seeds really crispy?
The key is to make sure the seeds are completely dry before seasoning and cooking. Any moisture prevents them from crisping properly. Stir them every 5 minutes while air frying and cool fully before storing.
Can I use store-bought pumpkin seeds?
Yes! You can use raw, unsalted store-bought pumpkin seeds (pepitas) instead of scooping them from a pumpkin. Just note they may cook slightly faster—check around the 8–10 minute mark.
Can I flavor these pumpkin seeds differently?
Absolutely! This is a base recipe, so feel free to experiment with flavors like ranch seasoning, cinnamon sugar, or chili lime. The air fryer method works for all variations.
Are air fryer pumpkin seeds healthy?
Yes! Pumpkin seeds are rich in magnesium, zinc, antioxidants, and plant-based protein. Using a small amount of olive oil keeps them light and heart-healthy while still giving that perfect crunch.
Can I make a big batch at once?
You can, but it’s best to cook in batches so the seeds roast evenly. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven results and soggy spots.
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Final Thoughts
Making Crispy Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds is one of the easiest and most satisfying fall snacks you can whip up in minutes. It’s a fun way to use every part of your pumpkin and create a wholesome, crunchy treat that’s endlessly customizable. Whether you like them savory, spicy, or sweet, these air-fried seeds will keep you coming back all season long.
So next time you’re carving pumpkins or cooking up fall recipes, don’t toss those seeds—turn them into a crispy, crave-worthy snack!