If you ask me, roasted pumpkin seeds are one of fall’s best little treats.
These crunchy, salty snacks turn those stringy pumpkin insides into something worth getting excited about. The air fryer makes the whole process quick and mess-free, giving you perfectly crispy seeds without heating up your kitchen.
They’re coated with just the right amount of olive oil and seasoned simply with salt and your favorite spices. The air fryer helps them get that satisfying crackly exterior while keeping the insides nice and tender.
It’s a simple seasonal snack that makes the most of your Halloween pumpkin carving sessions – and they’re good enough that you might find yourself buying extra pumpkins just for the seeds.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds
- Quick and easy – Ready in just 20-25 minutes, these pumpkin seeds are so much faster to make than traditional oven-roasted versions.
- Three simple ingredients – All you need is pumpkin seeds, olive oil, and salt – ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
- Zero food waste – Instead of throwing away your pumpkin seeds after carving, you can turn them into a tasty, crunchy snack that everyone will enjoy.
- Healthy snacking option – These seeds are packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making them a perfect alternative to processed snacks.
What Kind of Pumpkin Seeds Should I Use?
You can use fresh pumpkin seeds from any type of pumpkin, whether it’s a carving pumpkin or a pie pumpkin. The seeds from smaller pie pumpkins tend to be a bit more tender, but both types work great for roasting. Before cooking, make sure to clean your seeds well by removing all the stringy pulp – a good trick is to put them in a bowl of water where the pulp will sink and the seeds float. After cleaning, pat them completely dry with paper towels, as dry seeds will crisp up better in the air fryer. If you’re in a pinch, you can even use store-bought raw pumpkin seeds (often labeled as pepitas), though they won’t have quite the same charm as fresh ones from your Halloween pumpkin.
Options for Substitutions
This simple recipe can work with a few easy swaps if needed:
- Pumpkin seeds: While this recipe is designed for pumpkin seeds, you can use the same method with squash seeds from butternut, acorn, or other winter squash varieties. Just watch the cooking time as smaller seeds might cook faster.
- Olive oil: Any neutral cooking oil works great here – try avocado oil, melted coconut oil, or even melted butter for a richer taste. Just make sure to use the same amount to ensure proper coating.
- Sea salt: Regular table salt works just fine if that’s what you have. If using kosher salt, you might want to add a pinch more since its crystals are larger. You can also experiment with different seasonings like garlic salt or seasoned salt.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Air Frying
The biggest mistake when preparing air fryer pumpkin seeds is skipping the cleaning and drying process – make sure to rinse off all the pumpkin pulp and pat the seeds completely dry with paper towels, otherwise they won’t crisp up properly. Another common error is overcrowding the air fryer basket, which prevents proper air circulation and leads to uneven cooking – spread the seeds in a single layer and cook in batches if needed. To get that perfect crunch, remember to shake the basket every 3-4 minutes during cooking, and keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes since pumpkin seeds can go from perfectly toasted to burnt very quickly. For the best flavor absorption, toss the seeds with oil and seasonings while they’re still warm from the air fryer, and let them cool completely before storing to maintain their crispiness.
What to Serve With Pumpkin Seeds?
Roasted pumpkin seeds make such a good snack on their own, but they’re also perfect for adding crunch to other dishes! I love sprinkling them over fall salads with mixed greens, dried cranberries, and goat cheese. They’re also really nice on top of creamy soups, especially butternut squash or pumpkin soup – it adds a nice texture contrast. For a fun party setup, serve these crispy seeds alongside other snacks like mixed nuts, popcorn, or dried fruit for a seasonal snack board that everyone will love.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: Once your pumpkin seeds have completely cooled down, put them in an airtight container or mason jar. They’ll stay crunchy at room temperature for about 2-3 weeks – if they last that long! I like keeping them on my counter for easy snacking.
Long-term Storage: Want to keep them even longer? Pop them in the fridge in a sealed container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. The cool temperature helps preserve their nutty flavor and keeps them from going rancid.
Revive: If your seeds lose their crunch over time, just spread them on a baking sheet and warm them in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 350°F. This quick trick brings back that fresh-roasted crispiness we all love!
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 20-25 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1200-1300
- Protein: 50-55 g
- Fat: 100-110 g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35 g
Ingredients
- About 2 cups raw pumpkin seeds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Step 1: Clean and Dry the Pumpkin Seeds
If your pumpkin seeds are not already cleaned, place them in a colander and rinse off any remaining pumpkin flesh.
After cleaning, lay the seeds out on parchment paper and let them air dry for at least 10 minutes.
This step is essential to ensure that the seeds become crispy when air-fried.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
This will ensure that it is at the right temperature when you are ready to start cooking the seeds.
Step 3: Season the Pumpkin Seeds
Once the seeds are dry, place them inside the air fryer basket on top of parchment paper.
Spritz the seeds lightly with oil and sprinkle with sea salt.
If you don’t have an oil mister, you can alternatively put the seeds in a bowl, add the oil and salt, and toss everything until the seeds are evenly coated before placing them in the air fryer.
Step 4: Air Fry the Pumpkin Seeds
Air fry the seasoned pumpkin seeds at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes.
Make sure to move them around halfway through cooking to ensure that they get crispy on both sides.
Adjust the timing based on your preferred level of crispiness.