Roasted Pumpkin Seeds in the Air Fryer Recipe
Roasting pumpkin seeds in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy a crunchy, delicious, and healthy snack. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this air fryer pumpkin seeds recipe will help you make perfectly roasted pumpkin seeds in no time!
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds in the Air Fryer Recipe
Background on This Recipe
Have you ever carved a pumpkin and realized there are so many pumpkin seeds? Ever wonder if there is something you could do with them? Instead of throwing them away, why not transform them into a delicious snack? Roasting pumpkin seeds in an air fryer is a great way to use up those leftover seeds, and it's incredibly easy to do.
With just a few simple ingredients and a short cooking time, you can enjoy crispy and flavorful pumpkin seeds that make for a great snack during the fall season. Pumpkin seeds can be expensive at the store, so why not reuse the pumpkin seeds you carve yourself and make them into a fun, sweet, and toasty treat? Not only are these roasted pumpkin seeds tasty, but they are also a nutritious snack packed with health benefits too!
Why I Like This Recipe
It’s an easy way to reuse your carved pumpkin seeds.
It only requires six ingredients.
Most ingredients are pantry staples.
It can easily be substituted for what you have on hand.
It can be made dairy-free by substituting the butter for oil or vegan butter.
It is gluten-free.
Why Cook Your Pumpkin Seeds in the Air Fryer vs the Oven
No preheating is necessary. You can just pop them into the air fryer without waiting 15 minutes to preheat your oven.
Easy clean up. Just pop the air fryer basket in the dishwasher or line the basket with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
It takes 1/2 the time! The oven can take anywhere from 20-25 minutes, and the air fryer takes anywhere from 12-15 minutes.
Tips for Success
For best results, make sure the pumpkin seeds are dry before you air fry them. This is a perfect way to get them super crispy and also allow the cinnamon sugar to better coat them evenly.
Dry the seeds for at least an hour. If you have time, dry them for 24 hours.
Every air fryer is different, so just check on the seeds after 12 minutes to ensure they are not burning. If, after 12 minutes, they still are soft, pop them back in for another few minutes. You want them to be crispy!
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds in the Air Fryer Ingredients
2 cups of pumpkin seeds, dried
2 tablespoons melted butter
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
Ingredient Substitutions
Pumpkin seeds: you can use the pumpkin seeds leftover from your carved pumpkins, or you can buy store-bought pumpkin seeds in the shell. Alternatively, if you have pepitas (shelled pumpkin seeds), the same recipe can be used! Just cut the cooking time by 8 minutes.
Butter: I feel like everyone has butter in their fridge. Vegan butter works as a substitute. Alternatively, any oil like coconut oil or avocado oil will also work. Just make sure it’s melted so it can coat all of the seeds.
Granulated sugar: I used coconut sugar. You can use brown sugar, white sugar, or any other granulated sugar on hand.
Cinnamon: adjust the amount of cinnamon based on your preference. I love cinnamon, so I load up.
Vanilla: it adds that perfect sweetness to the cinnamon sugar. Alternatively, you can use vanilla beans.
Salt: just add a bit of your favorite salt to balance out the sweetness.
How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds in the Air Fryer
Remove the pumpkin seeds and rinse them. Allow them to dry from 1 hour up to 24 hours on a baking sheet. I like to lay some paper towels or a kitchen towel down underneath and on top to soak up all of the liquid.
Into a large bowl, add the melted butter, granulated sugar, cinnamon, vanilla and salt. Stir with a large spoon to combine.
Finally, toss in the clean pumpkin seeds and coat well. Give it a good shake!
Pop them into an air fryer at 325 for 12 minutes, shaking halfway.
Once the seeds are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool before enjoying!
Storage
Store the roasted pumpkin seeds in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. They can be stored for up to 7 weeks. If you find that the seeds have become less crisp over time, you can re-crisp them by placing them back in the air fryer at 250°F for 3 minutes. Enjoy your roasted pumpkin seeds whenever you're in the mood for a tasty and nutritious snack!
FAQ
What temperature should I set the air fryer to for roasting pumpkin seeds?
For roasting pumpkin seeds in an air fryer, you should set the temperature to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that the seeds cook evenly and become crispy.
How long do I need to roast pumpkin seeds in an air fryer?
In an air fryer, it typically takes about 12 minutes to roast pumpkin seeds. However, cooking times may vary depending on the model and size of your air fryer, as well as personal preference for how crispy you like your seeds. I recommend checking on the seeds after 12 minutes to ensure they are not burning. If they are still soft, you can pop them back in the hot air of the air fryer for another few minutes until they reach your desired level of crispiness.
Should I pre-soak the pumpkin seeds before roasting them in an air fryer?
Pre-soaking the pumpkin seeds before roasting them in an air fryer is not necessary, but it can help with the overall texture and taste of the seeds. Soaking the seeds in water overnight or for a few hours can help soften the outer shell and make them easier to digest. It can also help remove any remaining pumpkin pulp or debris from the seeds.
However, if you're short on time or don't want to go through the soaking process, you can still roast the pumpkin seeds without pre-soaking them. The air fryer will help to crisp up the seeds and give them a delicious crunch, even without the soaking step.
Ultimately, whether or not you choose to pre-soak the pumpkin seeds before air frying them is a personal preference. Soaking can enhance the texture and flavor, but it is not necessary for a successful batch of roasted pumpkin seeds in the air fryer.
Do I need to coat the pumpkin seeds in oil before roasting them in an air fryer?
No, you do not need to coat the pumpkin seeds in oil before roasting them in an air fryer. The melted butter in this easy recipe will provide enough moisture and flavor to coat the seeds. However, if you prefer a different type of oil or want to make the recipe vegan, you can use olive oil or any other vegetable oil as a substitute for the melted butter. Just make sure to use a small amount to prevent the seeds from becoming greasy.
Are there any special steps I need to take to ensure my roasted pumpkin seeds turn out crispy and flavorful?
Dry the pumpkin seeds: Before roasting, make sure to dry the pumpkin seeds thoroughly. After removing them from the pumpkin, rinse them in cold water to remove any pulp, and then pat them dry with paper towels. Allowing them to air dry for at least an hour, or up to 24 hours, will ensure that you get crunchy air fryer pumpkin seeds.
Coat them well: In a large bowl, combine melted butter (or oil), granulated sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir to combine and then toss in the dried pumpkin seeds, making sure to coat them thoroughly with the mixture. This is the best way to give them a delicious flavor.
Use an air fryer: Cooking the pumpkin seeds in an air fryer is a great way to achieve crispy results. To air fry pumpkin seeds, preheat your air fryer to 325°F (165°C). Place the coated pumpkin seeds in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for about 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This will ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
Cool before enjoying: Once the seeds are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool completely before enjoying. This will allow them to crisp up even more.
Roasting pumpkin seeds in an air fryer is a fantastic way to turn leftovers into a fun, healthy, and crunchy snack. With minimal ingredients and a short cooking time, you can enjoy crispy and flavorful pumpkin seeds that are perfect for munching on. Whether you're looking for a way to use up pumpkin seeds or simply craving a tasty snack, this air fryer recipe is the way to go.
Roast Pumpkin Seeds in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2 cups of pumpkin seeds, dried
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Remove the pumpkin seeds and rinse them. Allow them to dry from 1 hour up to 24 hours on a baking sheet. I like to lay some paper towels down underneath and on top to soak up all of the liquid.
- Into a large bowl, add the melted butter, granulated sugar, cinnamon, vanilla and salt. Stir to combine.
- FInally toss in the pumpkin seeds and coat well.
- Pop them into an air fryer at 325 for 12 minutes, shaking half way.
- Once the seeds are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool before enjoying!
