Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds

Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds

Servings: 2-3

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10-12 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (from a fresh pumpkin)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Seeds:

   • Start by scooping out the seeds from a fresh pumpkin. Place them in a large bowl of water and use your hands to separate the seeds from the pulp.

   • Rinse the seeds thoroughly under cold water, making sure to remove all stringy pulp. Pat them dry well with paper towels. Dry seeds will crisp up better in the air fryer.

   • In a medium mixing bowl, toss the cleaned and dried pumpkin seeds with the olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until they are well coated.

     
     

2. Air Fry the Seeds:

   • Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 2-3 minutes.

   • Spread the seasoned pumpkin seeds in an even layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overlapping to allow for even cooking and maximum crispiness.

   • Cook the seeds for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. The seeds should be golden brown and crunchy. Keep a close eye on them towards the end to avoid burning, as they can go from perfectly toasted to burnt very quickly.

     
     

3. Cool and Serve:

   • Once the seeds are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.

   • Serve immediately or store for later snacking.

Pro Tips:

• Dry Thoroughly: It’s crucial to dry the seeds thoroughly after rinsing. Excess moisture will steam the seeds rather than roast them, which prevents them from becoming crispy.

• Season Variations: Feel free to experiment with different seasoning blends. For a sweet version, try cinnamon and sugar. For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper or chili powder.

• Watch Closely: Pumpkin seeds can go from perfect to burnt quickly, especially in the last few minutes of cooking. Start checking at around 9 minutes to ensure they don’t overcook.

• Use Fresh Seeds: Fresh pumpkin seeds are best for this recipe, but if using store-bought raw seeds, adjust the cooking time accordingly.

• Storage: Store cooled pumpkin seeds in an airtight container for up to 1-2 weeks. If they start to lose their crispness, you can reheat them in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to bring back the crunch.

Serving Suggestions:

• Snack Time: These air fryer pumpkin seeds are a great healthy snack, perfect for munching on throughout the day.

• Salad Topper: Sprinkle over a salad for an extra crunch. They add a nutty flavor and satisfying texture to mixed greens, especially when paired with dried cranberries and feta cheese.

• Soup Garnish: Use these pumpkin seeds as a garnish for soups, such as butternut squash soup or tomato bisque, to add some texture and flavor contrast.

• Trail Mix: Mix with dried fruits, nuts, and chocolate chips to create a delicious homemade trail mix.