If you love fall snacking, you are going to adore these crispy and savory Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds.
Lightly seasoned and roasted to perfection, they are crunchy, flavorful, and unbelievably easy to make.
This recipe turns leftover pumpkin seeds into a golden, irresistible treat that everyone will grab by the handful.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds are the kind of snack that makes you look forward to carving pumpkins even more.
They are simple to prepare, need just a few pantry staples, and cook quickly in the air fryer with minimal mess.
You can season them to your liking, which makes the recipe endlessly versatile, and it is friendly enough for beginners who are still learning their way around the kitchen.
Best of all, the result is a snack that tastes fresh, wholesome, and far better than anything from a bag at the store.
Before you get started
Before roasting, give the seeds a good rinse to remove pumpkin pulp, then pat them dry with a towel to help them crisp in the air fryer.
Preheating your air fryer ensures even cooking, so don’t skip that step. I also recommend keeping your seasoning ready to go because once the seeds are coated with oil, they will be perfectly primed to soak up all that flavor.
How to make Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds
Making Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds is straightforward and rewarding. Once you scoop the seeds from your pumpkin, give them a rinse and pat them dry so they crisp nicely.
Toss them with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt, then let the air fryer do the work.
In just minutes, you’ll have a warm, crunchy snack with a toasty flavor that pairs perfectly with cozy fall days.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin seeds (~medium pumpkin)
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp seasoning salt (or regular salt)
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Start by scooping out the pumpkin seeds and pulling them away from the stringy pulp. Rinse them under cool water, then pat them with a clean towel to remove excess moisture. The seeds do not need to be completely dry.
Step 2
In a medium mixing bowl, toss the seeds with olive oil and seasoning salt until each seed is evenly coated.
Step 3
Spread the seeds into a single layer inside the air fryer basket, giving them room to roast evenly.
Step 4
Set the air fryer to 360°F and cook the seeds for 10 to 12 minutes. About halfway through, pause to shake the basket so the seeds toast on all sides.
Step 5
Once golden and crisp, remove the seeds from the basket and let them cool slightly before enjoying.
Variations
Sweet cinnamon sugar: Toss the pumpkin seeds with a little melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon before roasting. The result is a cozy, sweet snack perfect for autumn evenings.
Spicy chili lime: Mix the seeds with chili powder, a pinch of cayenne, and a squeeze of lime juice for a tangy, spicy twist that packs flavor in every bite.
Garlic parmesan: After air frying, sprinkle the warm seeds with grated parmesan cheese and garlic powder. This gives them a savory, cheesy coating that is hard to resist.
How to store
At room temperature
Keep cooled pumpkin seeds in an airtight container on the counter for up to 3 days. This is ideal if you plan to snack on them quickly.
In the refrigerator
For longer freshness, store the seeds in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Give them a quick reheat in the air fryer to bring back their crunch.
In the freezer
Pumpkin seeds also freeze well. Spread them on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen in the air fryer for a crispy finish.
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to prepare the pumpkin seeds in advance?
Yes, you can prepare them in advance and store them in an airtight container. They reheat beautifully in the air fryer, so you can enjoy that fresh-roasted crunch even later.
What if I do not have seasoning salt?
Regular salt works just fine, but you can also add your own mix of garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
Do I need to soak the seeds before roasting?
Soaking is optional. It can help soften the outer shell slightly, but as long as you rinse and pat the seeds dry, they will roast up crisp in the air fryer.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds are a fun, easy, and delicious way to turn pumpkin carving leftovers into something special.
With just a few minutes of prep and a handful of ingredients, you can create a warm and crunchy snack that is perfect for weeknight nibbling, holiday gatherings, or even game day.
Try one of the variations to keep things interesting, and don’t forget to share how you enjoyed them. I’d love to hear your feedback and see your own seasoning creations!
Also try these recipes!
- Strawberry Cream Cheese Crepes Filling Recipe
- Shamrock Pretzel Pops Recipe
- Ham and Cheese Omelet Bake Recipe
Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin seeds , medium pumpkin
- ½ tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp seasoning salt, regular salt
Instructions
- Start by scooping out the pumpkin seeds and pulling them away from the stringy pulp. Rinse them under cool water, then pat them with a clean towel to remove excess moisture. The seeds do not need to be completely dry.
- In a medium mixing bowl, toss the seeds with olive oil and seasoning salt until each seed is evenly coated.
- Spread the seeds into a single layer inside the air fryer basket, giving them room to roast evenly.
- Set the air fryer to 360°F and cook the seeds for 10 to 12 minutes. About halfway through, pause to shake the basket so the seeds toast on all sides.
- Once golden and crisp, remove the seeds from the basket and let them cool slightly before enjoying.
