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If you love a crunchy, flavorful snack that’s both nutritious and addictive, you are going to fall head over heels for this Air Fryer Spiced Pumpkin Seeds Recipe. It takes humble pumpkin seeds and transforms them into a toasty, perfectly seasoned treat bursting with warmth and a little kick, all made effortlessly in your air fryer. Whether you’re craving a quick nibble or something to impress guests, this recipe delivers crispy, spiced goodness every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a few simple yet essential ingredients is all it takes to create this irresistible snack. Each component plays a vital role — the pumpkin seeds provide the satisfying crunch and subtle earthiness, olive oil brings them to life with a light coating, and the spice blend adds a punch of flavor and a gorgeous reddish hue.
- Pumpkin Seeds: Use 1 cup of rinsed and thoroughly dried seeds to ensure they crisp up perfectly.
- Olive Oil: Just 1 tablespoon coats the seeds evenly, helping the spices stick while enhancing their natural nuttiness.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon to bring out the deeper flavors and season every bite.
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon for an earthy, mild heat that complements the sweetness of the pumpkin seeds.
- Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon to add a subtle layer of savory richness.
- Paprika: ½ teaspoon gives a lovely smoky warmth and beautiful color.
How to Make Air Fryer Spiced Pumpkin Seeds Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by setting your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures the seeds cook evenly and become crisp right from the start, avoiding any soggy spots.
Step 2: Toss the Seeds with Oil and Spices
Place your rinsed and dried pumpkin seeds in a mixing bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over and sprinkle with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss everything together until every seed is generously coated with the fragrant spice blend—this is where all the magic begins.
Step 3: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket
Lightly oil or spray the air fryer basket to prevent sticking. A well-prepped basket ensures your seeds slide out easily once they’re perfectly roasted.
Step 4: Spread Seeds in a Single Layer
Lay the seasoned pumpkin seeds evenly across the basket in a single layer. Crowding can cause uneven cooking, so give each seed a little breathing room for optimal crispiness.
Step 5: Air Fry Until Golden and Crispy
Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to turn the seeds. Keep an eye on them—they’ll turn a gorgeous golden-brown and emit a toasty aroma when done.
Step 6: Season and Cool
Once air frying is complete, give your seeds a quick taste and adjust salt or spices if needed. Let them cool slightly to crisp up even more—it’s a tough wait, but the reward is worth it.
Step 7: Enjoy or Store for Later
These spiced pumpkin seeds are delicious warm, straight from the air fryer, or cooled and stored for snacking anytime. They make for a perfect wholesome munch while binge-watching your favorite shows or as a crunchy salad topper.
How to Serve Air Fryer Spiced Pumpkin Seeds Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh herbs like chopped parsley or a dash of grated Parmesan for an extra layer of flavor and color contrast. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving also brightens the spices beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Air Fryer Spiced Pumpkin Seeds Recipe pairs wonderfully with creamy dips like hummus or guacamole, making a fantastic snack platter. They also add delightful crunch alongside soups or salads for a textural boost.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these pumpkin seeds in small, colorful bowls or mason jars for parties or gift-giving. Mix them into trail blends with dried fruit and nuts for an energizing, homemade snack mix that’s perfect on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling completely, store your spiced pumpkin seeds in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay crisp and delicious for several days, making them an easy snack to have on hand.
Freezing
If you want to keep your seeds fresh even longer, freezing is a great option. Just place them in a sealed freezer bag and thaw at room temperature when ready to munch.
Reheating
To revive their crispness, pop leftover seeds back into the air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes. This quick refresh brings out their toasted flavors all over again without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use raw pumpkin seeds straight from the pumpkin?
Absolutely! Just make sure to rinse off the pulp and dry the seeds thoroughly before seasoning and air frying. Proper drying is key to getting that perfect crunch.
What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I bake these in the oven?
Yes, you can roast these in a conventional oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The air fryer just speeds up the process and helps achieve a more even crispness.
Can I adjust the spices for different flavors?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with cayenne for heat, cinnamon for warmth, or even curry powder for a unique twist. The Air Fryer Spiced Pumpkin Seeds Recipe is a fantastic base for your creativity.
How do I know when the seeds are perfectly cooked?
Look for a golden brown color and a toasty aroma. They should also feel crisp to the touch and have a satisfying crunch when you bite into them.
Are pumpkin seeds healthy to eat regularly?
Yes! Pumpkin seeds pack nutrients like magnesium, zinc, and healthy fats, making them a wholesome snack that supports heart, bone, and immune health.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Air Fryer Spiced Pumpkin Seeds Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to snack for anytime munching. It’s easy, flavorful, and wonderfully customizable — plus, the crunchy, spiced bites are impossible to resist. Get your air fryer ready and treat yourself to this simple, satisfying delight today!
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Air Fryer Spiced Pumpkin Seeds Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup seasoned pumpkin seeds
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and flavorful air fryer pumpkin seeds seasoned with a blend of olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Perfectly toasted in just minutes for a healthy, crunchy snack or salad topper.
Ingredients
Seeds
- 1 cup pumpkin seeds, rinsed and dried
Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to fully preheat for the best results.
- Season the Seeds: In a mixing bowl, combine the rinsed and dried pumpkin seeds with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss well to ensure each seed is evenly coated.
- Prepare the Basket: Lightly grease or spray the air fryer basket to prevent the seeds from sticking during cooking.
- Spread Seeds Evenly: Arrange the seasoned pumpkin seeds in a single, even layer inside the air fryer basket to promote uniform crisping.
- Air Fry: Cook the seeds for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure they toast evenly and become golden and crispy.
- Season to Taste and Cool: Once done, taste the seeds and adjust the seasoning if needed. Let them cool slightly to crisp up further.
- Serve or Store: Enjoy the pumpkin seeds warm as a snack or use them as a crunchy topping. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for later snacking.
Notes
- Make sure pumpkin seeds are fully dried after rinsing to get the best crispiness.
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking to prevent burning and to help the seeds cook evenly.
- Feel free to customize the seasoning by adding cayenne pepper for heat or cinnamon and sugar for a sweet variation.
- Store cooled seeds in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
