This crunchy and healthy air fryer pumpkin seeds recipe is the perfect fall snack! Lightly seasoned and roasted to perfection, these seeds are a deliciously simple way to enjoy the best of autumn.
Whether you’re carving pumpkins or just love the cozy flavors of fall, this quick, air-fried treat will become a seasonal favorite.
We discovered this recipe while carving pumpkins last year, and it’s been a family favorite ever since. Roasting pumpkin seeds in the air fryer is not only faster than traditional oven methods, but it also gives them that perfect crisp texture every time.
Plus, it’s such a fun and satisfying way to use the seeds you’d otherwise toss. Let’s turn those raw pumpkin seeds into a crunchy, flavorful snack you’ll love!
Quick Look at What’s Inside
Nutrition Benefits of Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds aren’t just tasty, they’re packed with nutrients that are great for your health. Here’s why we love them:
- Rich in magnesium: Pumpkin seeds are a great source of magnesium, which supports bone health, energy production, and muscle function.
- High in plant-based protein: With 5 grams of protein per serving, these seeds are perfect for keeping you full and energized.
- Loaded with antioxidants: Pumpkin seeds contain antioxidants like vitamin E, which help protect your cells from damage.
- Heart-healthy fats: These seeds are high in unsaturated fats, which support a healthy heart and cholesterol levels.
Simply seasoned and air-fried, this recipe retains all those wonderful nutrients while keeping things light and delicious!
Ingredients for Crunchy Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds
To get started, here’s everything you’ll need for this easy Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds recipe. Don’t forget to check your spice cabinet for some fun seasoning options!
1 cup pumpkin seeds
1 teaspoon ghee or butter (olive oil works too)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Optional tools: Air fryer, paper towels, mixing bowl, colander.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds
Let’s walk you through how to make pumpkin seeds in the air fryer step by step. It’s easy, fun, and perfect for even the busiest fall days!
1. Clean the pumpkin seeds
Start by removing the seeds from your pumpkin. Separate as much of the pulp as possible. Place the seeds in a colander and rinse them under running water to remove any remaining pumpkin pieces.
For extra cleaning, you can boil the seeds for 10 minutes in salted water—this step is optional but helpful. After rinsing or boiling, spread the seeds on a paper towel or clean kitchen towel. Let them dry for about 30 minutes, pressing gently with paper towels to remove excess water.
2. Season the seeds
Once your seeds are dry, transfer them to a mixing bowl. Add melted ghee or butter, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat all the seeds evenly with the seasonings.
3. Air fry the seeds
Spread the seasoned seeds in an even layer in your air fryer basket. Set your air fryer to 360°F and cook for 10–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even roasting.
Check the seeds after 15 minutes—if they’re not as crispy as you like, air fry them for an additional 3–5 minutes.
4. Cool and enjoy
Once the seeds are roasted to your liking, let them cool completely. Add more seasoning if desired, then enjoy your homemade pumpkin seeds as a crunchy, healthy snack!
Tips from Our Test Kitchen
- For extra flavor, try swapping the garlic powder with chili lime seasoning or smoked paprika. These spices add a bold, zesty kick!
- Boiling the seeds before roasting helps remove any stubborn pulp, but it’s not essential. We’ve tested both methods and found no noticeable difference in taste.
- Making a large batch? Roast the seeds in smaller portions to ensure even cooking.
Variations, Leftovers, and Storage
Looking to switch things up or save some for later? Here’s how to customize and store your roasted pumpkin seeds:
- Sweet variation: Toss the seeds with a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar instead of savory spices for a sweet fall treat.
- Storing leftovers: Keep your roasted seeds in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to two weeks.
- Repurposing leftovers: Sprinkle leftover seeds on salads, soups, or yogurt bowls for added crunch and nutrition.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 99
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 156mg
Note: Nutrition values may vary based on specific ingredients and amounts used.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds
What’s the best way to clean raw pumpkin seeds?
To clean raw pumpkin seeds, rinse them under running water in a colander to remove pulp. For extra cleaning, boil them in salted water for 10 minutes before drying.
Can I make these pumpkin seeds without an air fryer?
Yes! You can roast them in the oven at 325°F for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
How do I store pumpkin seeds after roasting?
Store roasted seeds in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerate for up to two weeks.
What other spices can I use for seasoning?
Get creative! Try cinnamon for sweetness, chili powder for heat, or everything bagel seasoning for a savory twist.
Quick, easy, and totally addicting — fall snacking made fun!
These crunchy and healthy air fryer pumpkin seeds are the ultimate fall snack, easy to make, packed with nutrition, and oh-so-delicious! We hope you’ll give this recipe a try and enjoy the satisfying crunch of perfectly roasted seeds.
Don’t forget to share your results with us, tag Simply Nourished Life on Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook. And if you’re looking for more cozy fall recipes, check out our other air fryer snacks and wholesome treats.
Happy snacking!
Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1 teaspoon ghee or butter olive oil works too
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Clean the pumpkin seeds
- Start by removing the seeds from your pumpkin. Separate as much of the pulp as possible. Place the seeds in a colander and rinse them under running water to remove any remaining pumpkin pieces.
- For extra cleaning, you can boil the seeds for 10 minutes in salted water—this step is optional but helpful. After rinsing or boiling, spread the seeds on a paper towel or clean kitchen towel. Let them dry for about 30 minutes, pressing gently with paper towels to remove excess water.
Season the seeds
- Once your seeds are dry, transfer them to a mixing bowl. Add melted ghee or butter, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat all the seeds evenly with the seasonings.
Air fry the seeds
- Spread the seasoned seeds in an even layer in your air fryer basket. Set your air fryer to 360°F and cook for 10–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even roasting.
- Check the seeds after 15 minutes—if they’re not as crispy as you like, air fry them for an additional 3–5 minutes.
Cool and enjoy
- Once the seeds are roasted to your liking, let them cool completely. Add more seasoning if desired, then enjoy your homemade pumpkin seeds as a crunchy, healthy snack!
Notes
- For extra flavor, try swapping the garlic powder with chili lime seasoning or smoked paprika. These spices add a bold, zesty kick!
- Boiling the seeds before roasting helps remove any stubborn pulp, but it’s not essential. We’ve tested both methods and found no noticeable difference in taste.
- Making a large batch? Roast the seeds in smaller portions to ensure even cooking.
Storing leftovers: Keep your roasted seeds in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to two weeks.
Repurposing leftovers: Sprinkle leftover seeds on salads, soups, or yogurt bowls for added crunch and nutrition. Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 99
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 156mg