Easy Best Crispy Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds Recipe
Turn pumpkin carving leftovers into a quick, crunchy, and addictive snack with this air fryer recipe. Ready in under 20 minutes, these perfectly salted seeds are a family-friendly treat that’s both nutritious and delicious.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup fresh pumpkin seeds (about 85g)
- 2 cups water (475 ml)
- 1 to 1.5 teaspoons fine sea salt (6-9g), divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil (15 ml)
Instructions
- Clean the seeds: Separate seeds from pumpkin guts, rinse in a colander under cold water, and rub off large stringy bits.
- Boil the seeds: In a small saucepan, bring 2 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt to a rolling boil. Add seeds and boil for exactly 10 minutes.
- Drain and dry: Drain seeds in a colander, spread on a clean towel, and pat very dry. Let air dry for 5 minutes.
- Season the seeds: Transfer dry seeds to a mixing bowl. Add 1 tablespoon oil and remaining ½ teaspoon salt. Toss to coat evenly.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and preheat for 3 minutes.
- Air fry the seeds: Spread seeds in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-12 minutes, shaking the basket every 4 minutes, until golden brown and rattling.
- Cool and enjoy: Pour hot seeds onto a plate or baking sheet. Let cool completely for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
The boiling step is crucial for crispy seeds—do not skip it. Ensure seeds are thoroughly dried before air frying to avoid steaming. Cook in a single layer for even crispiness. For best results, let seeds cool completely before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sodium: 200
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 8
Keywords: air fryer pumpkin seeds, crispy pumpkin seeds, easy pumpkin seeds, healthy snack, fall recipe, kid-friendly snack