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15-Minute Chili Lime Baked Pumpkin Seeds

15-minute chili lime baked pumpkin seeds - featured image

These quick and easy chili lime baked pumpkin seeds are perfectly crunchy, tangy, and smoky. Ready in just 15 minutes, they make an irresistible snack for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (unshelled pepitas)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (about half a lime)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt (or to taste)
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper if desired.
  2. Rinse the pumpkin seeds in a colander under cold water. If using fresh seeds, remove any pumpkin pulp.
  3. Place the rinsed seeds in a small saucepan and cover with water. Add ½ teaspoon salt to the water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and boil for exactly 5 minutes.
  4. Drain the seeds in a colander or fine-mesh strainer. Spread them on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and pat dry thoroughly.
  5. In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne (if using). Stir to mix.
  6. Place the dried seeds in a medium mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice. Stir until every seed is coated.
  7. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the oiled seeds and stir vigorously until all seeds are evenly coated.
  8. Spread the seasoned seeds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overlapping.
  9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through at the 5-minute mark. The seeds should be golden brown and fragrant when done.
  10. Remove from the oven and let the seeds cool completely on the baking sheet for at least 5-10 minutes before serving. They will crisp up as they cool.

Notes

Don’t skip the boiling step—it ensures the seeds are crunchy all the way through. Dry the seeds thoroughly after boiling to prevent steaming. Watch the oven closely as seeds can burn quickly. Let them cool completely for maximum crunch. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin seeds, chili lime, baked snack, easy snack, healthy snack, 15-minute recipe, pepitas