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Easy 5-Minute Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds: Best Cozy Snack

air fryer pumpkin seeds - featured image

Crispy, salty, and perfectly crunchy air fryer pumpkin seeds ready in just 5 minutes. No boiling required, minimal cleanup, and endlessly customizable with your favorite seasonings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup fresh pumpkin seeds
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste
  • Optional seasonings: garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, cinnamon sugar, or everything bagel seasoning (start with ¼ teaspoon)

Instructions

  1. Clean the seeds: Place pumpkin seeds in a colander and rinse under cool running water, gently rubbing away the pulp. Shake to drain excess water.
  2. Pat them dry: Spread rinsed seeds onto a paper towel or clean kitchen towel, fold over, and press gently to absorb moisture. They should feel damp but not dripping.
  3. Season the seeds: Transfer seeds to a small mixing bowl. Add 1 tablespoon oil and ½ teaspoon salt. Toss until every seed is lightly coated. Add optional seasonings if desired and toss again.
  4. Preheat the air fryer: Set air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it run for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Arrange in the basket: Spread seasoned seeds in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not pile them up.
  6. Cook for 5 minutes: Air fry at 350°F for 5 minutes. At the 2.5-minute mark, pause and shake the basket or stir the seeds.
  7. Check for doneness: Seeds should be golden brown and sound hollow when shaken. If still soft, cook for another 1-2 minutes.
  8. Cool completely: Transfer hot seeds to a plate or baking sheet in a single layer. Let cool for at least 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best texture, do not overcrowd the basket. Shake halfway through cooking. Let seeds cool fully before serving to achieve maximum crunch. For stronger flavor, season again after cooking. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 1-2 minutes to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

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