Crispy Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds: Easy 5-Minute Snack
Transform pumpkin seeds into a crunchy, protein-packed snack using an air fryer. This simple recipe requires only a few ingredients and takes less than 15 minutes to prepare.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup fresh pumpkin seeds, cleaned from pulp
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Fine sea salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
- Cut the pumpkin open and scoop out the seeds. Place them in a large bowl of warm water to help loosen the pulp.
- Rub the seeds between your hands under running water to remove all slimy strands. Drain and discard any immature seeds that float.
- Spread the clean seeds on paper towels and pat them dry thoroughly. Let them air dry for 15 minutes if possible to ensure maximum crunch.
- In a dry bowl, toss the dried seeds with olive oil until lightly coated. Sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper (and garlic powder if using) and toss again to distribute evenly.
- Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (160°C). Place the seeds in the basket in a single layer without overlapping.
- Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket every 2-3 minutes to ensure even cooking. Remove when golden brown and nutty smelling.
- Let the seeds cool completely on a plate; they will crisp up further as they cool. Store in an airtight container.
Notes
Ensure seeds are completely dry before seasoning to achieve maximum crunch. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary. Seeds continue to crisp up as they cool. For sweet variations, add sugar and cinnamon after cooking to prevent burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup of seeds
- Calories: 160
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 7
Keywords: pumpkin seeds, air fryer, healthy snack, vegan, gluten-free, fall recipe, zero waste, crunchy snack