This Roasted Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds recipe is delicious, crunchy, healthy, and tasty. This snack is the perfect way to use those pumpkin seeds after carving a pumpkin.
You’ll find the full recipe with ingredient amounts and instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Be sure to check out the blog post itself for extra tips and tricks!
It’s that time of year again. All things Fall are in the air, pumpkin carving is a joyous activity, and we’re getting ready for some of our favorite Fall Holidays. One in particular that we love is Halloween, when we head to the pumpkin patch, pick a pumpkin, and then take it home to carve.
If you’ve ever carved a pumpkin, you’re familiar with the ooey-gooey pulp and seeds that are scooped from the inside. Before you toss those seeds, consider roasting them for a snack. You’ll be plenty surprised at how crunchy and delicious they are.
I roast mine in my air fryer because I find that it makes seeds and beans extra crunchy. I followed a similar method when I made these air fryer chickpeas.
A Quick Look at The Ingredients
Ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions are on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Raw pumpkin seeds from a fresh pumpkin (rinsed and cleaned of pulp)
- Water and salt (for boiling and flavor)
- A little oil, such as olive oil, canola oil, or avocado oil (to help crisp in the air fryer)
- Seasonings of your choice (savory or sweet variations work well)
How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds in the Air Fryer
Step 1: Start by prepping the seeds. First, you’ll need to cut the top off the pumpkin and remove the pulp and seeds from the inside. You’ll notice many seeds stuck to a little bit of pulp. Use your hands and gently remove the pulp from the seeds.
Step 2: Place the seeds in a colander and rinse them. My medium-sized pumpkin yielded about 1 and ¼ cups of seeds.
Step 3: Next, place the seeds in a medium-sized pot and cover with 3 cups of water and 1 Tablespoon kosher salt. Bring to a boil and allow them to boil for about 7 minutes. Once done, drain the seeds in a colander and then place them on a clean kitchen towel.
Step 4: Pat the seeds dry and then place them in the air fryer basket. They will still be partially wet, but that is ok.
Close the air fryer basket and air fry at 350°F (175 °C) for 4 minutes. This will allow our seeds to dry before adding oil.
Step 5: After 4 minutes, open the basket and lightly spray the pumpkin seeds with olive oil, and then stir to ensure all the seeds are covered. Close the basket and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes at 350°F (175 °C), stirring halfway through the cooking time.
Step 6: When there are about 1-2 minutes left, season the seeds with any desired seasonings. Once the seeds are roasted, remove them and spread them on a sheet pan. Allow them to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
How to Season the Pumpkin Seeds
These seeds will already have a slightly salty taste (thanks to our boiling step), but if you want additional flavors, add seasonings with about 2 minutes left on your cooking time. You do not want to add seasonings too early, or they may burn.
Seasoning Suggestions
One of the best parts about making pumpkin seeds in the air fryer is how easy it is to switch up the flavors. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Classic Savory – Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Spicy Kick – Chili powder, cayenne pepper, and a squeeze of lime juice after cooking.
- Cajun - for a bold taste of the South.
- Sweet & Crunchy – Cinnamon, nutmeg, and a sprinkle of sugar.
- Cheesy Twist – Grated Parmesan with Italian seasoning.
- Everything Bagel – A mix of everything bagel seasoning for a salty, garlicky crunch.
💡 Tip: Add seasonings during the last 1–2 minutes of air frying so they stick without burning.
How to store Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Store these seeds in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks at room temperature. You could also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Tanya's Notes on Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds
- These are good for snacking as is, but you could also use them in salads, on top of morning oatmeal, or with granola.
- Season the seeds like you like. You can use the seasonings I used in my air fryer chickpeas recipe, stick with salt and pepper, or use a little Tajin seasoning.
- Use any oil with a high-smoke point that you prefer. I usually use canola or avocado oil.
Looking for more Air-Fried Snack recipes? Try these out:
- Air Fryer Beet Chips - Light, crispy, and naturally sweet. These beet chips are one of my favorite guilt-free snacks straight from the air fryer.
- Air Fryer Sugar Pecans - I love making these sugar pecans during the holidays and snacking on them while they're still warm.
- Apple Chips - Simple, crisp, and full of apple flavor. These homemade apple chips make the perfect wholesome treat for the fall season.
I hope you like these pumpkin seeds as much as we do. If you've tried this recipe, I'd love to hear about it in the comments below. Thanks so much for your support.
Crispy Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Cut the top off the pumpkin and remove the pulp and seeds from the inside. Place the seeds in a colander and rinse the seeds.
- Place the seeds in a medium-sized pot and cover with 3 cups of water and 1 Tablespoon kosher salt. Bring to a boil and allow to boil for about 7 minutes. Once done boiling, drain the seeds in a colander and then place them on a clean kitchen towel and pat the seeds dry.
- Place the seeds in the air fryer basket. Close the air fryer basket and air fry at 350F (175 °C) degrees Fahrenheit for 4 minutes.
- After 4 minutes, open the basket and lightly spray the pumpkin seeds with oil, and then stir to ensure all the seeds are covered. Close the basket and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes at 350F °(175, stirring halfway through.
- Add any desired seasonings when there are about 1-2 minutes left on the air fryer cook time.
- Once the seeds are roasted, remove them and spread them on a sheet pan. Allow them to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
- These are good for snacking as is but you could use these for salads, on top of morning oatmeal, or granola.
- Season the seeds as you like. You can use the seasonings I used in my air fryer chickpeas recipe, stick with salt and pepper, or use a little tajin seasoning.
- Use any oil with a high-smoke point that you prefer. I usually use canola or avocado oil.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!This post was originally published on October 25, 2021. It has been updated with new information.
Laura Thompson says
The pumpkin seeds turned out perfect - crunchy and slightly salty. I removed them and tossed in avocado oil at the 4 minute mark, then sprinkled with a touch of sea salt with 2 minutes to go. I had tried making roasted pumpkin seeds before and they had not turned out, but in the air fryer they were perfect. Thank you for the recipe.
Tanya says
Thanks so much for the feedback Laura! I agree, pumpkin seeds in the air fryer come out great.
Kristie says
Do the seeds just fly around the air fryer while cooking?
Tanya says
Great question! They do fly around. I can hear them moving a little while air frying.