The World’s Best Way To Roast Pumpkin Seeds For That Perfect Fall Crunch

Ah, fall. The season of cozy sweaters, colorful leaves, pumpkin spice lattes, and, of course, pumpkins! But if you’re anything like me, carving pumpkins is a lot more exciting when you realize you’ve just unlocked the gateway to the most addictively crunchy fall snack—roasted pumpkin seeds. And if you haven’t yet tried roasting them in an air fryer, let me introduce you to your new favorite way to snack this season.

The Best Way To Roast Pumpkin Seeds For That Perfect Fall CrunchPhoto byFeasting Not Fasting

Why Air Frying Pumpkin Seeds is the Way to Go:

Gone are the days of standing by the oven, peeking through the door like an impatient pumpkin seed stalker. The air fryer has swooped in like a superhero, saving time and giving us perfectly crispy, golden-brown seeds in record speed. In just 10 to 15 minutes, you’ll be enjoying that satisfying crunch without the need to constantly rotate pans or wonder if your seeds are done. The air fryer’s even heat distribution ensures that every single seed gets that perfect toasty crispness.

The Goodness Inside Every Seed:

The Best Way To Roast Pumpkin Seeds For That Perfect Fall CrunchPhoto byFeasting Not Fasting

Pumpkin seeds aren’t just a fun snack—they’re a nutritional powerhouse! These little seeds are packed with protein, healthy fats, fiber, and essential minerals like magnesium, zinc, and iron. They’re basically tiny superheroes for your body, helping with everything from heart health to boosting your immune system. Not to mention, they’re a fantastic source of antioxidants. In other words, not only do these seeds taste amazing, but they’re also doing your body a whole lot of good! So go ahead cruch away!

Spice It Up: Seasoning Ideas for Every Palate:

Now, let’s talk seasoning. Sure, you could stick with classic salt and pepper, but why stop there? Pumpkin seeds are like a blank canvas begging to be dressed up in all sorts of flavor combinations. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Smoky BBQ: Paprika, cumin, chili powder, and a touch of brown sugar.

Spicy & Sweet: Cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and a sprinkle of sugar.

Italian Herb: Dried oregano, basil, and a pinch of Parmesan.

Zesty Lime: Lime zest, chili powder, and a dash of sea salt. Trader Joe's has a great chili lime seasoning that is delicious.

Everything Bagel: A mix of sesame seeds, garlic, onion, and poppy seeds.

Cleaning Pumpkin Seeds: A Necessary Evil (But Totally Worth It)

Okay, so maybe cleaning pumpkin seeds isn’t the most glamorous part of the process. But trust me—it’s worth it when you’re munching on that crispy goodness later. Here’s the best way to do it:

1. Carve your pumpkin and scoop out all the seeds. Yes, you’ll be up to your elbows in stringy orange pulp, but it’s part of the fun, right?

2. Separate the pulp from the seeds. Toss your seeds into a colander and rinse them well under running water to help the pulp slide off.

3. If you're in a rush (or just hate this part), toss your seeds into a pot of boiling salted water for 10 minutes. This will loosen the remaining pulp and get your seeds sparkling clean in no time.

4. Lay them out to dry on a paper towel or clean kitchen towel for about 30 minutes. Pat them gently to remove any excess water. The dryer they are, the crunchier they’ll be!

The Best Way To Roast Pumpkin Seeds For That Perfect Fall CrunchPhoto byFeasting Not Fasting

Now, here’s the thing about pumpkin seeds: they come in a white shell that houses a green, oval seed inside. If you’re feeling fancy, you can remove the shells, but let’s be real—I don’t have the patience for that, and chances are, neither do you. So I roast them with the shell on. The shell adds an extra layer of crunch, and who doesn’t want more crunch?

ProTips for Roasting the Perfect Pumpkin Seeds

• Make sure your seeds are bone-dry before roasting. Excess moisture is the enemy of crispy seeds.
• Don’t crowd the air fryer basket. Give those seeds room to breathe and roast evenly.
• Shake the basket halfway through. This ensures that all the seeds get evenly toasted.
• Watch the time. Pumpkin seeds can go from perfectly roasted to burnt faster than you can say “autumn,” so keep an eye on them in those last few minutes.
• Season after air frying if you want to avoid burning delicate spices like garlic powder or Parmesan.

The Best Way To Roast Pumpkin Seeds For That Perfect Fall CrunchPhoto byFeasting Not Fasting

Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pumpkin seeds
• 2 teaspoons of butter (or substitute with olive oil or avacado oil)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (to taste)
• 3/4 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Make sure your pumpkin seeds are clean and completely dry.

2. In a bowl, toss your seeds with melted butter (or olive oil) and your spices (watch your garlic as it can burn quickly you may choose to add your garlic at the end). Mix until the seeds are well-coated.

3. Spread the seeds evenly in the air fryer basket.

4. Cook at 360°F for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

5. Check for crispness; if they need more time, pop them back in for 3-5 more minutes. But remember that they will burn quickly so keep an eye on them!

6. Let the seeds cool, adjust seasoning to your taste, and enjoy!

The Best Way To Roast Pumpkin Seeds For That Perfect Fall CrunchPhoto byFeasting Not Fasting

And there you have it: the perfect crunchy fall snack that’s so worth the effort! Whether you’re curling up with a spooky movie or just looking for a healthy bite to munch on during a crisp autumn walk, air-fried pumpkin seeds are the snack you didn’t know you needed—until now.

Enjoy Friends! 🎃

The Best Way To Roast Pumpkin Seeds For That Perfect Fall CrunchPhoto byFeasting Not Fasting