Name: Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (cleaned and rinsed); 1 teaspoon olive oil or avocado oil; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional); Pinch of black pepper

Crispy, crunchy, and irresistibly snackable, these air fryer pumpkin seeds are my favorite way to use up every part of a fall pumpkin. They’re simple to make, loaded with flavor, and perfect for a wholesome, satisfying snack. With just a few basic ingredients and under 20 minutes of cook time, I can whip these up any time I carve a pumpkin or cook one from scratch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how incredibly easy it is to transform pumpkin seeds into a savory, crispy treat. Making them in the air fryer saves time and delivers the perfect crunch without needing much oil. I also appreciate how customizable they are — I can spice them up or tone them down, depending on what I’m craving. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free, vegan, and packed with fiber, making them a guilt-free snack that I keep reaching for during fall.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (cleaned and rinsed)

1 teaspoon olive oil or avocado oil

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Pinch of black pepper

Directions

After I scoop out the seeds from a pumpkin, I separate them from the pulp and rinse them thoroughly.

I pat the seeds very dry using a clean towel or paper towels. This step is key for getting that crisp texture.

In a medium bowl, I toss the seeds with oil, salt, garlic powder, paprika (if I’m using it), and black pepper until they’re well coated.

I preheat my air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes.

Then, I spread the seasoned seeds in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

I air fry them for 10–15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes so they cook evenly.

Once golden brown and crispy, I let them cool slightly before eating — they become even crunchier as they cool.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 125 kcal per serving

Variations

When I want to mix things up, I try different seasonings like:

Sweet version: I toss the seeds with a little maple syrup, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.

Spicy kick: I add cayenne pepper or chili powder for heat.

Zesty flavor: I sprinkle lemon zest and a dash of cumin for a citrusy twist.

Nutritional boost: I sometimes toss in a bit of nutritional yeast for a cheesy, umami flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Once cooled, I store the seeds in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh and crunchy longer, I sometimes refrigerate them. If they lose their crispiness, I pop them back in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes to re-crisp them before snacking.

Related Recipes:

Cinnamon-Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips

FAQs

How do I clean pumpkin seeds easily?

I find that soaking them in a bowl of water for a few minutes helps loosen the pulp. The seeds float, and I can just scoop them out and rinse.

Can I use seeds from any type of pumpkin?

Yes, I can use seeds from any pumpkin, but larger carving pumpkins tend to have bigger seeds that crisp up nicely. Smaller sugar pumpkins work too, just with smaller seeds.

Do I need to boil the seeds before air frying?

No, boiling isn’t necessary for air frying. As long as I dry them well, the seeds turn out perfectly crispy without boiling.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. I just make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. I cook in batches if needed for the best texture.

Are pumpkin seeds healthy?

Yes! Pumpkin seeds are rich in fiber, protein, magnesium, and healthy fats. They make a nutrient-dense snack that fits into many diets.

Conclusion

Air fryer pumpkin seeds are one of my go-to fall snacks — easy, flavorful, and totally satisfying. Whether I’m craving something salty or spicy, I can tweak the spices to fit my mood. It’s the perfect zero-waste snack that turns leftover pumpkin guts into something truly delicious.

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