The first cold snap of fall always hits different. That crisp breeze carries a whisper of soup pots and spice jars—and suddenly, I’m scooping seeds out of a pumpkin with one hand and sipping cider with the other. These air fryer pumpkin seeds? They’re the crunchy little reward for getting messy in the kitchen.
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Why Make Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds?
Making air fryer pumpkin seeds is quick, easy, and surprisingly fun. You only need eight minutes total—no oven preheating, no babysitting trays. Just a handful of pantry spices, a drizzle of oil, and the air fryer does the rest.
These are:
- Crispier than stovetop or oven-roasted seeds
- Light on effort but full of bold flavor
- Perfect for snacking or sprinkling on everything from salads to soups
If you’re already prepping air fryer pumpkin, don’t toss the seeds! They’re gold.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into the bowl:
- 1 cup pumpkin seeds (240 ml) – fresh and cleaned
- 1 tsp olive oil – just enough to coat
- 1 tsp cumin – earthy warmth
- 1 tsp mixed spice – adds cozy depth
- 1 tsp sweet paprika – a hint of smokiness
- Salt and pepper – season to taste
You can go savory, like this version, or lean sweet with cinnamon and brown sugar. Want spicy? Try cayenne and garlic powder instead. These seeds take on flavor like champs.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Clean and Dry the Seeds
Start by rinsing your seeds under cool water to remove pumpkin pulp. Then pat them completely dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step really matters—dry seeds get crisp, soggy ones don’t.
2. Season with Oil and Spices
Toss your dry seeds into a bowl. Add olive oil and all your spices. Then mix well using your hands. You want every seed to glisten with flavor.
Pro tip: Use just 1 cup per batch. That ensures proper air flow and even crisping.
3. Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Spread the seasoned seeds in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 180°C (360°F) and cook for 5 minutes.
Some seeds might fall through to the bottom—that’s okay! They’re still delicious and just a tad toastier.
No need to preheat the air fryer. These work beautifully in models like Ninja Foodi or similar.
Storage and Shelf Life
Once cooled, store your pumpkin seeds in a sealed jar or airtight container. Keep them in a cool, dry place—like a pantry or cupboard.
They stay fresh and crunchy for up to 6 months, though honestly, they rarely last that long in my house.
Serving Ideas
These air fryer pumpkin seeds are more than a grab-and-go snack. Try them:
- Sprinkled over soups for a crunchy contrast
- On top of roasted veggies or grain bowls
- Packed into lunchboxes for a salty treat
- Added to a fall-themed snack mix or party platter
They even pair nicely with healthy pumpkin oatmeal cookies for a cozy afternoon combo.
FAQs About Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds
Are pumpkin seeds better in the oven or air fryer?
The air fryer wins for speed and crispiness. No preheating, no long wait times—just 5 minutes to roasted goodness.
How to roast pumpkin seeds with an air fryer?
Clean and dry the seeds, toss them with oil and seasoning, then air fry at 180°C (360°F) for 5 minutes.
How long does it take to airfry pumpkin?
Cubed pumpkin takes about 15–18 minutes at the same temperature. You can see how in this pumpkin recipe.
How long do you air dry pumpkin seeds?
At room temperature, air drying takes 12 to 24 hours. But for this recipe, towel-drying works just fine.
Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds Recipe Card
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Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds | Quick & Crispy Fall Snack
- Total Time: 8 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Quick, crispy, and flavor-packed, these air fryer pumpkin seeds are your go-to fall snack. Ready in just 8 minutes with bold spices and no oven required.
Ingredients
240 ml (1 cup) pumpkin seeds
1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp mixed spice
1 tsp sweet paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Clean and dry pumpkin seeds thoroughly.
2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl and coat seeds evenly using hands.
3. Spread seeds in air fryer basket in a single layer.
4. Air fry at 180°C (360°F) for 5 minutes.
5. Let them cool slightly before eating or storing.
Notes
No need to preheat air fryer.
Great for Ninja Foodi or similar models.
Seeds that fall to the bottom of the basket are still edible.
Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
Try sweet or spicy seasoning variations.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Seasoning, Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Air Fryer
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 105
- Sugar: 0.3
- Sodium: 3
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0.01
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 0
More Such Recipes
If you love easy fall flavors, check out:
- Mini pumpkin pie crescent rolls for fall
- Easy pumpkin pie cheesecake dessert
- Healthy pumpkin oatmeal cookies
Final Thoughts
Air fryer pumpkin seeds are one of those small, satisfying kitchen wins. They’re fast, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re carving jack-o’-lanterns or cooking down pumpkin for dinner, don’t toss those seeds.
Give this quick recipe a try. Mix up your seasonings. And let me know how you flavor yours—I’d love to hear your crunchy combos.
For more seasonal snack ideas, follow along on Pinterest or join the cozy kitchen crew on Facebook.