Pumpkins are an awesome fruit with which you make a variety of sweet and savory recipes. It is also amazing that you can use pretty much all the parts of a pumpkin. I often make pumpkin puree in the Instant pot which can be used in so many ways and can be freezed too. You can also roast pumpkin in the air fryer. When making this puree, don’t throw away the seeds, as the seeds when crisped are such a wonderful snack. Crunchy roasted pumpkin seeds are delicious when seasoned generously with salt, pepper, or any other seasoning of your choice. This air fryer recipe is the best way to roast pumpkin seeds and it takes so less time to get the perfect crisped texture. Usually, I roast them with their shell intact, as I don’t want to take the effort to remove the shell. We love to use Trader Joe’s Chili Lime seasoning to add an extra kick to the pumpkin seeds.
Watch How to Make Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds
Benefits of Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are also known as Pepita in Spanish. They are full of nutrients and improve heart health. Pumpkin seeds are rich in antioxidants and high in magnesium content. They also help lower blood pressure levels and aid digestion. You can enjoy this crunchy snack without any guilt (don’t forget to control the salt you add).
How to Clean Pumpkin Seeds?
While roasted pumpkin seeds are healthy and delicious, it is also a tedious job of prepare the seeds for roasting. But trust me, it is totally worth it. Separating the seeds from the pumpkin is not my favorite part, but it has to be done. So here is how I do it:
When you carve the pumpkin, remove all the seeds. Separate the pulp from the seeds as much as you can. Then put the seeds in a colander and rinse them well under running water to separate any remaining pieces of pulp. If you find this process a bit difficult, you can also boil the seeds for 10 minutes in salted water. It will help remove the pulp and clean the seeds thoroughly. After you have separated the pulp, rinse the seeds once more and lay them out on a paper towel or clean kitchen towel to dry for 30 minutes. Press gently to remove any excess water.
The outer white shell contains green and oval seeds inside, you can remove them if you want. I usually don’t as I lack the patience, so I just roast them with their shell on.
How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds in the Air Fryer?
I use the air fryer to roast them as it is so much more convenient to use than the oven. I typically don’t pre-heat the air-fryer.
Before you get started on roasting the pumpkin seeds, make sure that they are completely dry. In a large bowl, take the dried pumpkin seeds. Add some melted ghee/butter along with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well till all the seeds are well coated with seasonings. Spread them onto the fryer basket evenly. Cook at 360F for 10-15 minutes and shake the basket half way through for even roasting.
After they are done, take out and check whether they are crisp to your liking. If not, air fry them for additional 3-5 minutes. Let them cool and adjust the seasoning to your taste and enjoy the snack.
Tips to make Perfect Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
I tried both the methods of boiling and not boiling the pumpkin seeds before roasting. I didn’t find a difference in taste. If you are making a bigger quantity, you need to roast it in batches for them to be evenly roasted. You can use Trader Joe”s Chili Lime seasoning or smoked paprika for an extra spice kick. These work perfectly to top on salads too!
Make this nutritious snack in your air fryer, and enjoy anytime!
