Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds Recipe

If you’re looking for the crunchiest, most flavorful snack to greet cozy autumn afternoons, Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds are about to become your new obsession. This easy, surprisingly addictive treat takes humble pumpkin seeds and transforms them into a savory, crispy bite you’ll crave year-round. With bold flavors from ranch, barbecue, and a hint of cinnamon-sugar, plus the irresistible texture that only the air fryer can provide, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make every fall (and honestly, any time you have extra seeds lying around). Simple, versatile, and wonderfully snackable, Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds are the ultimate way to maximize your pumpkin harvest.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the beauty of Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds: the ingredient list is short but packed with personality. Every element is chosen to deliver unbeatable flavor and that perfect snappy crunch, so don’t skip the details—each one plays its part in the finished snack.

• Pumpkin seeds (in shell): Fresh from your carving pumpkin, these are the backbone of the recipe and roast up with wonderful crunch.
• Olive oil: Just enough to lightly coat the seeds, ensuring crispness and helping all those seasonings cling.
• Buffalo sauce: For a mild, vinegary heat that pairs beautifully with the earthiness of pumpkin seeds.
• Pepper: Added in small amounts throughout for that extra spark of flavor in every bite.
• Dry ranch seasoning: The tangy, herby kick that makes these seeds totally craveable.
• Barbecue sauce: Sweet, smoky notes take the snack to a whole new level of deliciousness.
• Salt: Essential to make all the flavors pop and to balance any sweetness.
• Brown sugar: For a subtle caramel undertone that’s soul-warming and irresistible.
• Cinnamon (ground): Just a touch for warmth and a gentle, cozy spice.

How to Make Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds

Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Seeds

Start by cutting open your pumpkin and scooping all the contents into a large bowl. Fill the bowl with water and watch as the seeds float to the top—this makes it so much easier to separate them from the stringy pulp. Use a slotted spoon to lift out the seeds and transfer them into a colander. Give them a thorough rinse to wash away any lingering pumpkin bits.

Step 2: Boil or Soak for Extra Tenderness (Optional)

If you want seeds that are easier to digest and beautifully crisp, you have the option to either boil or soak them. For boiling, simply fill a pot with water and a generous pinch of salt, bring to a boil, add the seeds, and let them simmer for about 10 minutes. Or, soak them in salt water overnight. Either way, this step adds a little TLC (and a touch of saltiness) to your Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds.

Step 3: Dry the Seeds

It’s time to dry those pumpkin seeds! Lay them out in a single layer on a clean, lint-free tea towel, then gently pat them dry with another towel. Giving them a few extra minutes to air dry helps achieve that irresistible crunch in the air fryer later.

Step 4: Add Oil and Toss

Place one cup of your dried pumpkin seeds into a medium bowl. Add just a half teaspoon of olive oil and stir to coat every single seed. The oil not only helps the seasonings stick but also gives you that delightfully crispy finish.

Step 5: Season Your Seeds

This is where you get to have fun! Divide your seeds if you prefer different flavors, then add in your seasonings—choose a combo like buffalo and ranch, barbecue, or sweet cinnamon-sugar. Don’t forget a sprinkle of salt and a dash of pepper with each batch. Use your hands or a spatula to make sure every pumpkin seed is well-seasoned.

Step 6: Air Fry to Perfection

Spread the seasoned seeds in an even layer in your air fryer basket. Air fry at 360°F for 10 minutes, shaking or stirring halfway through to ensure even roasting. Keep a close eye towards the end—the seeds can go from perfectly golden to too dark quickly. You’ll know they’re done when they sound hollow and rattle as you shake the basket.

Step 7: Cool and Snack!

Let your Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds cool for just a few minutes—the hardest part is waiting! Once cool, they’re ready to be devoured by the handful, sprinkled over soups, or tucked into lunchboxes for a wholesome crunch.

How to Serve Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds

Garnishes

For that “wow” touch, try sprinkling a little extra ranch seasoning or cinnamon-sugar mix over the seeds just before serving. A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt takes the flavor up a notch and gives them a pretty finishing touch. You can also toss in some finely chopped fresh herbs, like parsley or chives, if you want something vibrant and garden-fresh.

Side Dishes

Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds make a fantastic addition to cheese boards, or serve them alongside a bowl of creamy soup—imagine roasted squash or tomato bisque with a handful scattered on top. They also add a welcome crunch to leafy salads, grain bowls, or even next to a sandwich for a satisfying lunch upgrade.

Creative Ways to Present

Package your Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds in little jars or decorative bags for homemade gifts—they’re always a crowd-pleaser at holiday gatherings or as party favors. For an Instagram-worthy spread, serve different flavor varieties in small bowls so guests can sample and pick their favorites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious and snappy for about a week—just make sure they’re totally dry before sealing them up to keep that signature crunch.

Freezing

You might be surprised, but you can actually freeze roasted pumpkin seeds! Just pop them into a freezer-safe zip bag or container. This little trick means you can make big batches of Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds and enjoy them well past pumpkin season. Thaw them at room temp before munching.

Reheating

If your seeds lose their crisp after storage, simply spread them on a baking sheet or toss them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes. They’ll be good as new, with all the crunch you love.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pumpkin seeds instead of fresh ones?

Absolutely! If you don’t have a fresh pumpkin handy, store-bought raw pumpkin seeds work perfectly. Just make sure they’re unsalted and unroasted so you can add your favorite seasonings and roast them fresh in your air fryer.

What if I don’t have ranch or barbecue seasoning?

No worries. Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds are super versatile, so feel free to get creative! Try classic spices like paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, or even nutritional yeast for a cheesy twist. The options are endless.

How do I know when the seeds are done?

Your nose will know—the seeds’ aroma becomes warm and toasty, and they’ll sound hollow and rattle when you shake the basket. Watch closely during the last few minutes to prevent over-browning.

Can I make these seeds less spicy?

Totally! Skip the buffalo sauce or use less pepper, and opt for milder flavors like cinnamon-sugar or plain salted. Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds can be tailored for any taste bud in the house.

Why do my seeds sometimes turn out chewy?

If the seeds aren’t completely dry before roasting, or if they need a bit more time in the air fryer, they may not crisp up fully. Always dry thoroughly, and don’t be afraid to add another minute or two in the air fryer for the perfect crunch.

Final Thoughts

Don’t let those pumpkin seeds go to waste—invite your family and friends into the kitchen and whip up a batch of Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds! With a world of flavors to try and that unbeatable homemade crunch, it’s a tradition you’ll look forward to every fall. Enjoy the magic that happens when a few simple ingredients come together in a snack that’s as wholesome as it is delightfully addictive.

Print