Air fryer pumpkin seeds are a quick crunchy seasonal snack that goes great in trail mix, salads or as a hummus topper. Reduce food waste by making a satisfying fall snack in the air fryer.
2 - 3teaspoonsDiamond Crystal Kosher saltif using another brand, start with ½ the amount and season to taste
Instructions
Scoop out pumpkin seeds and separate seeds from pumpkin meat and fibrous strands.
In a medium pot, bring about 6 cups of water to a rolling boil. Add in pumpkin seeds and cook for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally and keep an eye on the pot. Sometimes the proteins in the pumpkin meat and fibrous strands can cause the foam to boil over the pot. If this is happening, reduce the heat and keep stirring.
After 10 minutes, drain the pumpkin seeds in a colander and dry in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. It’s important to remove as much moisture as you can to get a good texture. Remove any of the extra meat and fibrous strands that are stuck on the seeds.
Preheat the air fryer to 375F.
Toss in olive oil and kosher salt to taste and if using another seasoning, add it here. Cook for 7-8 minutes and then toss pumpkin seeds.
Cook again for another 6-10 minutes until crispy and crunchy. Pumpkin seeds are done when they are darker in color, dry and turning golden brown. It is okay if the pumpkin seeds are flying around the air fryer or fall through the grate.
Allow to cool and enjoy as a snack or a crunchy topping on salads, soups or dips.
Notes
The best pumpkin to use for pumpkin seeds are the large carving pumpkins. They usually contain the most seeds!
Boiling the pumpkin seeds partially cooks them and also helps remove the pumpkin meat and fibrous strands much easier.
Be careful when boiling pumpkin seeds since they can foam up and make a mess. Reduce heat if you’re seeing too much foam.
Dry pumpkin seeds well after boiling to get the best color and crunch from the air fryer.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or in the fridge for up to 2 months. Storing in the fridge may result in loss of crunch.
It’s okay if the pumpkin seeds are flying around the air fryer or fall below the cooking grate, they’ll still cook! They are very light and as they dry they get lighter.