• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Crumb Top Baking

Healthier Desserts and Savory Recipes

  • Home
  • About & Contact
  • Recipe Index
  • Air Fryer Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • Photography Portfolio
You are here: Home / Air Fryer Recipes / Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds

Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds

September 30, 2020 Updated: September 23, 2021 By Leanne 12 Comments

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe
Pinterest image for Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds - long pin.
Pinterest image for Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds - short pin 2.
Pinterest image for Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds - short pin 1.

If you love toasted pumpkin seeds, you’ll want to try these salted and crunchy Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds. This easy recipe includes tips and tricks to help you get crispy pumpkin seeds for quick snacks and salad toppings!

Toasted pumpkin seeds in a black bowl on a light coloured surface.

We started the pumpkin carving early in our house this year. And while I love a good jack-o-lantern, the carving was actually for these air fryer pumpkin fries. If you haven’t tried them yet, they’re a great way to change up your fall side dishes.

After testing multiple batches of pumpkin fries over the past few weeks, I had a lot of fresh pumpkin seeds that I didn’t want to go to waste. And since I’m using my air fryer on a daily basis these days, I decided to roast up a few seeds in it for a quick and healthy snack.

What you’ll need for these toasted pumpkin seeds

You just need three ingredients:

  • A large pumpkin 
  • Oil
  • Salt
Up close image of a large orange pumpkin.

What kind of pumpkin yields the best seeds for roasting?

To get a full cup of seeds for roasting, go for a large pumpkin. The kind you would buy for Halloween pumpkin carving is perfect for this recipe. These pumpkins usually have larger seeds too.

If you find yourself with a few little pumpkins, like the Jack Be Little mini pumpkins I used in my pumpkin fries recipe, those seeds work too. You’ll just need a few little pumpkins to yield enough seeds to get one cup. The seeds are also smaller, and tend to stick to the pumpkin flesh, so they take a little longer to clean. 

How to prepare pumpkin seeds for roasting

Collage of 4 images showing the seeds scooped out of the pumpkin, flesh removed and air dried on a towel.

Making sure your pumpkin seeds are free of any pumpkin flesh and fully dried are key to getting the seeds crunchy in the air fryer.

First, you’ll need to scoop those seeds out of your pumpkin. If you’re not carving a pumpkin, and just using the pumpkin for the seeds and the flesh, this video from Green Healthy Cooking has helpful tips for cutting up and roasting a pumpkin.

Once you have the seeds removed, they’ll still have pieces of pumpkin flesh attached to them. Just add them to a large bowl with some water, and swoosh them around with your fingers to help remove the pieces of flesh.

Drain them in a colander and rinse with more water to help get any remaining pieces of pumpkin flesh off the seeds.

Spread the seeds out on a few layers of paper towels or on a clean, lint-free tea towel. Ensure all the flesh is removed and let them air dry for 2 hours.

How to toast pumpkin seeds in the air fryer

Collage of 4 images showing how the pumpkin seeds are seasoned in a glass bowl and air fried until golden and crispy.
  1. Once the seeds are fully dry, place them in a large bowl.
  2. Add the oil and salt and stir the seeds until they’re well coated.
  3. Spread the seeds out in a thin layer in the air fryer basket and air fry on 350F for 15-20 minutes. Start checking the seeds after 10 minutes to ensure they don’t burn and stir them a few times.
  4. Remove the basket from the air fryer and let the seeds cool slightly before eating. If they’re not crispy enough, just air fry them for another few minutes.

Frequently asked questions

Why are my toasted pumpkin seeds chewy?

This could be because the seeds still have some flesh stuck to them, or the seeds were not fully air dried before air frying. Wait a few minutes for them to cool in the air fryer basket. If they’re still chewy, just air fry them for another few minutes. If you think they’re going to burn, just reduce the temperature on your air fryer to 300F.

Do you need to air dry pumpkin seeds before roasting?

Yes. Air drying the seeds is essential to getting crispy air fryer pumpkin seeds. I usually let them air dry for about 2 hours.

Do you need to soak the pumpkin seeds first?

I don’t let them soak, but I do rinse them in a bowl of water first to help remove the pumpkin flesh from the seeds.

What temperature is best for air frying pumpkin seeds?

I find 350F works best. It’s high enough so the seeds toast quickly, but not too high that they burn.

How long does it take to air fry pumpkin seeds?

At 350F, it will take 15-20 minutes. If your seeds are smaller, like those from mini pumpkins, they should be crispy after 15 minutes. Bigger seeds will take closer to 20 minutes. Regardless of the size, start checking on them after 10 minutes.

How do you store air fried pumpkin seeds?

Let them cool completely and just store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

How long will they last?

In terms of freshness, I would suggest enjoying them within a few weeks. I’ve seen other recipes suggest that they can last anywhere from 1 – 6 months. Honestly, they probably could, as long as they’re stored in a cool, dry place. The seeds just haven’t lasted long enough in our house to test that kind of shelf life!

Can you eat the shells?

Yes! The shells actually contain fibre in addition to the fibre in the inner seed.

Overhead image of a large pumpkin cut in half on a wooden cutting board, with the seeds and flesh exposed.

Additional recipe tips and substitutions

  • These pumpkin seeds are toasted with a simple seasoning of salt and oil. I don’t usually go overboard on salt, so feel free to add more salt to suit your taste.
  • You can also change up the seasonings with some fresh ground pepper, garlic powder, chili powder or smoked paprika. 
  • The recipe instructions are based on a Philips air fryer with a 2.75 quart capacity. Depending on the size and brand of your air fryer, you may need to adjust the temperature and air frying time slightly.
  • Don’t pack the seeds into the air fryer basket. If you have more than a cup of seeds and a smaller capacity air fryer like the one I’m using, air fry them in two batches. You want the air to circulate around the seeds in the air fryer so the seeds toast evenly.
  • If the seeds still seem soft or chewy after 20 minutes of air frying, let them cool for a few minutes. They usually get crispier as they cool. If they’re still chewy, just add them back to the air fryer. I’ve even added them back to the air fryer a day later.

Other air fryer snack recipes

  • Air Fryer Tortilla Chips (with 5 flavour options included in the recipe).
  • Air Fryer Chickpeas (for a crispy snack or replacement for croutons in a caesar salad).
  • Air Fryer Baby Potatoes (perfect for snacking with a creamy jalapeño dip).
  • Air Fryer Kale Chips (ultra crispy and ready in just 7 minutes in the air fryer).
  • Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers (made dairy-free with cashew cheese).
  • Air Fryer Potato Wedges (fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside).

If you make these air fryer pumpkin seeds, I would love to hear what you think in the comments below!

HUNGRY FOR MORE?  Follow Crumb Top Baking on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Air fryer pumpkin seeds in a small black bowl with seeds scattered around it.

Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds

★★★★★ 5 from 5 reviews
  • Author: Leanne
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 1 cup
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Air Fry
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Description

If you love toasted pumpkin seeds, you’ll want to try these salted and crunchy Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds. This easy recipe includes tips and tricks to help you get crispy pumpkin seeds for quick snacks and salad toppings!


Ingredients

  • 1 large pumpkin (enough for 1 cup of fresh pumpkin seeds)
  • 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Scoop the seeds out of the pumpkin and place them in a large bowl of water. Use your fingers to swoosh the seeds around in the water and remove any pumpkin flesh from the seeds.
  2. Drain the seeds in a colander and rinse with more water to get any remaining pieces of pumpkin flesh off the seeds.
  3. Spread the seeds out on a clean, lint-free tea towel or a few layers of paper towels. Ensure all the flesh is removed and let them air dry for at least 2 hours.
  4. Once the seeds are fully dry, add them to a medium-sized bowl along with the oil and salt. Stir until the seeds are well coated.
  5. Spread the seeds out in a thin layer in the air fryer basket and air fry on 350F for 15-20 minutes. (Start checking the seeds after 10 minutes to ensure they don’t burn and stir them a few times).
  6. Remove the basket from the air fryer and let the seeds cool before eating. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Notes

  1. You can use mini pumpkins like Jack Be Littles but you’ll need a few to get a full cup of seeds. The seeds in these pumpkins are also smaller and tend to stick to the pumpkin flesh, so they take a little longer to clean.
  2. Don’t skip the step of air drying the seeds as this is essential to getting crunchy pumpkin seeds in the air fryer.
  3. Feel free to season the pumpkin seeds with more salt or other seasonings to suit your taste.
  4. If you have more than a cup of seeds, air fry them in two batches. You want the air to circulate around the seeds in the air fryer so the seeds toast evenly.
  5. If your seeds are smaller, they should be crispy after 15 minutes. Bigger seeds will take closer to 20 minutes.
  6. If the seeds still seem soft or chewy after 20 minutes of air frying, let them cool for a few minutes. They usually get crispier as they cool. If they’re still chewy, just add them back to the air fryer for a few minutes.
  7. The recipe instructions are based on a Philips air fryer with a 2.75 quart capacity. Depending on the size and brand of your air fryer, you may need to adjust the temperature and air frying time slightly.
  8. Be sure to check out the detailed sections above the recipe card for additional advice and suggestions for making this recipe.

Keywords: toasted pumpkin seeds, roasted pumpkin seeds

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @crumbtopbaking on Instagram and hashtag it #crumbtopbaking

  • Share

Filed Under: Air Fryer Recipes, All Recipes, Fall Recipes, Pumpkin Recipes, Snacks

Previous Post: « Walnut Banana Bread with Molasses
Next Post: Cranberry Oatmeal Muffins (+ Video) »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Tasia ~ two sugar bugs says

    October 5, 2020 at 1:59 am

    I LOVE pumpkin seeds!! Every time you post something in the air fryer, you make me want to get one!! I’ll definitely need to try these in my mom’s air fryer!

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      October 5, 2020 at 6:54 am

      They’re so crunchy and addictive. Definitely worth a try Tasia!

      Reply
  2. Marissa says

    October 2, 2020 at 3:54 pm

    You definitely have me wanting an air fryer, Leanne! These pumpkin seeds look so perfectly crisp!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      October 5, 2020 at 7:06 am

      Thanks Marissa! They’re super crispy!

      Reply
  3. Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says

    October 2, 2020 at 11:07 am

    I love all your air fryer recipes, as I feel like I don’t use mine nearly enough. Great inspiration! And as soon as I get my pumpkin, I’ll be trying these 🙂

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      October 5, 2020 at 7:08 am

      Thanks Jennifer! Happy to inspire. I’m always trying something new in my air fryer!

      Reply
  4. Christie says

    October 1, 2020 at 7:26 pm

    This would be the perfect snack! I love pumpkin seeds so much and I need to try having them this way!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      October 5, 2020 at 7:12 am

      Thanks Christie. These are so great for snacking!

      Reply
  5. Alex says

    October 1, 2020 at 4:13 am

    Such a wonderful snack! Perfect for all the pumpkin we are starting to consume!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      October 1, 2020 at 6:51 am

      Thanks Alex!

      Reply
  6. Terry says

    September 30, 2020 at 11:03 am

    I love pumpkin seeds this time of year! I have never had them in an air fryer but will definitely have to try this recipe. Looks easy and delicious!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      October 1, 2020 at 6:52 am

      Thanks Terry! I hope you get to try them!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Meet Leanne

Hey there! I'm Leanne and welcome to Crumb Top Baking. I'm a self-taught baker, home cook and food photographer, and I'm passionate about sharing recipes that help people eat a little healthier and find balance in the recipes they prepare for themselves and their families. Learn more about me and what you'll find on Crumb Top Baking....

Follow Crumb Top Baking

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Find a recipe

Trending recipes

  • Up close view of air fryer roasted beets in a white bowl with a spoon inserted into the beets. Air Fryer Beets (Easy Roasted Beets)
  • Overhead view of air fryer tortilla chips arranged in bowls with dips, beer and jalapenos surrounding it. How to Make Air Fryer Tortilla Chips ...
  • Overhead view of Air Fryer Peppers and Onions served in a white oval dish with a spoon inserted into it. Air Fryer Peppers and Onions
  • Overhead view of air fryer turnip fries arranged on a tray with ketchup and chipotle dip. Air Fryer Turnip Fries

Copyright © 2023 crumbtopbaking.com - Privacy Policy & Terms of Use

Crumb Top BakingLogo Header Menu
  • Home
  • About & Contact
  • Recipe Index
  • Air Fryer Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • Photography Portfolio