You like quick and easy snacks that embody fall, right? Pumpkin seeds with a twist, these crunchy little yummies are made in the air fryer, which makes the process go faster, helping you to make batches of your favorite fall snack to save for lunch boxes, road trips, and more! With just a few ingredients, you can air fry yourself a delicious and protein filled snack. Keep these in mind while you are carving pumpkins this Halloween. Scoop out the pumpkin flesh and save the fresh pumpkin seeds. Add a little butter and spice, throw in the air fryer basket, give it a shake, and BOO! I mean yum!
Ingredients in Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin Seeds- save your pumpkin seeds while carving pumpkins. Give them a rise in the colander to remove the pulp, pat with a kitchen towel and they are ready to go! Melted Butter- salted butter adds flavor, choose your favorite. Cinnamon Sugar- make your own by literally mixing cinnamon and sugar. More cinnamon will create a spicer blend.
More Flavor Combinations
No need to stop the flavor train at cinnamon sugar. The combinations for different flavors are endless, but here are a few ideas to toss with your pumpkin seeds.
Sweet and Spicy Pumpkin Seeds: Use the sweet and spicy flavors in our Sweet and Spicy Pumpkin Seeds recipe for a new flavor variation. Spicy Garlic Parmesan: For a savory twist, combine your pumpkin seeds with grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper before air frying. You’ll end up with a tasty and slightly spicy snack with a hint of garlic. Honey Roasted: Toss the pumpkin seeds in honey and a sprinkle of brown sugar before air frying for a sweet and slightly caramelized treat. Savory Ranch: Season your seeds with ranch seasoning for a savory, tangy flavor. It’s like enjoying your favorite ranch dressing but in a crunchy seed form. Kids will especially love this one. Chili Lime: Season the seeds with chili powder or tabasco sauce and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a zesty and spicy kick. Everything Bagel: Coat the seeds with an “everything bagel” seasoning blend for a savory, garlicky, and oniony flavor. BBQ Twist: Mix the seeds with your favorite barbecue seasoning for a smoky and tangy snack that’s perfect for game day. Zesty Taco: Season the seeds with taco seasoning for a fiesta of flavors that’s great for snacking or topping taco salads. Herb-Infused: Try a mixture of dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano with a drizzle of olive oil for a fragrant and earthy taste. Buffalo-Style: Spice up your seeds with buffalo sauce and a bit of melted butter for a tangy, spicy, and buttery kick. Maple Pumpkin Spice: Embrace the fall flavors with this combo! Coat your pumpkin seeds in a mix of maple syrup, a dash of pumpkin spice, and a pinch of salt. The result is an autumn-inspired treat that’s perfect for cozy evenings by the fire.
Boiling or Soaking Pumpkin Seeds
Common practice is to boil or soak pumpkin seeds before roasting and eating them. Although it is safe to eat pumpkin seeds raw, boiling or soaking them softens the seeds, making them easier to eat. It also removes the phytic acid from the pumpkin seeds, which is a substance found in plant seeds that reduces the absorption of nutrients. Pumpkin seeds are nutrient rich in things like magnesium, fiber, calcium, iron, zinc, sodium, potassium, and antioxidants. These are things you want to absorb. It’s easy, all you have to do is boil for 10 minutes, or soak overnight for 8-12 hours.
Recipe Tip
Read Next: Easy Pumpkin Desserts
How to Make Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds
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