Description
A simple yet delicious recipe for roasted pumpkin seeds using an air fryer, perfect for a healthy snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (480ml) fresh pumpkin seeds, cleaned and dried
- 21/2 teaspoons (10ml) avocado oil
- 11/2 teaspoon (5g) garlic salt
- 11/2 teaspoon (5g) smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 375 degrees F. You will notice a warm breeze and a little whiff of heat coming from it. This step helps the seeds crisp up properly, so do not skip it!
- Arrange Seeds Evenly: Spread your seasoned pumpkin seeds in a single layer in the air fryer basket. They should look cozy but not crowded. This ensures they all get that golden-brown color without any soggy spots. If they are piled on top of each other, some might not cook through.
- Shake for Even Cooking: Give the basket a good shake every five minutes while the seeds are cooking. You will hear a delightful clink as they tumble around. This helps them achieve that nice crunch uniformly. Forgetting this may lead to some seeds being overdone while others are still soft.
- Watch for Doneness: Check on the seeds around the 15-minute mark, taking a good look and possibly giving them a gentle stir. They should start to look golden and smell nutty. If they start to look dark, it might be time to take them out before they get burnt.
- Let Them Cool Down: Once they are done cooking, let the seeds rest for a bit. They will continue to crisp up as they cool. Plus, it saves your fingertips from being scorched! If you skip this step, you might dig in too early and not get that perfect crunch.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- If the seeds are not crispy enough after 30 minutes, consider adding another 5 minutes while checking frequently to achieve the desired crunch.
- When using different oils, keep in mind that an extra tablespoon may be needed for optimal crispiness, especially with lighter oils.
- If the seeds seem to burn, you might want to decrease the cooking time or reduce the heat for a gentler roast.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for about 5 minutes to regain crunch.
- Serve with a spicy dipping sauce for contrast.
- Pair with a pumpkin spice latte for a seasonal treat.
- Top salads or soups for added crunch.
- Add taco seasoning for a Mexican twist.
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar for a sweet variation.
- Incorporate nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Select fresh pumpkin seeds for the best flavor and crunch.
- If you need a substitution for avocado oil, olive oil or coconut oil make great alternatives.
- Ensure the seeds are cleaned well and dried adequately for optimal roasting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 166
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 402mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg