Are you tired of bland, boring snacks that leave you unsatisfied? Get ready to revolutionize your snacking game with these mind-blowingly crispy air fryer pumpkin seeds! Imagine transforming ordinary pumpkin seeds into a crunchy, flavor-packed treat that will have your taste buds dancing and your guests begging for the recipe. Whether you're looking for a healthy alternative to chips or a protein-packed munch, these air fryer pumpkin seeds are about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Thoroughly rinse the fresh pumpkin seeds under cold water, removing any pulp or stringy membranes attached to the seeds.
- Pat the pumpkin seeds completely dry using clean paper towels or a kitchen towel. Ensuring seeds are fully dry helps achieve maximum crispiness during air frying.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin seeds with olive oil, ensuring each seed is evenly coated with the oil.
- Sprinkle salt, garlic powder, and paprika over the oiled seeds. Toss thoroughly to distribute the seasonings uniformly across all seeds.
- Preheat the air fryer to 325°F (165°C), which provides optimal roasting temperature for seeds without burning.
- Spread the seasoned seeds in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding to ensure even cooking and crispy texture.
- Cook the seeds for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to promote even roasting and prevent sticking.
- Check seeds for golden brown color and crispy texture. Remove from air fryer when they reach desired crunchiness.
- Transfer roasted seeds to a cooling rack or parchment paper, allowing them to cool and further crisp up for about 5 minutes.
- Store cooled pumpkin seeds in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Tips
- Moisture is the Enemy: Ensure your pumpkin seeds are completely dry before seasoning. Any excess water can prevent that coveted crispy texture.
- Even Coating is Key: Use your hands or a spoon to thoroughly mix the oil and seasonings, guaranteeing each seed is perfectly seasoned.
- Don't Overcrowd: Give your seeds breathing room in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking and soggy seeds.
- Shake, Shake, Shake: Regularly shaking the basket during cooking ensures uniform roasting and prevents burning.
- Customize Your Flavor: Experiment with different seasonings like ranch powder, curry, or even a sweet cinnamon sugar blend to keep things exciting.
- Cool Down Time: Let the seeds cool completely to achieve maximum crunchiness - patience pays off!
- Storage Hack: Keep your perfectly roasted seeds in an airtight container to maintain their crisp texture for up to a week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 170kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
