There’s something so comforting about scooping out a pumpkin on a crisp fall afternoon, your sleeves pushed up, fingers slick with orange pulp. In our house, that’s when the real magic starts. Because once the carving’s done, we never waste those seeds. Instead, we turn them into warm, crunchy little bites in the air fryer—perfectly seasoned and absolutely irresistible. These air fryer pumpkin seeds have become a cozy tradition, and honestly, I look forward to them more than the jack-o’-lanterns!
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Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds
If you’re looking for a quick fall snack with big flavor, these air fryer pumpkin seeds check all the boxes. They crisp up beautifully with just a touch of oil, and they’re ready in minutes. You can season them any way you like—sweet, salty, spicy, or smoky. They’re a fantastic way to use up those seeds you scoop from pumpkins, too. And the best part? They’re nutritious and crunchy enough to satisfy every snack craving without much fuss.
Choosing the Best Pumpkin for Seeds
While any pumpkin will give you edible seeds, large carving pumpkins are my favorite. They tend to have plumper seeds, which makes for a more satisfying crunch after air frying. Smaller sugar pumpkins or pie pumpkins work too, though you might end up with fewer seeds overall. No matter which you choose, the key is to clean and dry them thoroughly before seasoning.
How to Prep Pumpkin Seeds for Air Frying
Step 1 – Scoop and Separate
Start by cutting open your pumpkin and scooping out the inside into a big bowl. Then fill the bowl with water. The seeds will float to the top—scoop them out gently with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a colander.
Step 2 – Rinse and Clean Thoroughly
Rinse the seeds under cool water, rubbing them with your hands to loosen any lingering pumpkin strands. Don’t skip this step—it helps them crisp up instead of steam in the fryer.
Step 3 – Soak or Boil (Optional)
This extra step makes the seeds more tender inside. You can either boil them for 10 minutes in salted water or soak them overnight in salty water. I usually go the soak route if I’m prepping ahead for the next day.
Step 4 – Dry Completely
This part’s important. You want those seeds totally dry before seasoning. Pat them down with a towel or let them air dry overnight. If they’re damp, they’ll turn chewy instead of crunchy.
Flavor Variations for Pumpkin Seeds
Here comes the fun part—seasoning! Once you’ve tossed your seeds with a bit of olive oil, mix in any of these flavor combos:
- Buffalo: 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce + ¼ tsp pepper
- Ranch: 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning + ¼ tsp pepper
- BBQ: 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce + ¼ tsp each salt and pepper
- Cinnamon Sugar: 2 tablespoons brown sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon + pinch of salt
- Salt & Pepper: ¼ tsp each salt and freshly ground black pepper
Try our ranch-flavored twist on roasted pumpkin seeds for a creamy, savory bite.
How to Air Fry Pumpkin Seeds (Step-by-Step)
Toss with Oil and Seasonings
In a bowl, combine 1 cup of dry pumpkin seeds with ½ teaspoon olive oil. Stir until coated. Add your seasoning mix of choice and toss again until evenly coated.
Air Fry at 360°F for 10 Minutes
Place the seeds in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 360°F for 10 minutes, shaking or flipping them halfway through. They should look golden and feel crisp to the touch.
Cool and Enjoy
Let them cool for a few minutes—they crisp up even more as they sit. Then it’s snack time!
Ways to Enjoy Pumpkin Seeds
Of course, they’re delicious by the handful, but there’s more you can do. Sprinkle them on salads for crunch, toss them into soups for texture, or stir them into homemade granola. You can even add them to trail mix for a cozy autumn twist.
Pair your pumpkin seeds with this easy pumpkin baked oatmeal for a fall-inspired breakfast or snack combo.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds
- Don’t overcrowd the basket—give the seeds space to crisp.
- Make sure the seeds are fully dry before seasoning.
- Start checking for doneness after 8 minutes—every air fryer’s a little different.
How to Store Air Fried Pumpkin Seeds
Once cooled, keep your pumpkin seeds in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Want to make them last longer? Freeze them for up to three months. Just thaw at room temp before munching.
Crispy Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds Recipe
PrintCrispy Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds (5 Flavor Variations)
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These crispy air fryer pumpkin seeds are the perfect fall snack. Quick, crunchy, and packed with flavor—choose from 5 easy seasoning variations!
Ingredients
1 cup pumpkin seeds in shell
1/2 teaspoon olive oil
Buffalo Seasoning:
2 tablespoons buffalo sauce
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Ranch Seasoning:
2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning
1/4 teaspoon pepper
BBQ Seasoning:
2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
Cinnamon Sugar Seasoning:
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
Salt and Pepper Seasoning:
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Instructions
1. Cut open a pumpkin and scoop contents into a large bowl.
2. Fill the bowl with water and let the seeds float to the top. Scoop them out with a slotted spoon into a colander.
3. Rinse seeds under cold water to remove any remaining pumpkin.
4. Optional: Boil seeds in 4 quarts of salted water for 10 minutes or soak overnight in salted water.
5. Dry seeds thoroughly with a towel or air dry overnight.
6. Toss 1 cup of dry seeds with 1/2 teaspoon olive oil in a bowl.
7. Add your chosen seasoning and mix well.
8. Air fry at 360°F for 10 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway.
9. Let cool before eating.
Notes
You can eat pumpkin seeds with or without the shell.
Be sure to dry seeds completely before air frying for best crunch.
Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 weeks or freeze for 3 months.
Try other seasonings like lemon pepper, cayenne, or pumpkin pie spice!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Pumpkin Recipes
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 94
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 146mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Related Recipes to Try
If you’re craving more cozy fall snacks, you’re in luck.
Try our air fryer apples for a warm, tender treat.
Looking for more healthy fall snacks? Try these soft pumpkin oatmeal cookies—they’re perfect with a cup of tea.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can you roast pumpkin seeds in an air fryer?
About 10 minutes at 360°F. Flip halfway and check at the 8-minute mark to avoid burning.
Are pumpkin seeds better in the oven or air fryer?
Both work well, but the air fryer is quicker and gives a crispier finish with less oil.
What to do with pumpkin seeds in an air fryer?
Toss them with oil and your favorite seasoning, then air fry until crunchy. You can eat them as-is or use them as toppings.
How long do you air fry pumpkins for?
If you’re air frying pumpkin flesh (for puree or cubes), cook at 375°F for about 18–22 minutes, depending on the size of your pieces.
Final Thoughts
Air fryer pumpkin seeds are such a simple joy—crunchy, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re craving something spicy, sweet, or salty, there’s a seasoning for every mood. It’s one of those little traditions that makes pumpkin carving even more rewarding. Try a new flavor each time and don’t forget to share your creations! You can find more cozy inspiration on Pinterest, where I’m always pinning seasonal favorites.