Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

inAmerican Recipes, Autumn Recipes, Gluten Free Recipes, Recipes, Vegan Recipes
  • YIELDS | VARIABLE
  • PREP TIME | 10 MINS, ADD 1 HR IF SOAKING
  • COOK TIME | 10-25 MINS

I love roasted pumpkin seeds. I have many childhood memories of my mom roasting pumpkin seeds while my siblings and I carved our pumpkins. My mom would scoop out the seeds and pulp, affectionately known as the “guts,” and then rinse and roast them to perfection.
Sometimes she would simply sprinkle Kosher salt on them, and other times she would add pepper and garlic powder, even curry seasoning or paprika! I prefer savory, but if you like a little sweet on your seeds, sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, then roast.

Ingredients

  • Fresh, raw pumpkin seeds, quantity depends on the pumpkin
  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil, depending on the quantity of seeds
  • Kosher salt, plus more if brining the seeds (See Notes)
  • Other favorite spices and seasonings

Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer to oven 370°F or the oven to 350°F.
  2. Scoop the seeds from the pumpkin, and place in a large bowl. Fill the bowl halfway with water. Swish the water and seeds, and remove the pulp from the bowl.
  3. Pour the seeds into a colander, and rinse with cool running water to remove any of the remaining, clingy fibers. Dry well with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel unless you plan to soak the seeds (See Notes).

Air Fryer Method

  1. Place the dry seeds in the preheated, air fryer’s basket, in a single layer.
  2. Sprinkle with a small amount of olive oil and seasoning of choice.
  3. Roast for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking process.

Oven Roasting Method

  1. Pour the seeds onto a rimmed baking sheet, in a single layer.
  2. Sprinkle with olive oil and seasoning of choice.
  3. Roast the seeds in for 20-25 minutes, tossing the seeds on the pan halfway through the cooking process.

Notes

If you soak the seeds in salty water for an hour before roasting them, they will take on a wonderful, not-too-salty flavor. Use 1 tablespoon of salt per 2 cups water. Dry well with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel before air frying or roasting.