Fall is my favorite excuse to cook with pumpkins and not just the flesh. I’m Shaym from SoolFood, and every October, I go a little overboard with pumpkin everything. One of the best parts of carving pumpkins as a kid wasn’t the spooky face. It was the slimy pile of seeds I knew I’d get to roast later. Back then, it took forever in the oven. But now, with an air fryer, I can have air fryer pumpkin seeds on the table in under 15 minutes. Crispy, toasty, salty… it’s snack heaven.
Whether you’re hosting a Halloween bash or cozying up with a good book and a warm drink, these air fryer pumpkin seeds are the kind of snack that fits every fall moment. They’re naturally high in magnesium, zinc, and plant-based protein. So you can feel good about polishing off the whole bowl (because you will).
Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Seeds
The air fryer transforms basic pumpkin seeds into crunchy bites with a deep, roasted flavor. Unlike oven roasting, which can leave some seeds underdone or burnt, the air fryer circulates heat evenly for perfect results every time. Plus, it’s faster and cleaner, no baking sheet required.
And they’re totally customizable. Go smoky with paprika, spicy with cayenne, or sweet with cinnamon sugar. My favorite combo? Olive oil, garlic powder, and flaky sea salt. Just enough savory punch to keep your hand going back for more.
If you’re already a fan of our Sweet Potatoes in the Air Fryer, these seeds make a perfect crunchy contrast. And if you’re planning a party, these pair amazingly well with Easy Halloween Party Treats. Fall flavors just love each other.
✨ Ingredients
- 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (rinsed)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Optional seasonings:
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Cinnamon + brown sugar
- Cayenne pepper
👩🍳 Instructions
- Clean & Boil Seeds
After removing the seeds from your pumpkin, rinse them well and remove all pulp. Boil in salted water for 10 minutes. This softens the shells and ensures a crispy finish. - Dry Thoroughly
Pat seeds dry with a clean towel. They must be as dry as possible before air frying. - Season
Toss dried seeds with olive oil, salt, and any extra spices. Make sure they’re evenly coated. - Air Fry
Set your air fryer to 350°F. Spread seeds in a single layer and cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through. - Cool & Crunch
Let them cool before eating. They get crispier as they sit!
🍴 Serving Ideas
These aren’t just for snacking. Try:
- Tossing them onto soups like pumpkin or butternut squash
- Adding to trail mix with dried cranberries and chocolate
- Topping salads or roasted veggies
- Packing in school lunches
Hosting a game night or spooky-themed dinner? Set them out alongside Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks or Air Fryer Corn on the Cob for a crave-worthy snack spread.
🧊 Storage Tips
Once cooled, store your air fryer pumpkin seeds in an airtight jar or container for up to 7 days. They’re best fresh, but if they lose crispiness, pop them back into the air fryer for 2–3 minutes.