Have you carved your Halloween pumpkin yet? Don’t throw away your seeds from your Jack O Lantern! Instead, try our crispy spicy air fryer pumpkin seeds for a quick and easy keto snack or savory Halloween treat. (Oven method instructions included too!)
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Save the Seeds!
Whether you are carving an epic Halloween design into your pumpkin or roasting your pie pumpkins to make Thai Pumpkin Curry, SAVE the SEEDS! Seriously, you have no idea what you have missing out on! Roasted pumpkin seeds are crunchy, savory, and super addictive. Try them as a low carb snack, as a crunchy topping on a Roasted Butternut and Carrot Ginger Soup or as a fun topping to your salads.
Our time saving method for roasting pumpkin seeds in the air fryer does NOT include any messy soaking or rinsing to remove all the pulp. Why wash off all the delicious flavors? We added Cajun spice for a super easy healthy snack that family and friends are going to love.
Budget Friendly
Gluten – Free
Vegan
Low Carb/Diabetic Friendly
Only 5 Ingredients
Simple Ingredients
Fresh pumpkin seeds – We used seeds from our pie pumpkins. Also delicious are seeds from your carved Halloween Jack O Lantern pumpkin, or other squash seeds too. Did you know that you can also roast winter squash seeds too? Some examples are acorn, butternut and kabocha. These are pumpkin seeds with the shell. If you are looking for a “hull free” pumpkin seed, try our recipe for Easy Roasted Pepitas.
Olive oil – We prefer a heart healthy oil. You can also use avocado oil.
Salt – kosher salt or try Mrs. Dash or salt substitute if you need to keep it low sodium.
Spices – we chose garlic powder and Cajun Seasoning. We buy ours already prepared or your can make your own salt free Cajun Seasoning at home. If you have leftover Cajun Spice, be sure to try one of our easiest popular recipes, Cajun Blackened Cod.
Air Fryer Instructions
- Preheat air fryer
- Cut the top off your pumpkin or squash
- Scoop out the seeds. Separate pumpkin seeds from the pulp. Remove the big pieces of pumpkin flesh and strings but the small pieces can stay.
- Drizzle on a little olive oil
- Season with salt, garlic powder and Cajun seasoning.
- Lay pumpkin seeds out in a single layer on a parchment lined air fryer basket or baking sheet.
- Air Fry for 10 to 16 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Stir halfway through.
- About the same time, it takes you to carve your epic design on your pumpkin, your roasted Cajun seeds will be ready to eat.
Don’t worry if you do not have an air fryer. We have also included oven directions for baked pumpkin seeds in the recipe card below.
Seasoning Variations
Did you know that you can spice up air fryer roasted pumpkin seeds in a zillion different ways? Well, we might be exaggerating just a little.
If you do not have to watch your sodium intake, a little salt with each kind of seasoning mix is very nice. However, do be mindful as some seasoning blends contain salt as part of the mix.
Here are some of our favorite ways to spice up the humble pumpkin seed.
- Salt and lots of fresh cracked Pepper might sound too easy but sometimes the simplest things are the most delicious.
- Mrs. Dash or other salt alternative seasonings.
- Seasoned salt
- Taco Seasoning
- Ranch powder
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Lemon pepper
- Curry powder
- Garam Masala powder (Indian Spiced)
- Moroccan Spice Blends
- Italian spice blends
- Shichimi Togarashi (Japanese spice blend)
- Chinese 5 spice powder
- Baharat (Middle Eastern spice blend)
- Sweet version with Cinnamon, sugar and maybe even a little pumpkin spice.
We think you are getting the idea. We have just topped the surface of the many ways to combine pumpkin seed seasoning. The amounts do not even need to be perfect but adjust to taste.
Helpful Cooking Hacks
- The number of seeds in every pumpkin varies by breed of pumpkin or squash and the size of the pumpkin. Our little pie pumpkins had about 1 cup of seeds per each pumpkin for a total of 2 cups of seeds.
- If you are from the camp that thinks that washing your seeds are required before baking, please carry on but make sure that your seeds are extra dry before seasoning them and placing them in the air fryer. Some feel that washing them makes them easier to digest. However, according to a study performed by Petroski and Minich, they found that seeds that contain phytates may actually act as a beneficial antioxidant. To wash or not to wash...we will leave the decision up to you.
- Please note that if your pumpkin has a lot less or a lot more seeds, you may have to adjust the time in the air fryer accordingly. If fewer seeds or smaller seeds, you may need to reduce the time in the air fryer. However, you may have to increase the time if seeds are extra large or more of them.
- In addition, if your pumpkin has a lot more seeds, you will have to increase the amount of seasoning required.
- Every air fryer brand has a different size basket or tray. We have a Cosori brand air fryer. We were able to fit the seeds all on the parchment paper lined baking sheet. If yours is smaller, you may have to cook in separate batches so they do not overlap and can cook evenly.
- We used the special baking tray that comes with the air fryer. A basket with holes will not work out for all the obvious reasons.
- Toss pumpkin seeds midway during the cooking process so that they cook evenly on all sides.
How to Serve
If you pumpkin seeds are small to medium size you can eat the whole thing shell and all. However, if your pumpkin was super large and extra large seeds, these may be too tough to eat the shell. Just bite into them and enjoy the seasoning and eat the inner seed and do not eat the shell. Please take note that a serving size is about ¼ cup per person.
We love to eat as a snack. However, these spicy roasted pumpkin seeds are also delicious as a topping to our Nutty Ginger Tamari Quinoa Salad, soups or even wrapped up as little gifts during the fall season.
Frequent Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Do NOT wash your pumpkin seeds! You only want to remove the big pieces of the pumpkin pulp from your seeds. The little bit of pumpkin pulp on your pumpkin seeds makes it flavorful. If you wash your seeds to remove the pulp, they can get soggy and will end of chewy instead of extra crunchy. If you wish to wash your seeds, dry them well with a paper towel and then air dry them for at least 30 minutes to one hour before roasting.
Keep the temperature a little lower and make sure that your pumpkin seeds are laid out in a single layer. You may have to cook in a couple batches if you have a small air fryer. Tossing the spicy seasoned pumpkin seeds during cooking ensures that they will get roasted on all sides.
Homemade Roasted pumpkin seeds will last for about 2 weeks in an airtight container at room temperature. If you live in a humid environment, they will not last as long.
Maybe yes or maybe no. It depends on how sensitive you are to the compound in pumpkins and squash that triggers the reaction. Some people are more sensitive. They can get red itchy dry skin or rash. The easy solution is to wear kitchen gloves while cutting pumpkins or getting the seeds out.
More Pumpkin Recipes
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Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds
Equipment
- air fryer or oven
Ingredients
- 2 cups pumpkin seeds from fresh pumpkin (DO NOT WASH SEEDS, just knock off the large pieces of pumpkin flesh)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cajun spice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
dried ground - salt to taste (if want to keep cardiac friendly exchange with Mrs. Dash salt alternative)
Instructions
Air Fryer Method
- Pre-heat air fryer to 360 degrees F (182 degrees C). Line your air fryer baking tray with parchment paper for easy clean up.
- When you are ready to carve your pumpkin, do not throw out the seeds. Instead just separate the big parts of pumpkin flesh from the seeds. Do not wash the pumpkin seeds as the little bit of pumpkin pulp on the seeds will add to the flavor. (If you have sensitive skin wear gloves.)Use a sharp knife and be very careful. We like to use a butchers knife with a pointed end to get it started and then cut through the pumpkin keeping your fingers away from the knife to cut the lid off of the pumpkin/squash.
- Place your pumpkin seeds in a bowl. Add the olive oil, Cajun spice, garlic powder and salt to taste and toss well. If you want to keep it cardiac friendly just exchange the salt with a little Mrs. Dash or salt alternative. If you want your seeds more spicy add a little bit of cayenne pepper.
- Lay your seasoned pumpkin seeds in a single layer on your lined air fryer tray. (If desired, add a little shake of salt on top) If you have a small air fryer, you may have to roast the pumpkin seeds in 2 separate batches so that they are not overlapping and get extra crispy.
- Place the pumpkin seeds in the air fryer and roast for 5 mins. Stir pumpkin seeds so that they get toasty and crispy on all sides or shake the air fryer basket and access. The amount of time needed to get your pumpkin seeds perfectly toasty and crispy depends on many factors; size of seeds, size of air fryer and how many seeds you have placed on the air fryer sheet/basket at one time. Pumpkin seeds can go from pale to burned in just a minute so therefore you are going to need to keep a close eye on them after the 5 minute mark. Every few minutes, give your pumpkin seeds a toss or turn. Our pumpkin seeds took 15 minutes to get toasty. Yours may take on 7 or 8 minutes. So keep an eye on them.
- Once your air fried pumpkin seeds are toasty and golden brown on all sides, remove from the air fryer. Enjoy!
Oven Method
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (148 degrees C). Line your baking pan with waxed/baking paper just so that clean up is a snap.
- When you are ready to carve your pumpkin, do not throw out the seeds. Instead just separate the big parts of pumpkin flesh from the seeds. Do not wash the pumpkin seeds as the little bit of pumpkin pulp on the seeds will add to the flavor.
- Place your pumpkin seeds in a bowl. Add the olive oil, Cajun spice, garlic powder and salt to taste and toss well. If you want to keep it cardiac friendly just exchange the salt with a little Mrs. Dash or salt alternative. If you want your seeds more spicy add a little bit of cayenne pepper.
- Place your seasoned pumpkin seeds on your baking sheet in a single layer. Do not overlap as you want the pumpkin seeds to get toasty on all sides. Bake for about 45 minutes or until your seeds are toasty brown on all sides. (VERY IMPORTANT- make sure that you turn and toss your pumpkin seeds every 10-15 minutes so they get toasty brown on all sides. Every oven cooks a little differently so keep and eye on them.
- Remove from the oven and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Cajun Spice is a simple mixture of dried paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, pepper and oregano. However, feel free to try any kind of spice variation you enjoy like; Moroccan, taco seasoning, ranch, everything bagel, etc. Have fun!
- Once cooled, store in sealed container for up to 2 weeks. Do not refrigerate.
- Serving size is about ¼ cup.
- The number of seeds in every pumpkin varies by breed of pumpkin or squash and the size of the pumpkin. Our little pie pumpkins had about 1 cup of seeds per each pumpkin for a total of 2 cups of seeds.
- Please note that if your pumpkin has a lot less or a lot more seeds, you may have to adjust the time in the air fryer accordingly. If fewer seeds or smaller seeds, you may need to reduce the time in the air fryer. However, you may have to increase the time if seeds are extra large or more of them.
- In addition, if your pumpkin has a lot more seeds, you will have to increase the amount of seasoning required.
- Every air fryer brand has a different size basket or tray. We have a Cosori brand air fryer. We were able to fit the seeds all on the parchment paper lined baking sheet. If yours is smaller, you may have to cook in separate batches so they do not overlap and can cook evenly.
- We used the special baking tray that comes with the air fryer. A basket with holes will not work out for all the obvious reasons.
- Toss pumpkin seeds midway and often during the cooking process so that they cook evenly on all sides.
- If you have a skin sensitivity, wear gloves while removing the pumpkin seeds from the pumpkin.
Lynn Fenby says
What a great recipe! I have made pumpkin seeds for many years, but these are so crunchy and incredibly delicious, and so darn easy! My very favorite forever recipe for pumpkin seeds!!!
HWC Magazine says
Thanks so much. Our family loves these crispy air fryer pumpkin seeds even more than carving the pumpkins. Take care
Liz says
YUM! We just wing it, but now with all your helpful tips, I bet they'll be tastier!!
Michelle says
How delicious are these cajun pumpkin seeds! Love the flavour from those spices coating the crunchy seeds!
HWC Magazine says
Thanks so much. We love these as a snack but also great in salads and soups too.
Heidi | The Frugal Girls says
Your idea to use the air fryer to roast pumpkin seeds is brilliant. It makes preparing the pumpkin seeds so easy!!
HWC Magazine says
Thank you Heidi. Using the air fryer it cuts down on the cook time tremendously, which is always a good thing. Stay well and take care
Caleb - Never Ending Journeys says
I never thought to prepare air fryer seeds this way - such a creative idea!
HWC Magazine says
Thanks Caleb, they really are delicious with the Cajun spice. Hope you give this a try with your pumpkin carving.
Eha says
Hello a year later . . . thanks for the reminder to order a pumpkin to get the seeds ! Well, we fo not have Halloween to remind us !! Hmm . . . both Baharat and Shichimi Togarishi are always in the pantry and much loved . . . shall perchance try what delight ensues with them . . . . hugs across the Pond !
HWC Magazine says
Hugs right back at ya Eha! As you are on opposite seasons, maybe these winter pumpkins or squash will be ready for you next year when the weather gets a bit cooler. Shichimi Togarishi really does rock on roasted pumpkin seeds. Stay well and take care.
John / Kitchen Riffs says
It's been years since we've roasted pumpkin seeds. Like the idea of using Cajun spice -- love the flavor of that. No air fryer, but we'll adjust. 🙂 Really should look into getting one of those . . .
HWC Magazine says
We sometimes roast squash seeds too, especially if you are less likely to carve a pumpkin. We have included to directions for baking pumpkin seeds too in the recipe card. Have a super weekend.
Hannah says
Pumpkin seeds are the whole reason why I carve jack-o-lanterns every year! My faces are always wonky and the squirrels get to them within a day, but nothing beats those crispy roasted seeds. I usually keep it simple with just salt and pepper, though I do need to branch out. I love your spicy Cajun version!
HWC Magazine says
Hi there Hannah! We have a trick for keeping the squirrels out. If you want to keep your jack o lantern pumpkin whole until a day before Halloween, spray it down with a clear shellac spray and keep it outside in the shade. It keeps them fresh a lot longer and critter are less likely to break in. Take Care
Arlene Probert says
These are so good. Serving size is however many you can eat and may I suggest, you do not share with friends and family. Hide them with your chocolate.
HWC Magazine says
Thanks so much Arlene. We are delighted you are enjoying our roasted Cajun pumpkin seeds. Hide them inside a box of boring all fiber cereal or something similar. No one will ever look there! (smiling) Wishing you a super day ahead.
Lynn Fenby says
Well, who doesn't love pumpkin seeds? i have made them for years in the same old boring fashion, but these are really great! That bit of zip makes all the difference....I will make these little seeds exactly this way forever.
HWC Magazine says
Thanks so much. The boys love this fun recipe. Actually they look forward to the roasted pumpkin seeds more than they did the Halloween candy. Take care
Larry says
OK - now we can make use of all those seeds...
I suppose we can use other seeds as well
HWC Magazine says
Hi there Larry. We have not tried other squash seeds like butternut and such but I guess you could using this recipe. If you do, please report back and let us know how it goes.
Eha Carr says
No Halloween ! No carved pumpkins ! But do eat pumpkin seeds and finish them just about the same way . . . Very healthy, very moreish !! Sending you heaps of good wishes in enjoying yourself in whatever ways possible in this crazy year . . . oh your pup modeled his outfit well indeed but was probably happy when that 'funny thing' disappeared . . . bestest . . .
HWC Magazine says
Thank you Eha and happy pumpkin season to you! Our family has always been more excited about these roasted cajun pumpkin seeds than any Halloween candy and that is a very good thing. Buddy is such a ham and brightens our day, every day. Stay well and take care
Chef Mimi says
These sound wonderful, of course I love everything spicy. Love your photos! Especially your puppy!
HWC Magazine says
Thank you Mimi. Just enough heat in this recipe to keep you going back for more. Buddy says hello and take care.
Ken says
These are excellent!
HWC Magazine says
So glad you enjoyed our recipe. Can't wait until the farmers market open this weekend so we can make these again.
Barb says
Halloween is coming!The boys always look forward to cajun roasted pumpkin seeds even more than they do the candy!
HWC Magazine says
Thanks Barb. Halloween is almost at our back door. We hope you give this quick and easy recipe a try while you are carving those pumpkins. Take Care