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Crispy Chili Lime Baked Pumpkin Seeds

crispy chili lime baked pumpkin seeds - featured image

These crispy chili lime baked pumpkin seeds are the perfect easy kid snack, combining bright lime and warm chili for a crunchy, addictive treat. Made with simple pantry ingredients, they’re budget-friendly, healthy, and come together in under an hour.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper if desired.
  2. Rinse the pumpkin seeds thoroughly in a colander under cold water, removing any pumpkin strings or pulp.
  3. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of salt to a rolling boil. Add the rinsed seeds and boil for exactly 10 minutes.
  4. Drain the boiled seeds in a colander and let cool for a minute. Spread them on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and pat very dry.
  5. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add the dried seeds and toss until every seed is coated.
  6. Spread the seeds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring no seeds overlap.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through at the 10-minute mark. Seeds are done when golden brown and you can hear them rattle on the pan.
  8. Cool completely on the baking sheet on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before eating. They will crisp up as they cool.

Notes

Boiling the seeds in salted water is the secret to achieving a crispy texture throughout. Ensure seeds are thoroughly dried before baking to prevent steaming. For a sweeter version, add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar or maple syrup to the oil mixture. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. If seeds lose crunch, reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes and cool completely.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin seeds, chili lime, crispy snack, kid snack, healthy snack, easy snack, baked pumpkin seeds