Print

Light & Crispy Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds with Cinnamon Sugar

light & crispy air fryer pumpkin seeds with cinnamon sugar - featured image
Print Recipe

These Light & Crispy Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Seeds are a game-changer. They’re light, almost airy, with a snap when you bite into them, and the cinnamon sugar coating caramelizes just enough to create a sweet, crunchy shell without burning.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup fresh pumpkin seeds, rinsed and patted very dry
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Clean the seeds: Place 1 cup of fresh pumpkin seeds in a fine-mesh strainer. Rinse under cool water, using your fingers to separate any clinging pumpkin flesh. This takes about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Dry thoroughly: Spread the rinsed seeds on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Pat them very dry with another towel. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes to air-dry.
  3. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 325°F (163°C). Let it preheat for 3 minutes.
  4. Mix the coating: In a medium bowl, combine 1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir until the sugar begins to dissolve—about 30 seconds.
  5. Toss the seeds: Add the dried pumpkin seeds to the bowl. Use a spatula to toss them until every seed is coated.
  6. Arrange in the basket: Spread the coated seeds in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd—cook in batches if needed.
  7. Air fry: Cook at 325°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through at the 4-minute mark. At 8 minutes, check for doneness. The seeds should be golden brown and sound hollow when shaken.
  8. Cool completely: Transfer the seeds to a plate or baking sheet in a single layer. Let them cool for at least 10 minutes.

Notes

For the best texture, make sure your seeds are completely dry before tossing them with butter and sugar. Any moisture will steam them in the air fryer, making them chewy instead of crispy. If your seeds are on the larger side (like from a carving pumpkin), add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time. Keep an eye on them after 8 minutes—they can go from perfectly golden to slightly burnt quickly.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer pumpkin seeds, cinnamon sugar pumpkin seeds, crispy pumpkin seeds, fall snack, Halloween snack

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/light-and-crispy-air-fryer-pumpkin-seeds-with-cinnamon-sugar/