Quick Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds with Sea Salt – Best Easy Snack
These quick air fryer pumpkin seeds with sea salt are a happy accident turned into a favorite snack. Crunchy, salty, and ready in under 15 minutes, they’re perfect for weeknights and use simple ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup fresh pumpkin seeds (about 120g)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml)
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Separate the seeds from the pulp: Scoop seeds and pulp into a large bowl, fill with cold water, and use your hands to separate seeds from pulp. Skim seeds off and transfer to a colander.
- Rinse and dry the seeds: Rinse seeds under cold water, removing any remaining pulp. Spread on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and pat very dry. Let air dry for 5-10 minutes if possible.
- Season the seeds: Transfer dried seeds to a medium mixing bowl. Add olive oil and toss until coated. Sprinkle sea salt (and garlic powder or cayenne if using) and toss again.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and preheat for about 3 minutes.
- Air fry the seeds: Spread seeds in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 4 minutes, then shake the basket or stir. Cook for another 4-6 minutes, checking at the 8-minute mark, until golden brown and rattling.
- Cool and taste: Transfer hot seeds to a plate or bowl and let cool for at least 5 minutes. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Add a final sprinkle of flaky sea salt if desired.
Notes
Dry seeds thoroughly to ensure crispiness. Don’t skip the oil—it helps salt stick and promotes browning. Shake the basket halfway through for even cooking. Let seeds cool completely before storing to maintain crunch. Season in layers: salt before cooking and a final sprinkle after. If seeds lose crunch, revive in air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 2 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ cup (about 30g)
- Calories: 180
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 2.5
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 8
Keywords: air fryer pumpkin seeds, pumpkin seeds, sea salt, easy snack, healthy snack, quick snack, fall recipe, Halloween snack