Pumpkin is one delicious fruit that can be made in many ways. You can use it as an ingredient for a dessert or something spicy.
You can also make pumpkin purées and smoothies as per your liking and freeze them for later use.
One other thing that I love about Pumpkins is, you can use this fruit to the fullest, even its seeds are usable.
Pumpkin seeds are a healthy and delicious snack to indulge in when you are getting bored or when there is some time left in dinner, and you need to keep your mind diverted.
One thing that I do not admire about Pumpkin Seeds is, they need hard work and not just in preparation but in eating too, but the hard work turns out to be worth it!
Thankfully, with all the hard work that Pumpkin Seeds required in making, air fryers are a great way to make them quickly.
Let’s dig more into the benefits and perfect ways of making and eating pumpkin seeds. Shall we?
What are the benefits of Pumpkin Seeds?
These small packs of snacks are filled with nutrients and have several health benefits. Even eating a small amount of these seeds can do wonders for your health in the long run.
These seeds provide healthy fat, zinc, and magnesium, and are rich in antioxidants.
You may not know this, but Pumpkin Seeds are a good source to keep your heart health improved and cancer far away from you.
This healthy snack also lowers your blood pressure and makes you regular in the toilet with a better digestive system. This one is sure a guilt-free snack item that one must keep at arm’s distance to avoid eating unhealthy food.
While we are at it, it is important to understand that Pumpkin Seeds are a healthy snack, but the ingredients and their quantity added in its seasoning can make a huge deal in the nutrient value of this snacking.
Always keep an eye on what you are adding to your healthy food. Nutrient-added nutrients can make the food completely healthy, otherwise, a wholesome food can turn into an unhealthy one without you knowing it.
How to prepare Pumpkin Seeds for Air Frying?
This is the toughest part, at least for me. Preparing your Pumpkin Seeds for air frying needs hard work, but trust me the results are worth it!
Firstly, you have to reseed your pumpkin and wash it thoroughly. If you think the pulp is not washed off entirely, boil it in water with some salt.
After the pulp and seeds are separated, pat dries the seeds with a paper towel or kitchen towel to remove the access water from them. It is better if you let it air-dry for a while.
Now that you have rinsed and dry Pumpkin Seeds, it is up to you whether you want them to be air-fried along with their shells or not.
There is no right and wrong when it comes to frying it with shells or removing it before. It all depends on individual preferences.
How to Air Fry Pumpkin Seeds?
Pumpkin Seeds are my all-time favorite snack and since I am making them in an air fryer, I am loving them more.
They are super easy to make and if made in an air fryer, they prepare in a matter of minutes.
Put the properly dried Pumpkin Seeds in a bowl and add your choice of seasoning. I often make them with salt only, and the taste salt brings out is divine. Whatever you put in your pumpkin seeds, mix them well.
Spray the air fryer basket with some oil or butter.
Place them in your air fryer basket evenly and make sure they are not overcrowding the basket.
Set your appliance to 360 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the seeds for about 10 minutes. Make sure to shake them when they are half done.
Some people prefer preheating their air fryer when making Pumpkin Seeds but I don’t. So, if you are someone who loves preheating their air fryer, then do it.
You can always air fryer your seeds for a few more minutes if the crispiness is not up to your liking.
Check out this divine recipe to learn more about how to make Pumpkin Seeds in an air fryer.
Are Pumpkin Seeds better in the oven or air fryer?
The battle of, which is better; an oven or an air fryer? It is going on for a long time now, but the only answer I have for this question is, it all depends on your own choices and how exactly you follow the recipes.
Though people say that an oven takes several more minutes than an air fryer for roasting Pumpkin Seeds, this method of cooking still gives crunchier Pumpkin Seeds.
While, in my experience, air fryers make as crunchy Pumpkin Seeds as an oven would but in lesser time.
No matter what method you choose, it is certain that this is a healthy snack and to understand that more, the following is the chart of nutrient facts of Pumpkin Seeds.
| Nutrient Facts | Per 100 grams |
| Calories | 446 |
| Total Fat | 19 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 g |
| Sodium | 18 g |
| Potassium | 919 g |
| Total Carbohydrate | 54 g |
| Protein | 19 g |
Tips for making ideal Pumpkin Seeds in an Air Fryer
Nothing comes out perfect without any effort. You have to put in your efforts and wisdom along with experience to prepare one perfect meal.
The same goes for Pumpkin Seed in an air fryer. You have to know how to do it right for the utmost experience. So, here are a few tips I follow that will help you too.
Never overcrowd Pumpkin Seeds in the basket.
If the quantity is too much, make them in small batches.
Toss the seeds when it’s half done for even cooking.
Use a liner for an easy clean-up afterward.
How Should I Store Pumpkin Seeds?
Roasted pumpkin seeds can be stored in an airtight jar at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Pour the pumpkin seeds into an air fryer basket after tossing them in the oil and spices. Cook for 8-12 minutes at 360°F, shaking the basket every 2-3 minutes until the seeds are dry and crisp. Allow the seeds to cool in the basket before storing them in an airtight container.
What Other Spices May I Use?
Roasted pumpkin seeds can be seasoned in a variety of methods. For a little Mexican flair, try taco seasoning or Cajun seasoning. Ranch seasoning is also a big popularity.
Place the coated seeds in the air fryer basket. You may cook them for 30 minutes at 350 degrees F. Remove and shake the basket a few times during cooking to ensure equal cooking.
Summary
In this article, you have learned that:
- Pumpkin Seeds are an excellent source to keep a healthy life while dodging cancer and improving heart health and the digestive system.
- Before putting them into an air fryer, remove the pulp carefully and wash them thoroughly.
- Pat and air dry them to get a beautiful goldish look and crispiness.
- Choose your temperature and timings according to your brand and model. Generally, the cooking temperature for preparing Pumpkin Seeds is 360 degrees Fahrenheit and the cooking time is about 10 minutes.
- It is always preferred to not overcrowd the air fryer basket, make these seeds in small batches, toss them in between cooking, and use a liner for quick clean-up.