Print

Best Easy Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Seeds

air fryer cinnamon sugar pumpkin seeds - featured image

Transform leftover pumpkin seeds into a warm, crispy, and addictive snack with this quick air fryer recipe. Coated in a buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture, these seeds are perfectly caramelized and ready in under 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup fresh pumpkin seeds, cleaned and patted dry
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Clean your pumpkin seeds: After carving your pumpkin, separate the seeds from the stringy pulp. Place the seeds in a colander and rinse them under cool water, picking off any remaining pumpkin guts.
  2. Dry the seeds thoroughly: Spread the rinsed seeds on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Pat them dry, then let them sit for 5-10 minutes to air dry.
  3. Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for 3 minutes.
  4. Melt the butter: In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. If using, stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Mix the coating: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir together with a fork until evenly mixed.
  6. Coat the seeds: Add the dried pumpkin seeds to the bowl with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Pour the melted butter over the top. Toss everything together with a spatula or your hands until every seed is coated.
  7. Transfer to the air fryer basket: Spread the coated seeds in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not pile them up.
  8. Cook for 8-10 minutes: Air fry at 350°F for 8 minutes. At the 4-minute mark, pause the air fryer and shake the basket or stir the seeds with a spatula. After 8 minutes, check the seeds. If they need more time, add 1-2 minutes, watching closely.
  9. Cool completely: Once the seeds are done, transfer them to a plate or baking sheet in a single layer. Let them cool for at least 10 minutes. The coating will harden as it cools.
  10. Enjoy: Once cooled, transfer the seeds to a bowl and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Notes

Dry seeds thoroughly to ensure crispiness. Preheat the air fryer for best results. Shake the basket halfway through cooking. Watch the last 2 minutes closely to prevent burning. Let seeds cool completely before storing to maintain crispness.

Nutrition

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