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Crispy Chili Lime Baked Pumpkin Seeds: Easy 20-Minute Snack

crispy chili lime baked pumpkin seeds - featured image

These crispy chili lime baked pumpkin seeds are a quick and easy snack, ready in under 20 minutes. They feature a perfect balance of smoky chili, tangy lime, and satisfying crunch, making them a crowd-pleaser for fall snacking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup fresh pumpkin seeds (or raw pepitas)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Zest of 1 medium lime
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt (plus more to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. If using fresh pumpkin seeds, separate them from the pulp. Rinse in a fine-mesh strainer under cool water, rubbing gently. Shake off excess water and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.
  3. In a small bowl, combine chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, lime zest, salt, and cayenne (if using). Stir to break up clumps.
  4. In a medium mixing bowl, toss the dried pumpkin seeds with olive oil until lightly coated. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the seeds and toss again until evenly distributed.
  5. Spread the seasoned seeds in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 10 minutes. Set a timer.
  7. Remove the sheet from the oven, stir the seeds with a spatula, and return to the oven. Bake for another 5 to 8 minutes, until golden brown and fragrant. Watch closely in the last 2 minutes.
  8. Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle fresh lime juice over the hot seeds. Toss gently with the spatula.
  9. Let the seeds cool completely on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes. They will crisp up as they cool. Transfer to a bowl and add extra salt if needed.

Notes

Dry seeds thoroughly for maximum crunch. Don’t skip the lime zest—it adds intense flavor without moisture. Watch the oven closely as seeds can burn quickly. Let seeds cool completely before serving. Double the batch if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin seeds, chili lime, baked snack, fall recipe, healthy snack, gluten-free, dairy-free