Quick Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Seeds (Easy, 10-Min Snack)
Crispy, caramelized pumpkin seeds made in the air fryer with a cinnamon-sugar coating. Ready in under 15 minutes, this easy snack converts even the biggest pumpkin seed skeptics.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup fresh pumpkin seeds (or raw shell-on pepitas)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (preferably Saigon cinnamon)
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of nutmeg or cardamom (optional)
- 1 tablespoon maple sugar or coconut sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the pumpkin seeds: If using fresh pumpkin seeds, separate from pulp, rinse in a fine-mesh strainer under cool water, and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Let sit for 5-10 minutes. If using pre-shelled raw pepitas, skip rinsing and pat dry.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Mix the coating: In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until a grainy paste forms. Add vanilla extract if using.
- Toss the seeds: Add dried seeds to the bowl and toss with a spatula or your hands until every seed is evenly coated.
- Arrange in the air fryer basket: Spread seeds in a single layer without overcrowding. Work in batches if necessary.
- Air fry for 5 minutes: Cook at 350°F, shaking or stirring halfway through (at 2.5 minutes) for even cooking.
- Check for doneness: Seeds should be golden brown and fragrant. If not golden enough, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Cool completely: Transfer seeds to a plate or baking sheet in a single layer and let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. They will crisp up as they cool.
Notes
Dry seeds thoroughly to avoid chewiness. Shake halfway through cooking for even results. Air fryer temperatures vary; check at 4 minutes the first time. Seeds continue to crisp as they cool. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For extra crunch, let seeds sit for 10 minutes after coating before air frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 8
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