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Best Easy Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Seeds

air fryer cinnamon sugar pumpkin seeds - featured image

These air fryer cinnamon sugar pumpkin seeds are a quick, easy, and addictive fall snack. With a perfect crunchy texture and caramelized coating, they’re made with simple ingredients and ready in just 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup fresh pumpkin seeds (rinsed and patted very dry)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (preferably Saigon cinnamon)
  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt

Instructions

  1. Prep your seeds: If using fresh pumpkin seeds, rinse them in a colander under cool water, picking out any stringy pumpkin bits. Spread them on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and pat them very dry. Let them sit out for 5-10 minutes.
  2. Melt your butter: Pop the 2 tablespoons of butter in a small microwave-safe bowl and heat for 20-30 seconds until melted. Stir and let cool for a minute.
  3. Mix the coating: In a separate small bowl, combine the 3 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Whisk with a fork to break up any clumps.
  4. Toss the seeds: Put the dried pumpkin seeds in a medium mixing bowl. Pour the melted butter over them and stir until every seed is coated. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top and toss again until evenly distributed.
  5. Preheat your air fryer: Set it to 300°F and let it run for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Arrange in the basket: Spread the coated seeds in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Do not pile them up. If needed, do two batches.
  7. Cook at 300°F for 8 minutes: At the 4-minute mark, pull the basket out and give it a good shake or stir with a spatula.
  8. Check for doneness: After 8 minutes, they should be golden brown and smell toasty. If you want them extra crunchy, cook another 1-2 minutes, watching closely.
  9. Cool completely: Spread the hot seeds on a plate or baking sheet and let them cool for at least 10 minutes. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
  10. Enjoy! Once cool, transfer to a bowl and serve.

Notes

Dry seeds thoroughly to ensure crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Shake halfway through cooking. Watch the last minute closely as air fryers vary. Let seeds cool completely before serving for maximum crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer pumpkin seeds, cinnamon sugar pumpkin seeds, easy pumpkin seeds, fall snack, healthy snack, gluten-free snack