We will show you how long to roast pumpkin seeds at 400 in the oven, cook pumpkin seeds in air fryer, and pan fried in a skillet on the stove too. All of them create a crunchy healthy snack, seasoned, that are family friendly.
Looking for the best pumpkin seed recipe of all time? We have 3 ways of cooking pumpkin seeds so you can try them all and see which is your favorite!! Seasoned with crispy shells, these can be a healthy crunchy snack you will love. (affiliate links present)
When carving a jack-o’-lantern or making pumpkin puree in pressure cooker for your favorite pumpkin pie, don’t let the seeds go to waste! Roasting squash seeds is a delightful and nutritious way to enjoy this seasonal treat. With a few simple steps and the right cooking time.
How many seeds are in a pumpkin?
This totally depends on a few factors. Size does matter but even 2 of the same size will vary quite a bit. In general you could expect to find from 100 to 500 in each gourd on average though. Cleaned, dried and roasted, you can transform these into a crunchy and irresistible snack that is perfect for any occasion.
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How to Cook Pumpkin Seeds
What’s the easiest way to clean pumpkin seeds?
Before you can cook these babies, you need to separate them from the flesh and all. This is how to clean pumpkin seeds thoroughly. You’ll scoop the seeds out and place them in a large bowl. Separate any remaining fibers from the seeds. You can also rinse in a colander under cold running water to ensure they are clean.
Why do you soak pumpkin seeds in water?
To enhance the flavor of the pumpkin seeds, you can soak them in salted water. Prepare a bowl of water with 1 tablespoon of salt per 2 cups of water. Add the pumpkin seeds to the salted water and let them soak for about 1 to 2 hours at room temperature. This step adds a subtle saltiness to the seeds and helps to soften the outer shells, making them easier to digest.
How long do pumpkin seeds need to dry?
You do not want to rush this part. If you want them to be crispy when done they need to be really dry before baking. 2 hours is minimum but ideally just leave them laid out on a few paper towels overnight and bake the next day!
How Long to Roast Pumpkin Seeds in the Oven
After soaking, drain the pumpkin seeds and pat them dry with paper towels. Drying the seeds thoroughly ensures that they roast evenly and become crisp during the cooking process. Then you can move on to How Long to Bake Pumpkin Seeds at 350 in the Oven, or instructions for 400 is below. This will take 20 minutes to 25 or until roasted to crispy.
How Long to Cook Pumpkin Seeds in Air Fryer
10 minutes is about what you need to have on hand. I think shaking the basket a few times is best to rotate all the way thru. I have a link at the top of this post which explains this in more detail. I’ll give you a brief step by step here too though. I think this way is best especially if you don’t want to heat up your house.
- Preheat your oven to 360 degrees Fahrenheit or about 185 degrees Celsius.
- In a separate bowl, toss the dried pumpkin seeds with olive oil to coat them evenly.
- You can also add your favorite seasonings to create unique flavor profiles. Classic options include a sprinkle of salt and black pepper for a simple taste or pumpkin spice for that cozy autumn flavor.
- Spread them in a single layer in your basked.
- Roast the seeds in the preheated large air fryer for about 10 minutes, tossing halfway, or until they turn golden brown.
- Be sure to stir them halfway through the cooking process any way you choose to do it to ensure even roasting.
Below we will discuss drying pumpkin seeds before roasting and why that is so important first. Once that step is done you will proceed to the following steps;
How to Cook Pumpkin Seeds in a Pan
- Place a dry non-stick or well-seasoned skillet or frying pan on medium heat. Preheat the pan for a minute or two until it’s hot.
- Drizzle some olive oil or melted butter into the hot pan. The amount of oil or butter you use depends on how many pumpkin seeds you’re cooking. You want enough to coat the seeds evenly.
- Once the oil or butter is heated, add the dried pumpkin seeds to the pan in a single layer. Make sure they are evenly spread to allow for even cooking.
- If desired, sprinkle salt or your choice of seasonings over the pumpkin seeds. Common seasonings include black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or even a touch of cinnamon for a sweet variation.
- Stir frequently to ensure they cook evenly and don’t burn. Continue cooking the seeds on medium heat for about 5 to 7 minutes or until they start to turn golden brown. The exact cooking time may vary based on your stovetop and the quantity of seeds in the pan.
- To check if the seeds are ready, taste one. They should be crispy and have a slightly toasted flavor. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Once toasted to your desired level of crispiness, remove the pan from heat and let the seeds cool for a few minutes. Transfer them to a plate or bowl, and they’re ready to be enjoyed as a delicious and nutritious snack!
Feel free to get creative with your seasonings! You can experiment with different combinations, such as adding a little chili powder for a spicy kick or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a savory twist.
Cooking pumpkin seeds in a pan is a fun and versatile way to enjoy this seasonal treat. Whether you’re making them for a savory snack or a sweet delight, this quick stovetop method allows you to customize the flavors to suit your taste buds. So, the next time you carve a pumpkin or cook a pumpkin dish, don’t forget to save those seeds and turn them into a delicious treat! If you’re feeling adventurous, consider trying some delicious flavor variations for your pumpkin seeds:
Pumpkin Seed Seasonings
- Toss the seeds with curry powder, a pinch of salt, and a drizzle of olive oil before roasting. The aromatic spices will add an exotic twist to your pumpkin seeds.
- Mix the seeds with a dash of cinnamon, a sprinkle of sugar, and a pinch of salt. The combination of sweet and spicy flavors will make your pumpkin seeds a hit with everyone.
- Combine the seeds with a small amount of pumpkin puree, a pinch of pumpkin spice, and a drizzle of honey before roasting. This creative variation brings the essence of pumpkin pie to your roasted seeds.
Once the pumpkin seeds are golden brown and crunchy, remove them from the oven and let them cool before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to preserve their freshness.
Roasted pumpkin seeds make for a wholesome and delicious snack, and their versatility allows you to experiment with various flavors and seasonings. So, the next time you carve a pumpkin or make pumpkin puree for a pie, don’t forget to savor the goodness of these roasted gems! Happy cooking!
Are you supposed to let pumpkin seeds dry before cooking?
Yes, it is generally recommended to let pumpkin seeds dry before cooking or roasting them. Drying the seeds helps remove excess moisture, which allows them to become crispier and enhances their flavor during the cooking process. Additionally, drying the seeds helps to prevent them from steaming instead of roasting in the oven.
After scooping them out, separate them from the icky flesh and any remaining fibers or pulp. You would do these same steps to make roasted spaghetti squash seeds too.
How to dry pumpkin seeds
- Rinse the pumpkin seeds thoroughly under cold running water to remove any remaining pulp or debris. Use your fingers to help dislodge any stubborn pieces.
- After rinsing, spread the seeds out on a layer of paper towels. Use another layer of paper towels to gently pat them dry.
- Removing excess water at this stage will help speed up the drying process.
- Transfer the cleaned and dried seeds to a flat, clean surface, like a baking sheet or tray. Arrange them in a single layer to ensure they dry evenly.
- Allow to air dry for several hours or overnight. During this time, they will lose any remaining moisture, making them more suitable for roasting.
- Once dry, you can proceed to roast or cook them according to your preferred recipe. You can add seasonings like salt, spices, or herbs to enhance their flavor.
By drying before cooking or roasting, you’ll achieve crispier and tastier results, making them a delightful and healthy snack or addition to various dishes.
How Long to Roast Pumpkin Seeds at 400
Equipment
- 1 baking sheet
- paper towels
- 1 knife
- 1 Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 c seeds, pumpkin, cleaned and dried
- 1.5 tbsp butter, melted
- 3/4 tsp seasoned salt
Instructions
- How to clean pumpkin seeds – Remove seeds, discard pulp pieces attached, rinse in a colander until cleaned. Put pot of salted water in pot on stovetop and wait until it is at a rolling boil. Add seeds and allow to boil for 4 minutes until they float. Use a slotted spoon to remove and put on a few paper towels. Fold towel and absorb excess water on seeds until they are dry. Put on new dry paper towels and leave to sit for at least 2 hours or overnight to dry.
- How to cook pumpkin seeds in oven – Clean and dry as directed above. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Put seeds in a bowl with melted butter and toss. Add 1/2 tsp seasoned salt and mix. Pour coated seeds on a non stick baking sheet and sprinkle with remaining 1/4 tsp of salt. Bake for 15 minutes, then use spatula to move around so they can crisp and brown on both sides. Continue cooking for 5-10 minutes or until they're as crispy and browned as you'd like.
- How to cook pumpkin seeds in air fryer – Preheat air fryer to 360 degrees for 5 minutes. Pour dried seeds into a bowl with melted butter and seasoned salt, stir together. Pour coated seeds into air fryer basket, sprinkle a bit of additional seasoned salt on top of them and close lid/drawer. Cook at 360 degrees for 10 minutes total, shaking basket after 5 min or until browned as you like.
- How to cook pumpkin seeds in a pan – Place a dry non stick or well-seasoned skillet or frying pan on medium heat. Preheat the pan. Drizzle melted butter into the hot pan, enough to coat the seeds evenly. Once heated, add the dried pumpkin seeds to the pan in a single layer. Sprinkle salt or your choice of seasonings. Stir frequently to ensure they cook evenly and don't burn. Continue on medium heat for about 5 to 7 minutes or until they start to turn golden brown.
- ** For any method allow them to cool completely before eating as this will make them as crispy as possible.
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
