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Crispy Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Seeds – Easy Fall Snack

air fryer cinnamon sugar pumpkin seeds - featured image

These crispy air fryer cinnamon sugar pumpkin seeds are the perfect fall snack, with a buttery cinnamon coating and satisfying crunch. Ready in under 20 minutes, they’re a crowd-pleaser for any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
  2. Clean and dry your pumpkin seeds. If using fresh seeds, rinse in a colander under cool water, removing any pumpkin flesh. Spread on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and pat completely dry. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes to air dry further.
  3. Melt the butter in a small microwave-safe bowl in 15-second intervals, or in a small saucepan over low heat. Let it cool slightly.
  4. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, fine sea salt, and optional vanilla extract. Whisk until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
  5. Add the dried pumpkin seeds to the butter mixture. Stir with a spatula until every seed is coated.
  6. Spread the coated seeds in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd. Cook at 320°F for 5 minutes.
  7. After 5 minutes, pull out the basket and give it a good shake. Return to the air fryer and cook for another 3-5 minutes, checking at the 3-minute mark, until deep golden brown and fragrant.
  8. Spread the hot seeds on a baking sheet or large plate in a single layer. Let them cool for at least 10-15 minutes.
  9. Once cooled, use your fingers to gently break apart any clusters of seeds that stuck together during cooking.

Notes

For best results, ensure seeds are thoroughly dried before cooking. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cooking time may vary by 1-2 minutes depending on air fryer model. Let seeds cool completely before storing to maintain crispness.

Nutrition

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