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Quick Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Seeds: Easy 10-Minute Recipe

air fryer cinnamon sugar pumpkin seeds - featured image

These air fryer cinnamon sugar pumpkin seeds are a quick and easy snack that brings back childhood memories. Ready in just 10 minutes, they’re perfectly crunchy, sweet, and addictive—a healthier alternative to store-bought snacks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, run it empty for 2 minutes.
  2. If using fresh pumpkin seeds, rinse and dry them. Place in a colander, rinse under cool water, remove pulp, and pat dry with a kitchen towel. If using store-bought raw seeds, skip this step.
  3. Melt 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in a small microwave-safe bowl (15-20 seconds) or on the stovetop. Let cool for a minute.
  4. Add 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to the melted butter. Stir until it forms a thin paste.
  5. Add the dried pumpkin seeds to the bowl and stir with a spatula until every seed is coated (about 30 seconds).
  6. Spread the coated seeds in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if needed.
  7. Air fry at 350°F for 5 minutes. Halfway through (at 2.5 minutes), pause and shake the basket or stir the seeds.
  8. Check for doneness after 5 minutes. Seeds should be golden brown and smell toasty. If needed, add 1-2 more minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  9. Transfer seeds to a plate or baking sheet in a single layer and cool completely (at least 5-10 minutes). They will crisp up as they cool.
  10. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Notes

Don’t skip drying fresh seeds—wet seeds won’t crisp. Shake the basket halfway through to prevent burning. Sugar burns fast in an air fryer; watch closely after 5 minutes. Seeds are soft when hot and only become crunchy as they cool. For best results, let them cool completely before serving. Double the batch for parties, but cook in separate batches to avoid overcrowding.

Nutrition

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