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Easy Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Seeds Recipe

air fryer cinnamon sugar pumpkin seeds - featured image

These air fryer cinnamon sugar pumpkin seeds are a quick, easy, and addictive snack that turns a kitchen scrap into a gold-medal treat. Ready in under 20 minutes, they’re perfect for fall fun, movie nights, or any time you crave a sweet, crunchy bite.

Ingredients

  • Fresh pumpkin seeds, rinsed and patted dry (from one medium pumpkin, about 1 to 1.5 cups)
  • Unsalted butter, melted (2 tablespoons)
  • Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons)
  • Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon)
  • Kosher salt (¼ teaspoon)
  • Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (163°C).
  2. Rinse the pumpkin seeds thoroughly in a colander under cold water, rubbing off any clinging pulp.
  3. Dry the seeds really well by spreading them on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and patting dry. Let them sit for 5 minutes to air dry.
  4. In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
  5. In a medium mixing bowl, pour the melted butter. Add the dried pumpkin seeds and toss until every seed is coated.
  6. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered seeds and toss again until evenly coated.
  7. Spread the seeds in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if needed.
  8. Cook at 325°F for 8 minutes. Shake the basket or stir the seeds.
  9. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, checking at the 3-minute mark, until golden brown and hollow-sounding when shaken.
  10. Let them cool completely in the basket before serving.

Notes

Don’t skip drying the seeds thoroughly; moisture prevents crunchiness. Use melted butter for best flavor and coating. Watch the sugar to avoid burning; keep temperature at 325°F. Let seeds cool completely for maximum crunch. For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil or plant-based butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer pumpkin seeds, cinnamon sugar pumpkin seeds, easy pumpkin seeds, fall snack, Halloween snack, pumpkin seed recipe