Best Air Fryer Maple Chili Pumpkin Seeds Recipes

Air Fryer Maple Chili Pumpkin Seeds Recipes

Autumn is here and pumpkin season is in full swing. And what is one of the best things about pumpkin season? Roasting pumpkin seeds, of course! Roasted pumpkin seeds are a crunchy, delicious snack that can be enjoyed on their own or used as a topping for salads, soups, and more!

The Benefits of Air Frying Pumpkin Seeds

Traditionally, pumpkin seeds were roasted in the oven or on a stovetop. However, using an air fryer to roast them has become increasingly popular, for many reasons:

• Using an air fryer requires less oil than traditional roasting methods, making the recipe healthier, with fewer calories.
• The air fryer roasts the seeds more evenly and quickly than using an oven, which means less time spent in the kitchen.
• The air fryer is a compact device, which means less space used in your kitchen.
• And, last but not least – air fryer roasted pumpkin seeds are crispy, crunchy, and delicious!

Maple Chili Pumpkin Seeds Recipes

And now, to the good stuff – the recipe! The following are two variations on maple chili pumpkin seed recipes that can be prepared using an air fryer.

Recipe 1: Sweet and Spicy Maple Pumpkin Seeds

• 3 cups fresh pumpkin seeds
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon salt

Steps:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350℉.
2. Rinse the fresh pumpkin seeds under running water to remove any flesh or pulp. Pat them dry using a kitchen towel or paper towel.
3. Place the pumpkin seeds in a mixing bowl.
4. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, maple syrup, and salt, whisk until fully combined.
5. Pour the mixture over the pumpkin seeds, and use a mixing spoon to ensure that the seeds are evenly coated.
6. Place the seeds into the air fryer basket, and roast for 10-12 minutes.
7. After the first 5 minutes, use a spatula to move the seeds around in the basket to ensure all sides are roasted evenly.
8. Remove the seeds from the fryer and allow them to cool down before serving.
9. You can store the seeds in an airtight container for up to a week.

Recipe 2: Spicy Maple Garlic Pumpkin Seeds

• 3 cups fresh pumpkin seeds
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Steps:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350℉.
2. Rinse the fresh pumpkin seeds under running water to remove any flesh or pulp. Pat them dry using a kitchen towel or paper towel.
3. Place the pumpkin seeds in a mixing bowl.
4. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, maple syrup, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and cayenne pepper. Whisk until fully combined.
5. Pour the mixture over the pumpkin seeds and mix well to coat the seeds evenly.
6. Place the seeds in the air fryer basket and roast for 10-12 minutes.
7. After the first 5 minutes, use a spatula to move the seeds around in the basket to ensure all sides are roasted evenly.
8. Remove the seeds from the fryer and allow them to cool down before serving.
9. You can store the seeds in an airtight container for up to a week.

The Bottom Line

The air fryer is a valuable tool in the kitchen, especially when it comes to making healthy snacks like these maple chili pumpkin seeds recipes. With just a few simple ingredients and an air fryer, you can enjoy crispy, crunchy, and delicious roasted pumpkin seeds in no time!

Pumpkin seeds are packed with nutrients and essential minerals such as magnesium, zinc, copper, and fiber. Besides their health benefits, they can make for an excellent snack and can be prepared with various flavors. One of the most delicious ways of cooking pumpkin seeds is by air frying them. Air fryer maple chili pumpkin seeds are a popular fall snack that is easy to prepare and perfect for a quick snack, party appetizer, or to add toppings to your salads or soups. In this article, we have provided valuable tips on how to make delicious air fryer maple chili pumpkin seeds.

Choosing the right pumpkin seeds

To make the best air fryer maple chili pumpkin seeds, it's crucial to use fresh pumpkin seeds. You can get fresh pumpkin seeds by buying a whole pumpkin and scooping out the seeds or purchase raw pumpkin seeds at grocery or specialty stores. Ensure that the seeds are free from debris, properly cleaned, and dried before cooking. The seeds' size and shape may vary, so choose the ones that are similar in size to help them cook evenly.

Prepping the seeds

Once you have your pumpkin seeds, it's time to prepare them for the air fryer. First, rinse the pumpkin seeds in cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry using a paper towel or a kitchen cloth. Add the seeds to a bowl and mix with your preferred seasoning ingredients. When making air fryer maple chili pumpkin seeds, you can mix chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and maple syrup. Mix the seasoning ingredients with the pumpkin seeds until they are evenly coated.

Cooking in the air fryer

To cook air fryer maple chili pumpkin seeds, preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Once the air fryer has heated, add your pumpkin seeds to the air fryer basket evenly. Make sure the seeds are not spread out too thinly or too thickly to enable them to cook evenly. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes or until the pumpkin seeds turn golden brown, stirring at the halfway point. After cooking, remove the seeds from the air fryer and allow them to cool before serving.

Storing pumpkin seeds

If you have any leftover air fryer maple chili pumpkin seeds, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. You can also freeze the pumpkin seeds by placing them in airtight bags or containers and store them in the freezer for up to six months.

Variations

While air fryer maple chili pumpkin seeds are delicious, you can also switch up your seasoning to create different flavors. Here are some variations you can try:

Cinnamon sugar pumpkin seeds

For a sweet twist on pumpkin seeds, mix cinnamon and brown sugar with some melted butter and coat the pumpkin seeds with the mixture. Cook in the air fryer using the same instructions.

Spicy pumpkin seeds

If you're a fan of spicy snacks, you can mix cayenne pepper, salt, and melted butter and coat your pumpkin seeds with the mixture before cooking.

Garlic and herb pumpkin seeds

For savory pumpkin seeds, mix garlic powder, dried herbs, and salt with melted butter and coat the pumpkin seeds with the mixture before cooking.

Conclusion

Air fryer maple chili pumpkin seeds are a perfect snack for every occasion. To make delicious and perfectly cooked pumpkin seeds, it's crucial to choose fresh pumpkin seeds, evenly coat them with your favorite seasoning, and cook them evenly in the air fryer. Don't be afraid to experiment with flavor variations to find your perfect snack.