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Best Easy Smoky Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipe

smoky roasted pumpkin seeds - featured image

This recipe turns a forgotten, messy kitchen byproduct into the thing everyone wants. It’s simple, fast, and has a deep, smoky flavor that makes people stop and ask, “Wait, what’s in this?”

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups fresh pumpkin seeds
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Fine sea salt (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Place the fresh pumpkin seeds in a colander and rinse with cold water, rubbing to remove pulp. It’s okay if a little pulp remains.
  3. In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of salt to a rolling boil. Add the cleaned seeds and boil for exactly 10 minutes.
  4. Drain the seeds and spread them on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Pat dry and let air dry for a few minutes.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine the dried seeds, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Toss until evenly coated.
  6. Spread the seasoned seeds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Roast for 12-15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until deep golden brown and you hear a faint popping sound.
  8. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the pan. Taste and add a pinch of fine sea salt if needed.

Notes

Don’t skip the boiling step—it’s the secret to a crunchy texture. Keep an eye on the seeds during the last 5 minutes of roasting to prevent burning. For an air fryer, cook at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin seeds, roasted pumpkin seeds, smoky pumpkin seeds, easy snack, fall recipe, party snack