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Easy Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Seeds Recipe

air fryer cinnamon sugar pumpkin seeds - featured image

This easy air fryer cinnamon sugar pumpkin seeds recipe is proof that the simplest methods often produce the best results. No boiling, no overnight drying, no complicated techniques—just perfectly crunchy, sweet, cinnamon-spiced seeds in under 25 minutes.

Ingredients

  • Fresh pumpkin seeds, 1 cup (120g)
  • Unsalted butter, melted, 2 tablespoons (28g)
  • Granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons (25g)
  • Ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon (2.6g)
  • Salt, ¼ teaspoon (1.5g)
  • Optional: Pinch of nutmeg or cardamom (0.5g)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (163°C).
  2. Clean the pumpkin seeds: separate from pumpkin guts, rinse in a colander under cool water, rub gently to remove large strings, and pat dry with paper towels until damp but not dripping.
  3. Mix the coating: in a medium bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until the sugar begins to dissolve (about 30 seconds) to form a thick, grainy paste.
  4. Toss the seeds: add damp pumpkin seeds to the bowl with the butter-cinnamon mixture and toss with a spatula until every seed is evenly coated and glossy.
  5. Arrange in the air fryer basket: spread coated seeds in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary.
  6. Cook for 10 minutes at 325°F (163°C). Halfway through (at 5 minutes), stir the seeds with a spatula for even cooking.
  7. Check for doneness: after 10 minutes, seeds should be golden brown and fragrant. If not quite done, cook for 1-2 more minutes, checking every 30 seconds.
  8. Cool completely: transfer seeds to a plate or baking sheet in a single layer and let cool for at least 10 minutes—they will continue crisping as they cool.
  9. Optional: sprinkle with extra cinnamon sugar for a more intense flavor.

Notes

Don’t skip the stirring halfway through—sugar can pool and burn. Let seeds cool completely for maximum crunch. For best results, use fresh pumpkin seeds that are still slightly damp. If using pre-packaged seeds, reduce cooking time by 2-3 minutes and spritz with water before coating. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer pumpkin seeds, cinnamon sugar pumpkin seeds, easy pumpkin seeds, fall snack, healthy snack, gluten-free, nut-free