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Best Easy Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Seeds

air fryer cinnamon sugar pumpkin seeds - featured image

These quick air fryer cinnamon sugar pumpkin seeds are perfectly crisp, coated in warm cinnamon and sugar, and ready in under 15 minutes. A nostalgic, healthy snack that’s faster and easier than oven-roasting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (or brown sugar)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup (optional, to replace sugar)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until the sugar starts to dissolve into the butter, forming a slightly grainy paste. Add a tiny splash of water if too thick.
  3. Add the pumpkin seeds to the bowl and toss well until every seed is coated. The seeds should look glossy and speckled with cinnamon.
  4. Spread the seeds in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; work in batches if needed.
  5. Air fry at 350°F for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through at the 4-minute mark. Watch closely toward the end to prevent burning. Seeds should be golden brown and smell like a bakery.
  6. Let the seeds cool completely in the basket for at least 10 minutes. They continue to crisp up as they cool.
  7. Transfer to a bowl and enjoy. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Notes

For fresh pumpkin seeds, rinse thoroughly and pat bone-dry before coating. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. Let seeds cool completely to achieve maximum crunch. If seeds come out chewy, they may need more drying or cooking time. For a vegan version, use coconut oil instead of butter. For lower sugar, use monk fruit sweetener.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer pumpkin seeds, cinnamon sugar pumpkin seeds, easy pumpkin seeds, healthy snack, fall snack, pepitas