How to Make Roasted Pumpkin Seeds (Savory and Sweet Recipes) (2025)

Jack-o'-Lanterns and Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Carving pumpkins is one of my family's favorite traditions. We love to create spooky faces and make them glow with tealights in the evening. This year, we're planning on creating a wild spectacle on Halloween night, placing the pumpkins in our fire ring to transform them into fire-breathing dragons. We can't wait!

As we clean the pumpkins to prepare them for carving, we transfer the pulpy mess into a bowl. Once we're all done, I separate the seeds and roast them.

Two Ways to Roast: Oven and Air Fryer

Roasted pumpkin seeds are one of our favorite seasonal treats. I like to split the seeds in half, making both a salty and a sweet version.

I put the salty seeds in the air fryer while the sweet ones are in the oven. While they are both tasty, I like the salty ones best. They make a great afternoon snack! It's also fun to combine the seeds, getting a sweet and salty fix all in one go.

Below I'm sharing exactly how I prepare and roast the seeds. Follow along with the steps to roast your pumpkin seeds and provide your family with a nutritious and delicious snack in the weeks ahead.

Ingredients

For savory pumpkin seeds:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons salt

For sweet pumpkin seeds:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

Ingredients for savory pumpkin seeds

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Step 1: Separate and Clean the Seeds

1. Transfer the pulpy mess from carving your pumpkins into a colander.
2. Place the colander in the sink, and lay an old towel out on the counter.
3. As you separate the seeds from the pulp, rinse and transfer them to a bowl.
4. Once all the seeds are in the bowl, fill it with water. Then, discard the pulp. You can take it outside for the squirrels, chipmunks, and birds, or trash it.
5. Rinse your colander and dump the seeds back in. Give the seeds one last rinse under cool water, shaking the colander.
6. Place the seeds on your towel and pat them dry.

Photo Guide: Cleaning the Pumpkin Seeds

Place pulpy pumpkin inside mess into a colander. Rinse the seeds as you separate them from the pulp. Place the seeds in a bowl.

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Step 2: Season the Pumpkin Seeds

1. Put half of the pumpkin seeds in one mixing bowl and the other half in another bowl.
2. Pour 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 teaspoons salt in one bowl. Toss the seeds to coat well.
3. In the other bowl, combine 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon allspice, and 2 teaspoons cinnamon. Toss the seeds to coat well.
4. Place the pumpkin seeds on baking sheets to roast in the oven or in your air fryer basket if you plan to air fry. Follow the directions below for the method you choose.
5. When the sweet pumpkin seeds are finished, place them in a bowl. Sprinkle an additional 2 teaspoons of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon over top and mix.

Photo Guide: Seasoning the Pumpkin Seeds

Place half the seeds in a mixing bowl. Put the other half in a separate bowl.

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Step 3: Roast the Pumpkin Seeds

Oven Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
2. Prepare your baking sheet. Douse a paper towel with a little olive oil and rub it all over the pan.
3. Spread the pumpkin seeds on the pan in a single layer.
4. Bake for 20 - 25 minutes.
5. Pumpkin seeds are done when they are golden brown and/or crispy.

Photo Guide: Roasting in the Oven

Coat the bottom of your baking sheet with olive oil.

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Air Fryer Instructions

1. Line your air fryer basket with parchment or a silicone liner.
2. Arrange the pumpkin seeds in the basket in a single layer.
3. Air fry at 375 degrees for 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
4. Pumpkin seeds are done when they are golden brown and crispy.

Photo Guide: Roasting in the Air Fryer

Place seeds in your lined air fryer basket. Spread them out as best as you can.

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© 2023 Alyssa