Name: Perfect Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 1 ½ cups seeds

Crispy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds – Zero Waste Snack

Roasted pumpkin seeds transform jack-o-lantern guts into crispy healthy snack packed with magnesium, zinc, and healthy fats everyone craves during fall. Simple cleaning technique separates seeds from stringy pulp while thorough drying ensures maximum crunch impossible from wet seeds. Olive oil coating with kosher salt creates perfect savory balance while 5 flavor variations provide endless customization from classic garlic-paprika to sweet cinnamon maple transforming Halloween waste into addictive trail mix, salad crunch, or soup garnish.

Why Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Work Perfectly

Thorough drying prevents steaming creating crispy exterior. Moderate oven temperature develops nutty flavor without burning. Single layer roasting ensures even browning. Olive oil helps seasonings adhere while promoting Maillard reaction. Salting post-roast prevents sogginess maintaining crunch days later.

Perfect Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Prep Time: 10 Minutes + Drying Roast Time: 15 Minutes Yield: 1½ Cups Seeds

Crispy roasted pumpkin seeds with classic savory seasoning.

Classic Savory Seasoning:

1½ cups fresh pumpkin seeds (from 1 medium pumpkin)
1 Tbsp olive oil
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp smoked paprika
⅛ tsp black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Clean Seeds Perfectly:

Scoop seeds + pulp into large bowl of water. Swirl separates seeds (they float).
Skim clean seeds into colander. Rinse thoroughly remove remaining pulp.[web:381]

Dry Thoroughly:

Spread seeds on clean kitchen towels. Pat dry top and bottom.
Air dry 1-2 hours or oven 200°F 1 hour until completely moisture-free.[web:382]

Season & Roast:

Preheat oven 350°F. Line baking sheet parchment paper.
Toss dry seeds with oil, salt, garlic powder, paprika, pepper.
Spread single layer. Roast 12-15 min, stirring every 5 min until golden.[web:381]

Cool & Store:

Cool completely baking sheet (crisps further). Taste, add salt if needed.
Store airtight container up to 2 weeks or freeze 6 months.

Fall Tip: Larger seeds crisp better. Dry completely prevents chewy centers. Single layer essential even roasting.[web:381][web:382]

Mastering Seed Cleaning

Water Separation Magic

Large bowl water + hand swirling separates 90% pulp instantly. Seeds naturally float clean separation. Colander rinse removes stragglers. Patience prevents waste.[web:382]

Drying Critical

Kitchen towels absorb surface moisture. Air drying 2 hours perfect. Oven method 200°F speeds process. Wet seeds = steamed chewy failure.[web:381]

Pumpkin Type Matters

Sugar/pie pumpkins smaller cleaner seeds. Carving pumpkins work larger seeds. Heirloom varieties best flavor. 1 medium pumpkin yields 1½ cups.[web:385]

Perfect Roasting Technique

Temperature Precision

350°F develops flavor without burning. 300°F longer (35-45 min) alternative. Stir every 5 min prevents hot spots. Nutty aroma signals doneness.[web:381][web:382]

Oil Selection

Olive oil flavor + crispiness. Avocado oil higher smoke point. Melted butter rich alternative. 1 Tbsp per 1½ cups perfect coating.[web:388]

Seasoning Timing

Pre-roast ensures adhesion. Post-roast salt prevents moisture draw. Spices burn easily add last 5 minutes if strong flavors desired.

5 Flavor Variations

Cinnamon Maple Sweet:

1 tsp maple syrup, ½ tsp cinnamon, pinch nutmeg. Reduce salt ¼ tsp. Candy-like crunch.[web:385]

Spicy Chili Lime:

½ tsp chili powder, ¼ tsp cumin, lime zest post-roast. Salt post-cooling essential.[web:382]

Everything Bagel:

2 tsp everything bagel seasoning post-roast. Garlic/onion/poppy perfect savory.

Curry Roasted:

1 tsp curry powder, pinch cayenne. Golden color exotic flavor.[web:388]

Garlic Parmesan:

Extra ¼ tsp garlic powder, 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan last 2 min roasting.[web:381]

Expert Roasting Tips

Prevent burning:

Oven thermometer accuracy essential. Stir every 5 minutes. Smaller seeds 12 min, larger 15-18 min. Golden edges perfect doneness.[web:381]

Storage perfection:

Airtight glass jar room temp 2 weeks. Paper bag absorbs moisture. Freeze 6 months perfect crispness maintained.

Batch roasting:

Single layer critical overcrowding steams. 2 sheets staggered racks. Rotate halfway even browning. Half sheet pans perfect size.

Revive soggy seeds:

350°F 5 minutes restores crispness. Cool baking sheet prevents condensation. Airtight immediately after cooling.

Scaling easy:

Double seasoning ratios perfect. Same timing single layer maintained. Half sheet pans 2 cups maximum capacity.

Creative Serving Ideas

Salad Crunch

Savory seeds elevate kale salads, quinoa bowls. Garlic parmesan pairs goat cheese. Chili lime complements citrus dressings.

Trail Mix Essential

Mix cooled seeds with nuts, dried fruit. Cinnamon maple + almonds fall perfection. Everything bagel + pretzels snackable.

Soup & Stew Garnish

Sprinkle over pumpkin soup, chili. Texture contrast transforms bowls. Curry seeds + coconut milk soups exotic.

Baking Upgrade

Chop add to cornbread, muffins. Garlic parmesan bread toppings. Cinnamon swirl streusel magic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seeds still chewy?

Insufficient drying. Redry 200°F 30 min. Lower temp 325°F 20 min. Single layer essential steam escape.[web:381]

Bitter burnt flavor?

Too high heat or overcrowding. 350°F maximum. Stir frequently. Spices burning add last 5 minutes.[web:382]

Pumpkin type matters?

Sugar pumpkins cleanest seeds. Carving pumpkins larger workable. All varieties edible larger = more work.[web:385]

Store-bought seeds?

Fresh superior flavor/texture. Dry roast unsalted bulk best. Homemade 10x cheaper nutrition superior.

Oil-free roasting?

Spray olive oil minimal coating. Air fryer 350°F 10 min shaking halfway. Water chestnuts method inferior crisp.