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Cozy Air Fryer Chili Lime Pumpkin Seeds: Easy 15-Minute Snack

air fryer chili lime pumpkin seeds - featured image
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These air fryer chili lime pumpkin seeds are a quick and easy 15-minute snack with a perfect balance of tangy lime and warm chili. They’re crispy, flavorful, and made with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (120g) raw shelled pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest (from about 1 lime)
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon sugar or honey (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Rinse and dry the pumpkin seeds. If using raw pepitas from a bag, rinse in a fine-mesh strainer, shake off excess water, then pat dry with a clean towel or paper towels.
  3. Zest and juice the lime. Zest first using a microplane (avoid the white pith), then squeeze 2 tablespoons of juice.
  4. Mix the seasonings: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne (if using), and salt. Stir to break up clumps.
  5. Toss the seeds: In a medium mixing bowl, add dried pumpkin seeds. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. Add lime juice and toss again. Sprinkle seasoning mixture over the top and toss until evenly coated. Add lime zest and toss once more.
  6. Spread the seasoned seeds in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
  7. Cook for 5 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Remove the basket, shake or stir, then cook for another 3-5 minutes until lightly golden and rattling in the basket.
  8. Pour seeds onto a plate or baking sheet and let cool completely. They will continue to crisp as they cool.
  9. Once cool, taste and adjust salt if needed. Add a pinch more flaky salt before serving if desired.

Notes

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even crispiness. Watch the last few minutes closely to prevent burning. Let seeds cool completely before storing to maintain crunch. For best flavor, use fresh lime juice and zest. If using seeds from a fresh pumpkin, wash and dry thoroughly. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. To re-crisp, air fry at 300°F for 2 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer pumpkin seeds, chili lime pumpkin seeds, easy snack, healthy snack, pumpkin seeds recipe, 15-minute snack, gluten-free snack, vegan snack

Find it online: https://sunnysavory.com/cozy-air-fryer-chili-lime-pumpkin-seeds-easy-15-minute-snack/