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Crispy Chili Lime Pumpkin Seeds Recipe

crispy chili lime pumpkin seeds - featured image

This recipe transforms humble pumpkin seeds into an addictive, crunchy snack with a bold chili-lime flavor. Perfect for parties, it’s easy to make and packed with protein and healthy fats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups fresh pumpkin seeds (about 180g)
  • 4 cups water (960ml)
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt (30g), plus more to taste
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (42g)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder (4g)
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin (1g)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (1.5g)
  • Zest of 1 medium lime
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (30ml)
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Place 1 ½ cups fresh pumpkin seeds in a colander and rinse under cold water, removing stringy pulp. Pat dry.
  3. In a large pot, bring 4 cups water and 2 tablespoons salt to a rolling boil. Add seeds and boil for exactly 10 minutes.
  4. Drain seeds in a colander. Let cool slightly, then spread on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Pat very dry and let air-dry for 5-10 minutes.
  5. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt 3 tablespoons butter. Remove from heat and stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, lime zest, lime juice, and cayenne (if using). Whisk until smooth.
  6. Place dried seeds in a large bowl. Pour butter mixture over them and toss until evenly coated.
  7. Spread seeds in a single layer on prepared baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and fragrant.
  8. Let seeds cool completely on the baking sheet (about 20-30 minutes). They will crisp up as they cool.
  9. Taste and sprinkle with additional salt if needed.

Notes

The boiling step is crucial for seasoning seeds from the inside out and ensuring crunch. Drying seeds thoroughly after boiling is essential to avoid chewiness. Watch seeds closely in the last 5 minutes of roasting to prevent burning. For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin seeds, chili lime, crispy, snack, party snack, roasted pumpkin seeds