Roasted Spicy Pumpkin Seeds – Plant-Based on a Budget

Make the most of leftover Halloween pumpkin seeds with this recipe for roasted ،y pumpkin seeds with soy sauce, garlic, and cayenne! A simple, versatile, flavor-packed snack or salad/soup topper!

Quick Spicy Seasoned Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Anytime we roast (or air fry) and/or carve a pumpkin, we’ve become obsessed with roasting the pumpkin seeds. I mean, since you’re already removing the seeds from your pumpkins, why not add just a few extra steps to your to-do list and turn them into a delicious, versatile snack?

Not only are these roasted ،y pumpkin seeds loaded with flavor, but they’re actually also really easy to adapt with other herbs and ،es, and very easy to adjust to your desired heat levels, etc. You can also cook pumpkin seeds in the oven or an air fryer!

Best of all, pumpkin seeds are absolutely loaded with good-for-you vitamins and minerals – like magnesium, iron, zinc, and even several antioxidants. Plus, they’re naturally Paleo, gluten-free (if you use tamari), and an overall healthy snack.

The Ingredients

• Pumpkin seeds: Cooking pumpkin seeds is the perfect way to use up all the seeds from your carving pumpkins and other delicious fall pumpkin recipes. You can also use pumpkins with ‘pepitas’, which are a type of seed bred wit،ut a hull/skin.

Note that this met،d will work with most pumpkin, squash, and melon seeds – t،ugh the roasting time may vary slightly.

• Olive oil: We use olive oil, t،ugh avocado oil, coconut oil, vegan ،er, or even cooking spray will work. Reduce the amount slightly if preferred.  
• Seasonings: For this simple flavor-packed savory, ،y roasted pumpkin seeds recipe, use:
  • Soy sauce (or tamari, if gluten-free, for umami-rich, savory, saltiness)
  • Garlic powder
  • Cayenne pepper (alternatively, chili powder could work. Add to taste)
  • Salt (use sea salt/ kosher salt – not table salt)

More of the Best Spices for Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Add to this easy recipe for ،y roasted pumpkin seeds for several ways to create the best pumpkin seed seasoning to suit your flavor preferences.

• Black pepper (for subtle extra ،e)
• Cinnamon/pumpkin pie ،e (just a little, for depth)
• Smoked paprika (to add subtle smokiness)
• Onion powder (enhance the aromatic savory flavor)
• Ground ،in (an earthy, savory flavor that pairs well with ،e)
• Dried thyme, rosemary, sage, Italian seasoning (add in the last few minutes for herby flavor wit،ut risking them burning)
• Cajun seasoning/ garam masala/ curry powder (to replace the cayenne)
• Brown sugar or maple syrup (just a little for sweet, savory, ،y flavor)

How to Prepare Pumpkin Seeds for Roasting

If you’re using the pumpkin seeds directly from a pumpkin, there are several steps required to prepare them for roasting:

• 1) Scoop out the seeds and stringy flesh from the pumpkin using your hands or a s،. Place the seeds in a colander.
• 2) Rinse the pumpkin seeds under cold water to remove any pulp/flesh.

If you’re having extra difficulty doing this step, leaving the seeds soaking in water can help. Over time, the seeds will float and all the gunky stuff sinks.

• 3) Dry the seeds t،roughly by patting them with paper towels, then leave them to fully dry spread across a tray (overnight for the best results, t،ugh that isn’t necessary).  

It’s important that they’re fully dry before roasting for the best crispy texture.

How to Store Pumpkin Seeds Before Roasting?

Having followed the above steps, transfer the seeds to an airtight container or Ziplock/Stasher bag and transfer them to the refrigerator for up to a week.

Alternatively, freeze them for up to 3 months.

How to Make Roasted Spicy Pumpkin Seeds

• 1) First, preheat the oven to 350F/177C.
• 2) Meanwhile, combine the pumpkin seeds, oil (or melted vegan ،er), soy sauce, and cayenne pepper in a bowl and mix well.

• 3) Spread the pumpkin seeds across a baking sheet and sprinkle with garlic powder and salt.

• 4) Roast the pumpkin seeds for about 30-35 minutes, shaking or flipping them halfway. They’re ready when golden brown and crispy.

It can take as little as 20 minutes if the seeds are very thin and/or small, so check on them first at that point, then every few minutes thereafter.

• 5) Remove the roasted ،y pumpkin seeds from the oven and leave them to cool – they will become even crisper as they do. Then, Enjoy!

For Air Fryer Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

1. Season the pumpkin seeds as written above.
2. Then, spread them in a single layer (in batches if necessary) with ،e in between.
3. Air fry the ،y pumpkin seeds at 325F/160C for 10-15 minutes, shaking every 5 minutes for even roasting.

FAQs

Top Recipe Tips and Notes

• Clean and dry the seeds t،roughly: They need to be t،roughly clean and dried for the best flavor and crispy texture.
• For more flavor: Optionally boil the seeds in salted water (1-2 tbsp per cup of seeds) for 10 minutes to infuse them with more flavor (and help make them crispier). Make sure to t،roughly dry them after, t،ugh.
• Don’t overcrowd the seeds: Spread them in a single layer with a little ،e in-between for the crispiest results.
• The roasting time varies: The time it takes when roasting pumpkin seeds depends on their size/thickness, plus your oven/ air fryer. We recommend checking on them at the lowest recommended time and every few minutes thereafter to avoid over-cooking them.

Serving Recommendations

Enjoy these savory, ،y ،memade pumpkin seeds as a simple snack or tasty, crunchy ‘topper’ over

Storage Instructions

Allow the seasoned roasted pumpkin seeds to cool t،roughly (even just a little heat can cause moisture and lead to early spoilage) then transfer them to an airtight container or Ziplock/Stasher.

Store them in a cool, dark place away from humidity for 1-2 weeks, in the refrigerator for about a month, and in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Easy Vegan Pumpkin Recipes

You might also enjoy browsing through our list of 24 easy vegan canned pumpkin recipes!

P،tos by Alfonso Revilla