Fall is here, and with it comes all the seasonal flavors we love. If you’ve carved your pumpkins and have a pile of seeds waiting to be transformed, you’re in luck! Pumpkin seeds are not only a crunchy snack but also packed with nutrients. Whether you’re using an air fryer or an oven, I’ll walk you through how to roast pumpkin seeds with a delicious twist using sazón and adobo.
Jump to RecipeThese spices bring a bold, savory flavor that will elevate your seeds from simple to sensational. Ready to learn how to make pumpkin seeds like a pro? Let’s get started!
Why Roast Pumpkin Seeds?
Pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, are not only tasty but nutritious. They’re rich in magnesium, zinc, and heart-healthy fats. Roasting them adds a delightful crunch, making them a versatile snack that you can enjoy on their own or sprinkle over salads, soups, or even mix into granola.
Air Fryer or Oven – Which is Better?
The great thing about roasting pumpkin seeds is that it’s super easy to do in either an air fryer or an oven. Both methods yield crispy, golden seeds, but the air fryer has the advantage of being faster while the oven allows you to roast larger batches at once.
Let’s dive into how to roast pumpkin seeds with either method, seasoned to perfection with sazón and adobo.
What You’ll Need
Tools:
- Baking sheet (for oven method)
- Air fryer (if using)
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
How to Make Pumpkin Seeds
Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Seeds
- After carving your pumpkin, scoop out the seeds and separate them from the pulp.
- Rinse the seeds under cold water to remove any remaining pumpkin flesh.
- Spread them on a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to dry. For the best results, let them dry completely overnight. The drier the seeds, the crispier they’ll roast.
Step 2: Season the Seeds
- In a bowl, toss the pumpkin seeds with olive oil to coat them evenly.
- Add your choice of sazón or adobo seasoning. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can mix in additional spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper for extra flavor.
- Mix well to ensure every seed is evenly coated with the seasonings.
Step 3: Roast the Pumpkin Seeds
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the seasoned pumpkin seeds in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even roasting.
- Keep an eye on the seeds as they can go from golden to burnt quickly!
- Once crispy and golden, remove from the air fryer and let them cool.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the seasoned pumpkin seeds on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure they cook evenly.
- Once the seeds are golden brown and crunchy, remove them from the oven and let them cool.
Step 4: Enjoy Your Flavorful Pumpkin Seeds
Once cooled, your roasted pumpkin seeds are ready to eat! The sazón or adobo brings a savory punch, turning these humble seeds into a snack full of flavor. Store them in an airtight container for up to a week – if they last that long!
Experiment with Pumpkin Seed Flavors
One of the best parts of making roasted pumpkin seeds is that you can get creative with flavors. Here are a few ideas to try once you’ve mastered how to make pumpkin seeds with sazón and adobo:
- Sweet & Spicy: Mix sugar with cinnamon and cayenne pepper for a combo of sweet heat.
- Herby Delight: Toss seeds with olive oil, rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder for an earthy twist.
- Zesty Lime: Add lime zest and chili powder for a bright, tangy flavor.
No matter what seasoning blend you choose, you’ll discover that roasted pumpkin seeds are the perfect blank canvas for a variety of pumpkin seed flavors.
Final Tips for the Best Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
- Don’t overcrowd the seeds in the air fryer or oven. They need space to roast evenly.
- Dry seeds are key to crispiness. Wet seeds will steam instead of roast.
- Watch the timing! Pumpkin seeds can burn quickly, so check on them frequently towards the end of the cooking time.
Now that you know how to roast pumpkin seeds, it’s time to grab those pumpkin seeds and try these bold and exciting flavors for yourself. Happy roasting!
Roasted Adobo Pumpkin Seeds
Equipment
- Baking sheet for oven method
- Air fryer if using
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin seeds cleaned and dried
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Sazon
- 1 tsp Adobo
- Paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper Optional flavor boosters
Instructions
Prepare the Pumpkin Seeds
- After carving your pumpkin, scoop out the seeds and separate them from the pulp.
- Rinse the seeds under cold water to remove any remaining pumpkin flesh.
- Spread them on a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to dry. For the best results, let them dry completely overnight. The drier the seeds, the crispier they’ll roast.
Season the Seeds
- In a bowl, toss the pumpkin seeds with olive oil to coat them evenly.
- Add your the sazón and adobo seasoning. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can mix in additional spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper for extra flavor.
- Mix well to ensure every seed is evenly coated with the seasonings.
Roast the Pumpkin Seeds – Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the seasoned pumpkin seeds in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even roasting.
- Keep an eye on the seeds as they can go from golden to burnt quickly!
- Once crispy and golden, remove from the air fryer and let them cool.
Roast the Pumpkin Seeds – Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the seasoned pumpkin seeds on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure they cook evenly.
- Once the seeds are golden brown and crunchy, remove them from the oven and let them cool.
Enjoy Your Flavorful Pumpkin Seeds
- Once cooled, your roasted pumpkin seeds are ready to eat! The sazón or adobo brings a savory punch, turning these humble seeds into a snack full of flavor. Store them in an airtight container for up to a week – if they last that long!