How to Roast the Pumpkin Seeds: 3 Ways These Snacks to Reach Crunchiness and Fine Flavor
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Pumpkin seeds are a nutritious, healthy and flavorful when cooked. Every baking method, in an air fryer, oven or microwave, gives specific possibilities to reach flavorful taste, and adds an amazing crunch to your snack. What is the mastery of baking, or how to roast the pumpkin seeds, saving their rich taste, without burning them?
Why are Seeds Soaked in Water Before Cooking?
It’s a wise step to soak your pumpkin seeds in water before to cook them. This is useful firstly in removing the residual pumpkin flesh or seeds particles, which means the roasted ones to reach a clear look and pure flavor. Then, soaking them in water softens the outer shells (otherwise they can be quite wiry), and as a result this makes them easier to chew and digest. Placing them in water for a certain time is beneficial also in bettering the taste of the seeds by allowing them to absorb some of the water with added flavors, if you want to season them. In order to soak the seeds, just place them in a bowl of water, sprinkling over a generous pinch of salt. Leave them in the water for about 8–12 hours or overnight. After soaking, and before baking them, drain and rinse the seeds abundantly with of water.
Read also: How To Clean and Cook Pumpkin Seeds? 5 Easy Steps to Follow and 2 Bonus Recipes
How to Roast the Pumpkin Seeds in the Air Fryer
The advantage of this method is the ability to reach crispy baked seeds with less oil. There are some helpful guidelines on how to roast pumpkin seeds in the air fryer:
Gather the ingredients:
- Pumpkin seeds (soaked and then drained)
- Olive oil or cooking spray
- Salt or the favorite seasonings
How to make it?
- Preheat your air fryer. Bake on temperature 350°F (175°C).
- Place the soaked and drained pumpkin seeds in a bowl. Before that, add a drizzle of olive oil or mist them with cooking spray. The damp will help the seasonings to penetrate easily.
- Spread the seeds in the air fryer basket. Place them in a single layer and take care not to overcrowd the basket.
- Roast the seeds for 10–15 minutes. Meanwhile, shake the basket or stir the seeds every 5 minutes for even baking.
- Watch them continuously. Be careful, as they can fast go from completely roasted to burnt.
- Keep roasting till they turn golden brown. They should also be crispy. Remove them from the air fryer and immediately season with salt or with the seasonings while they’re still hot.
Is it Useful to Roast Pumpkin Seeds on the Stove?
Baking seeds on the stove is a classic approach, which reaches great results. There are some helpful guidelines, useful to be known, about the process:
Gather the ingredients:
- Pumpkin seeds (soaked, then drained)
- Vegetable, canola, or olive oil
- Salt or your choice of seasonings
How to make it?
- Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet or frying pan. The heat should be low to over medium.
- Pour one tablespoon of cooking oil to the pan. Rotate it around to cover the bottom evenly.
- Place the pumpkin seeds in the pan. They should be in a single layer for even roasting.
- Stir the seeds on short intervals. Thus prevent them from sticking to the pan, and ensure even cooking.
- Roast the seeds for about 10–15 minutes. Wait until they turn golden brown, and watch closely, not allowing them to burn.
- Take them out of the pan. Then place on a paper towel, which will soak up the excess oil.
- Season with salt or favorite seasonings. Do this while the seeds are still warm.
How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds in the Microwave?
If you’re looking for a fast and simple way to cook, the microwave can be your best assistant. Here is the way how to roast the pumpkin seeds in the microwave:
Gather the ingredients:
- Pumpkin seeds (soaked and then drained)
- Salt or seasonings
How to make it?
- Place the seeds in a microwave-safe bowl. They should be soaked and drained.
- Add the salt or seasonings. You can also pour a small amount of oil for extra flavor.
- Cover them with a microwave-safe plate. Leave a small vent for the steam to leave the bowl.
- Microwave the seeds on high for 2–3 minutes. Watch them closely, as baking times can vary.
- Stir the seeds every 30 seconds. This is to ensure even cooking. Stop the microwave when you stir.
- Take them away from the microwave. Finish the baking when the seeds are golden brown and crispy.
Roasted pumpkin seeds are not only a satisfying treat, but also a healthy addition to your diet, offering a wealth of nutrients and a delightful crunch. Enjoy your homemade roasted pumpkin seeds and the goodness of this autumnal gift!
Read also: How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds After Carving: A Tasty Snack for Your Family