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Crispy Smoked Paprika Roasted Pumpkin Seeds (Easy Snack)

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Perfectly crunchy roasted pumpkin seeds with smoky paprika, salty and slightly spicy. The secret to the crackly texture is boiling the seeds before roasting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups fresh pumpkin seeds (about 6 ounces)
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon salt (plus more for finishing)
  • 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. Rinse the pumpkin seeds thoroughly in a colander under cold water, picking off any large orange strings.
  3. Bring 4 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of salt to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan. Add the pumpkin seeds and boil for exactly 10 minutes. Drain and let cool for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Spread the boiled seeds on a clean kitchen towel and pat them very dry, pressing firmly with a second towel to absorb as much moisture as possible.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine the dried seeds with olive oil, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), and garlic powder. Stir until every seed is evenly coated.
  6. Spread the seeds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, avoiding overcrowding.
  7. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through. The seeds are done when deeply golden and make a hollow tapping sound when shaken.
  8. Cool completely on the baking sheet for at least 15-20 minutes.
  9. Once cooled, transfer to a bowl and toss with a pinch of flaky sea salt. Store in an airtight container.

Notes

Don’t skip the boil—it’s the key to the crackly texture. Dry the seeds thoroughly after boiling to avoid steaming. Watch the last 5 minutes closely as seeds can burn quickly. Let them cool completely before judging texture; they will crisp up as they cool. For an air fryer method, cook at 325°F (160°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted pumpkin seeds, smoked paprika, crispy pumpkin seeds, fall snack, Halloween snack, Thanksgiving snack, easy snack

Find it online: https://jollyfork.com/crispy-smoked-paprika-roasted-pumpkin-seeds-easy-snack/