Best 2 Air Fryer Pepitas Recipes

**Air Fryer Pepitas: A Wholesome and Flavorful Snack**

Pepitas, also known as pumpkin seeds, are a nutritious and versatile snack that can be enjoyed on their own or added to various dishes for an extra crunch and nutty flavor. Traditionally, pepitas are roasted in the oven, which can be time-consuming and result in uneven cooking. However, with the convenience of air fryers, you can now prepare perfectly roasted pepitas in just a matter of minutes. This article provides two delectable air fryer pepita recipes that cater to different taste preferences. The first recipe yields savory and subtly spicy pepitas seasoned with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika, while the second recipe offers a sweet and tangy twist with a glaze made from honey, Dijon mustard, and balsamic vinegar. Both recipes are incredibly easy to follow and require minimal ingredients, making them perfect for busy individuals or those seeking a quick and healthy snack. Get ready to satisfy your cravings with these air fryer pepita recipes that promise a burst of flavor in every bite.

Let's cook with our recipes!

AIR FRYER PUMPKIN SEEDS

Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds image

These air-fried pumpkin seeds are wonderfully crunchy with just a hint of smoky flavor. Best served cold.

Provided by Bren

Categories Appetizers and Snacks Nuts and Seeds Pumpkin Seed Recipes

Time 1h

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 4

Ingredients

1 ¾ cups pumpkin seeds
2 teaspoons avocado oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt

Steps:

Place pumpkin seeds in a small colander and rinse well.
Lay 2 sheets of paper towels on a plate. Place pumpkin seeds on the towels and cover with 2 more paper towels. Press down to remove most of the water. Let dry for a minimum of 15 minutes.
Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
Transfer seeds to a medium bowl. Add avocado oil, paprika, and salt. Use a medium spoon to mix. Place the seeds in the air fryer basket and cook for 35 minutes, shaking the basket frequently. Watch carefully during the last 5 minutes; the pumpkin seeds can go from perfectly cooked to burned very quickly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 233.5 calories, Carbohydrate 7.4 g, Fat 20.2 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 9.9 g, SaturatedFat 3.7 g, Sodium 394.9 mg, Sugar 0.4 g

AIR FRYER BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP

Air Fryer Butternut Squash Soup image

The high heat of an air fryer quickly caramelizes vegetables, giving this creamy soup deep flavor. The addition of a few dried spices adds warmth and seasoning. Drizzle the finished soup with crème fraîche or plain yogurt and sprinkle with pepitas and chopped chives for a delicious vegetarian meal that's particularly weeknight-friendly.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds butternut squash (from about half of 1 large squash), peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
2 medium carrots, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
1 orange bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and cut into 1-inch-thick slices
1/2 medium onion, cut into 4 wedges
3 tablespoons olive oil
3/4 teaspoon granulated garlic
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
Roasted, salted pepitas, for serving
Crème fraîche or full-fat plain yogurt, for serving
Finely chopped chives, for serving

Steps:

Preheat a 6-quart air fryer to 375 degrees F. Toss the butternut squash, carrots, bell pepper, onion, olive oil, granulated garlic, ginger, thyme, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and several grinds of black pepper together in a large bowl until well combined. Transfer to the air fryer basket. Fry until golden brown and tender, tossing halfway through, about 20 minutes.
Transfer the browned vegetables to a large pot or Dutch oven and add the broth and cream. Use an immersion blender to blend the mixture on medium-high until very smooth. (Alternatively, blend the mixture in a standard blender, first letting it cool for 5 minutes, then transferring it to the blender, filling only halfway. Put the lid on, leaving one corner open. Cover the lid with a kitchen towel to catch splatters, and pulse until very smooth, scrapping down the sides of the blender carafe with a rubber spatula as needed; pour the blended mixture back into the pot.)
Cook the soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is just simmering, about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and top with pepitas, drizzle with crème fraîche or yogurt and sprinkle with chives.

Tips:

Choose the right pepitas: Look for raw, unsalted pepitas. Hulled pepitas are also a good option, but they may be more expensive.
Use a single layer: Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. This will help the pepitas to cook evenly.
Shake the basket: Shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking to ensure that the pepitas are evenly browned.
Season to taste: Once the pepitas are cooked, season them with salt, pepper, or other spices to taste.
Store properly: Store leftover pepitas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Conclusion:

Air fryer pepitas are a healthy and delicious snack that can be enjoyed on their own or added to salads, yogurt, or oatmeal. They are also a great source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. With just a few simple ingredients and a few minutes of cooking time, you can have a batch of delicious pepitas that the whole family will love.