Do you have to let pumpkin seeds dry before roasting?

Yes, drying is essential. If the seeds are damp, they steam in the oven instead of roasting. This leads to a chewy texture. Dry them with a towel or let them sit out for a bit before seasoning.

How do you prepare pumpkin seeds for eating?

Start by removing the seeds from the pumpkin and rinsing them in a colander to get rid of pulp. Dry them well, season with oil and spices, then roast until golden and crisp.

Do you have to soak pumpkin seeds before eating them?

Soaking is not required for this roasted recipe. However, some people soak them to reduce phytic acid or make digestion easier. If you choose to soak, dry them completely before roasting.

Pumpkin Seed Recipe – The Best 7 Ways to Roast, Eat & Flavor Them

Name: Pumpkin Seed Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup raw pumpkin seeds, rinsed and free of pulp; 1 tablespoon olive oil for coating the seeds evenly; ½ teaspoon kosher salt for balanced seasoning; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder to add depth; ¼ teaspoon paprika for a subtle smoky flavor (optional); ⅛ teaspoon black pepper to enhance the overall taste

Description

These roasted pumpkin seeds are crispy, simple, and packed with flavor. Tested across several techniques, this recipe delivers the perfect crunch and deep roasted taste in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

¾ cup raw pumpkin seeds, rinsed and free of pulp

1 tablespoon olive oil for coating the seeds evenly

½ teaspoon kosher salt for balanced seasoning

¼ teaspoon garlic powder to add depth

¼ teaspoon paprika for a subtle smoky flavor (optional)

⅛ teaspoon black pepper to enhance the overall taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).

2. Place the raw seeds in a colander and rinse under cold water. Rub to remove pulp.

3. Dry thoroughly with a clean towel—this is key for crisping.

4. In a bowl, toss seeds with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and pepper.

5. Lightly grease a rimmed baking sheet with olive oil. Spread seeds in a single layer.

6. Roast for 12–15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes for even browning.

7. Check for golden color and crunch. Remove and let cool before serving.

Notes

For best results, always dry the seeds thoroughly before roasting. This helps achieve that ideal crunch.

Customize with cinnamon sugar, cayenne, or nutritional yeast to suit your flavor preferences.

Great as a snack, soup topper, or part of a healthy trail mix.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 8g
Calories: 53
Sugar: 0.02 g
Sodium: 47 mg
Fat: 5 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 1 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 2 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg