How to Cook Pumpkin Seeds 4 Different Ways

Using a skillet is one of the fastest ways to cook pumpkin seeds. This method gives you control over the cooking process and creates evenly toasted seeds. The skillet method works well when you want to make small amounts quickly.

1. Clean the pumpkin seeds by removing all orange pulp. Rinse them under cold water until they are completely clean.

2. Pat the seeds dry with a clean towel. Make sure they are not wet before cooking.

3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add one tablespoon of oil to the pan.

4. Add the clean, dry pumpkin seeds to the hot skillet. Spread them in a single layer.

5. Cook the seeds for 5-8 minutes, stirring often. The seeds should turn golden brown and crispy.

6. Add salt or your favorite spices during the last 2 minutes of cooking.

7. Remove from heat when the seeds are golden and crispy. Let them cool before eating.

Oven roasting is the most popular method to cook pumpkin seeds. This method works well for large amounts and gives consistent results. The oven creates evenly cooked seeds with a perfect crispy texture.

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This temperature cooks the seeds slowly and prevents burning.

2. Clean the pumpkin seeds thoroughly. Remove all pulp and strings, then rinse with cold water.

3. Soak the clean seeds in salt water for 10 minutes. Use 2 cups of water with 1 tablespoon of salt.

4. Drain the seeds and pat them completely dry with paper towels.

5. Toss the dry seeds with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Make sure all seeds are coated evenly.

6. Spread the seeds on a baking sheet in a single layer. Do not overlap the seeds.

7. Bake for 20-30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. The seeds are done when they are golden brown and crispy.

8. Season with salt, pepper, or spices while the seeds are still warm.

Air fryers make cooking pumpkin seeds quick and easy. This method uses hot air to create crispy seeds without much oil. Air fryer cooking gives you perfectly toasted seeds in less time than other methods.

1. Clean the pumpkin seeds and remove all orange flesh. Rinse them well under running water.

2. Dry the seeds completely with a clean towel. Wet seeds will not cook properly in the air fryer.

3. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes.

4. Toss the clean, dry seeds with 1 teaspoon of oil. You need less oil than in other cooking methods.

5. Place the seeds in the air fryer basket. Do not fill the basket too full.

6. Cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes. This helps cook the seeds evenly.

7. Check if the seeds are golden brown and crispy. Cook for 2-3 more minutes if needed.

8. Season the hot seeds with salt or spices immediately after cooking.

The microwave is the fastest way to cook pumpkin seeds. This method works well when you want a quick snack or have only small amounts of seeds. Microwave cooking is simple but requires careful timing to avoid burning.

1. Clean the pumpkin seeds and remove all pulp. Rinse them until the water runs clear.

2. Pat the seeds dry with paper towels. Remove as much water as possible.

3. Place the clean seeds on a microwave-safe plate. Spread them in a single layer.

4. Drizzle a small amount of oil over the seeds. Use about 1/2 teaspoon for one cup of seeds.

5. Microwave on high power for 2-3 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

6. Stir the seeds and microwave for another 1-2 minutes. The seeds should be golden and crispy.

7. Let the seeds cool for 1 minute before handling. They will be very hot.

8. Add salt or seasonings while the seeds are still warm.

Pumpkin seeds are not just tasty snacks - they are also very good for your health. These small seeds have many good things that help your body work well. Adding cooked pumpkin seeds to your food can make your health better in many ways.

- Full of Good Things for Your Body: Pumpkin seeds have lots of protein, good fats, and minerals. They have magnesium, zinc, iron, and copper that your body needs every day. These good things help your muscles, bones, and blood stay healthy.

- Good for Your Heart: The magnesium in pumpkin seeds helps keep your heart healthy. According to Healthline, having enough magnesium is important for keeping blood pressure normal and lowering heart disease risk. The good fats in these seeds also help protect your heart.

- May Help Stop Cancer: Pumpkin seeds have special properties from plants that may fight cancer. These things protect your body cells from damage. Some studies show that eating pumpkin seeds may lower the chance of getting some types of cancer.

- Help Men's Health: Men can get help from eating pumpkin seeds for their health. WebMD reports that many studies have shown pumpkin seeds may help men who have problems with a body part called the prostate. This can help with bathroom problems.

- Help You Sleep Better: Pumpkin seeds have something that helps you sleep better. This natural thing makes you feel calm and sleepy. The magnesium in the seeds also helps reduce worry and stress that can keep you awake.

- High in Fiber: Pumpkin seeds with shells give you good amounts of fiber. Fiber helps your stomach work well and keeps you feeling full longer. According to the Cleveland Clinic, pumpkin seeds with shells are a very good source of fiber, but you should start with small amounts if you do not usually eat much fiber.

- Make Your Body Strong Against Sickness: The zinc in pumpkin seeds helps your body fight sickness. Zinc also helps cuts heal faster and keeps your skin healthy. Getting enough zinc from foods like pumpkin seeds keeps your body strong.

- Help Your Eyes: Pumpkin seeds have vitamin E and other good things that protect your eyes. These good things help stop eye problems when you get older. Eating pumpkin seeds often may help keep your eyes working well.

- Help Control Sugar in Blood: The magnesium and fiber in pumpkin seeds may help control the sugar in your blood. This is very helpful for people with diabetes or those trying not to get it. The good fats also help your body use sugar better.

- High in Protein: Pumpkin seeds are a very good source of protein from plants. This makes them perfect for people who do not eat meat or anyone trying to eat less meat. The protein in pumpkin seeds has all the important parts your body needs.