Roast Seeds In Your Air Fryer For Next-Level Flavor (And Fragrance)

Roasted seeds are one of the best snacks out there: They're seriously tasty, and are also a wonderful source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and more. Roasted seeds are perfect on their own (this chili-roasted pumpkin seeds recipe being a delicious proof) with their sweet, nutty flavors and fragrances, and crunchy texture, but are also a quick and delicious way to add healthy fats and protein to soups, smoothies, or salads. If you have a sad bag of seeds and are wondering how to bring the best out of them, here's our suggestion: roast them in an air fryer.

The air fryer, which circulates hot air around in its basket, can roast your seeds evenly to perfection, bringing out their fragrances and flavors every time. This appliance is straightforward to use and especially suitable for smaller batches of seeds, whereas a conventional oven would be overkill. With an air fryer, preheat time is minimal, and cleanup is a breeze. You can roast any type of edible seeds in one, from pumpkin seeds and pine nuts to larger nuts (hey, they're botanically seeds, too!) and everything in between.

Roasting your seeds with an air fryer is very straightforward. First, make sure your seeds are clean and dry (here's how to clean pumpkin seeds). You can pour them into a strainer to get rid of the dust and pulp, and toss any spoiled seeds. Most seeds can be roasted without oil; however, if you want to season them, adding 1 teaspoon of oil for every cup of seeds can help the flavors stick better. For seasoning, salt and pepper is the foolproof choice. If you're looking for more depth and complexity, experiment with combinations like garlic powder and paprika, or cinnamon and sugar.

Next, pop a baking sheet at the bottom of the air fryer basket. You don't need a sheet for larger seeds and nuts, but it can be a saver for small seeds that can pass through the basket holes. Make sure the sheet covers only the bottom and not the walls to allow air circulation. Gently pour the seeds in, and it's roasting time! Most small seeds hit that perfect roast after about 12 to 15 minutes at 325 to 360 degrees Fahrenheit, though the time could be slightly shorter if the air fryer has been preheated. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time, check on the seeds, and adjust the time and temperature if necessary. Once the seeds have a nice, nutty aroma, they're likely ready. Take them out and allow them to cool before sealing them up in an airtight jar.