Roasted Spicy Pumpkin Seeds – The Ultimate Crunchy Fall Snack

Autumn is here — pumpkins are everywhere, the air is crisp, and your kitchen smells like cinnamon, spice, and everything nice. But before you toss those pumpkin seeds after carving your jack-o’-lantern, stop right there! Those little seeds are pure gold.

Roasted Spicy Pumpkin Seeds are one of the easiest, healthiest, and most addictive snacks you can make this season. Lightly coated in olive oil and seasoned with bold spices like paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder, these little bites are crispy, flavorful, and totally irresistible.

If you love something with a little heat, a satisfying crunch, and big nutritional payoff, this simple recipe is about to become your new fall favorite.

🎃 Why You’ll Love Roasted Spicy Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds (also called pepitas) are naturally high in protein, magnesium, iron, and healthy fats — a powerhouse snack that’s both good for you and incredibly versatile. Whether you enjoy them plain or spicy, sweet or savory, roasted pumpkin seeds are the ultimate way to make the most of pumpkin season.

This recipe in particular takes things up a notch by adding smoky, spicy flavor that balances beautifully with the nutty crunch of the roasted seeds. They’re:

• Crispy & flavorful: Toasted to golden perfection.
• High-protein & gluten-free: Great for healthy snacking.
• Perfectly spiced: Balanced heat from cayenne and smoky paprika.
• Quick to make: Ready in under 30 minutes!

🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need much to make magic happen — just a few pantry staples and your pumpkin seeds.

• 1 ½ cups raw pumpkin seeds (freshly scooped or store-bought)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional: A pinch of chili flakes or cumin for an extra punch.

🔪 How to Prepare Pumpkin Seeds

If you’re starting with seeds straight from a pumpkin, you’ll need to clean and dry them first. It’s simple — just follow these quick steps:

1. Scoop the seeds: After carving or cutting open your pumpkin, scoop out the seeds using a large spoon.
2. Rinse well: Place the seeds in a bowl of water and separate them from the stringy pulp.
3. Dry completely: Spread them on a paper towel and pat dry thoroughly. You can even let them air dry for an hour for extra crispiness.

Once dry, you’re ready to roast!

🔥 Instructions for Roasted Spicy Pumpkin Seeds

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix the Seasoning
In a medium bowl, toss the pumpkin seeds with olive oil, smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Step 3: Spread Evenly
Spread the seeds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding so they roast evenly.

Step 4: Roast to Perfection
Bake for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent burning. The seeds should turn golden brown and smell toasty.

Step 5: Cool and Serve
Remove from oven and let them cool completely — they’ll crisp up even more as they cool. Enjoy right away or store for later!

Roasted Spicy Pumpkin Seeds

Crispy, smoky, and perfectly seasoned roasted pumpkin seeds — a healthy, protein-packed fall snack with bold flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American, Autumn

Calories: 180

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 cups raw pumpkin seeds rinsed and dried
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper adjust to taste
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowl
• Parchment paper
• Spatula

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, toss pumpkin seeds with olive oil, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread seeds evenly on the baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown.
5. Cool completely before serving or storing.

Notes

Adjust cayenne to your preferred spice level. Store in airtight container for up to two weeks.

🥣 Tips for Perfect Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

• Dry thoroughly: The drier your seeds before roasting, the crispier they’ll be.
• Use parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.
• Season after roasting (optional): If you want stronger flavor, sprinkle additional spices right after removing them from the oven.
• Experiment with spice blends: Try curry powder, taco seasoning, or ranch mix for fun variations.
• For extra crunch: Roast at 375°F (190°C) for a shorter time, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning.

🌶️ Variations to Try

• Sweet & Spicy: Add 1 tablespoon brown sugar and a dash of cinnamon to the mix.
• Garlic Parmesan: Toss with olive oil, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan after roasting.
• Everything Bagel: Use everything bagel seasoning for a savory twist.
• Smoky BBQ: Combine smoked paprika, brown sugar, and chili powder for a barbecue flavor.

🧊 Storage Tips

Once completely cooled, store your roasted spicy pumpkin seeds in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For long-term storage, refrigerate or freeze for up to 2 months — just reheat in the oven to refresh the crunch.

🥗 Ways to Enjoy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

These spicy roasted seeds aren’t just for snacking — they’re surprisingly versatile!

• Topping for Salads: Adds crunch and spice.
• Soup Garnish: Perfect over creamy pumpkin or tomato soup.
• Trail Mix Boost: Mix with nuts, dried cranberries, and pretzels.
• Breakfast Crunch: Sprinkle over oatmeal or yogurt bowls.
• Party Snack: Serve in small bowls at fall gatherings — they’ll disappear fast!

🧡 Fun Facts About Pumpkin Seeds

• Pumpkin seeds are one of the oldest cultivated foods — dating back to 7,000 B.C. in Mexico.
• They’re often called pepitas, meaning “little seeds of squash” in Spanish.
• One ounce of pumpkin seeds contains about 7 grams of protein — more than a boiled egg!
• Roasted seeds are a traditional snack in many cultures, from Mexico to Eastern Europe.

🥇 Why Homemade Is Better

While store-bought pumpkin seeds can be tasty, making your own means you control the flavor, salt, and spice levels. Plus, you’re reducing waste by using every part of your pumpkin — a win for your wallet and the planet.

Homemade Roasted Spicy Pumpkin Seeds are fresher, crunchier, and far more customizable.

💬 Final Thoughts

If fall had a flavor, this would be it — nutty, toasty, and warmly spiced. Whether you’re carving pumpkins, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving a guilt-free snack, these Roasted Spicy Pumpkin Seeds are your go-to.

So next time you’re cleaning out a pumpkin, don’t throw away those seeds. Roast them, spice them, and savor the season — one crunchy bite at a time.