氣炸鍋辛辣南瓜子 Air Fried Crispy Kabocha Seeds is a savoury and spicy umami-packed vegan, gluten-free snack you can make in just 10 minutes! Every time we cook with Japanese pumpkins, we love that we can also make a healthy snack and contribute to the zero waste sustainable food trends.
If you like nibbling or topping your salads with an easy roasted sunflower seeds recipe, you will fall in love with these crispy pumpkin seeds during the fall season! They make for a a crunchy snack that fits a ketogenic diet!
Check out this quick story summary of our recipe!
> In This Post: Everything You'll Need For Shichimi Togarashi Spicy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipe
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Ingredients and Substitutes
- Whole Kabocha Squash Seeds
- Olive Oil, Avocado Oil or Cooking Oil Spray
- Gluten Free Light Soy Sauce or Dark Soy Sauce
- Kosher Salt
- Shichimi Togarashi
- Garlic Powder (optional)
What is Kabocha Squash?
Kabocha (/kəˈboʊtʃə/; Japanese カボチャ, Chinese 南瓜) - is a type of Japanese pumpkin that is short and stubby. It is often referred to as winter squash. Compared to the Western orange pumpkins, its skin is thin and edible.
The Kabocha squash is sweeter than butternut squash and has a soft, fluffy texture like sweet potatoes, which is perfect in saucy dishes like Chinese Steamed Pork Ribs and wellness soups like TCM Pork Rib Kabocha Squash Soup.
Japanese Pumpkin Kabocha Squash is not only nutritious, but warm in nature and detoxifies the human body.
You can cook up to three dishes with just one whole winter squash. Curry Powder Kabocha Fries in the air fryer are also one of my favourite snacks.
Japanese Pumpkins are great zero waste products with no waste left after cooking a meal.
Snack on a cup of seeds while you catch up on your favourite Netflix show!
How To Cut Kabocha Squash
The trick to cutting kabocha squash easily and how to peel the squash quickly is to use a large sharp knife. I recommend a high-quality chef knife!
The best way to open Kabocha in half is to steam or microwave it for a few minutes. Alternatively, simply use extra elbow grease to cut the Kabocha in half on a cutting board.
Once you have an opening, break it apart with your hands, and remove the seeds and pith.
Remove the fleshy fibres as best as possible. It is not necessary to the winter squash seeds under cold water.
Pro Tip: If cutting the pumpkin is too laborious, short cut this recipe by using no shell Pumpkin Seed Kernels! These are one of the best seeds I've bought to make this savoury side dish year round!
Instructions
Wash the whole Kabocha pumpkin thoroughly with a brush to remove all dirt and debris. Pat dry with a kitchen towel.
Remove the seeds and pith.
Remove the fleshy fibres as best as possible. It is not necessary to the winter squash seeds under cold water.
Pat the seeds dry with a kitchen paper towel.
Pro Tip: Carefully cut the squash into 1cm kabocha slices, thicker wedges or cubed pieces and reserve for cooking other pumpkin recipes.
Pro Tip: Leftover Kabocha squashes can be frozen in the freezer in a zip-lock bag.
Add Kabocha pumpkin seeds to a large bowl, and lightly drizzle with a bit of olive oil and light soy sauce. Add in Shichimi Togarashi (Japanese Chili Pepper Spice) and salt. Mix well until each seed is evenly coated.
If you do not like spicy winter squash seeds, an easy toss with simple salt is equally lovely. Experiment with different ways to include your favourite pumpkin seeds seasoning.
Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
Pro Tip: Use air fryer parchment paper and line the bottom of the air fryer basket for easy clean-ups.
Place Kabocha seeds in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Set the cooking time to 7 to 8 minutes at 360F.
Do not air fryer more than 9-10 minutes. You will start to hear the seeds pop in the air fryer!
Air fry until the roast pumpkin seeds are golden brown.
Let rest for a few minutes and resist not eating them straight from the air fryer. They are extremely hot!
Store in an airtight container for a few days.
If you love roasting shelled pumpkin seeds, how about wrapping them in a glass jar to gift to friends and family?
Other Kabocha Pumpkin Recipes
If you love these Authentic Chinese Steamed Squash with Pork Ribs and Black Bean Sauce, check out these Kabocha squash healthy recipes!
- Steamed Black Bean Pork Ribs With Kabocha
- Pork Rib Kabocha Pumpkin Soup Recipe
- Curry Kabocha Fries
- Easy Kabocha Curry Recipe
- Oven-Baked Kabocha Squash Recipes
- Korean Kabocha Squash Recipes
What To Serve With Roasted Squash Seeds Recipe
This crunchy air fryer pumpkin seeds recipe is the easiest way to indulge in a healthy snack action packed with a spicy and savoury flavor profile. How about making sweet variations with cinnamon and sugar?
After eating lots of spicy and deep fried pumpkin seeds, a great way to reduce heat is with a bowl of this liver-detoxing Chinese Sweet Mung Bean Soup 綠豆沙!
I'd love to see how you went with my recipes! Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @INSTANOMSS #INSTANOMSS.
> Recipe
PrintCrispy Kabocha Seeds (Air Fryer) 氣炸鍋辛辣南瓜子
氣炸鍋辛辣南瓜子 Air Fried Crispy Kabocha Seeds is a savoury and spicy umami-packed vegan, gluten-free snack you can make in just 10 minutes! Every time we cook with Japanese pumpkins, we love that we can also make a healthy snack and contribute to the zero waste sustainable food trends.
- Prep Time: 2
- Cook Time: 8
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 people 1x
- Category: Appetizers, Snacks
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1.5 C Seeds from 1 Whole Kabocha Squash or No Shell Pumpkin Seed Kernels
- 1 tbsp Avocado Oil
- ½ tsp Gluten Free Light Soy Sauce or Dark Soy Sauce
- ½ tsp Shichimi Togarashi
- ¼ tsp Garlic Powder (optional)
- Dash of Kosher Salt to taste
Instructions
- Wash the whole Kabocha pumpkin thoroughly with a brush to remove all dirt and debris. Pat dry with a kitchen towel.
- Remove the seeds and pith.
- Remove the fleshy fibres as best as possible. It is not necessary to the winter squash seeds under cold water.
- Pat the seeds dry with a kitchen paper towel.
- Carefully cut the squash into 1cm kabocha slices, thicker wedges or cubed pieces and reserve for cooking other pumpkin recipes. Leftover Kabocha squashes can be frozen in the freezer in a zip-lock bag.
- Add Kabocha pumpkin seeds to a large bowl, and lightly drizzle with a bit of olive oil and light soy sauce. Add in Shichimi Togarashi (Japanese Chili Pepper Spice) and salt. Mix well until each seed is evenly coated.
- If you do not like spicy winter squash seeds, an easy toss with simple salt is equally lovely. Experiment with different ways to include your favourite pumpkin seeds seasoning.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Use air fryer parchment paper and line the bottom of the air fryer basket for easy clean-ups.
- Place Kabocha seeds in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Set the cooking time to 7 to 8 minutes at 360F. Do not air fryer more than 9-10 minutes. You will start to hear the seeds pop in the air fryer!
- Air fry until the roast pumpkin seeds are golden brown.
- Let rest for a few minutes and resist not eating them straight from the air fryer. They are extremely hot!
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for a few days.
- If cutting the pumpkin is too laborious, short cut this recipe by using no shell Pumpkin Seed Kernels! These are one of the best seeds I've bought to make this savoury side dish year round!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 303
- Sugar: 0.7 g
- Sodium: 26.6 mg
- Fat: 27.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 5.4 g
- Fiber: 2.9 g
- Protein: 14.7 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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Tayler says
These seeds are absolutely delicious! I find myself snacking on them all day!
Nancy says
I don't blame you Tayler!
Keri says
Looks amazing!
Nancy says
Wait till you snack on it... you won't be able to stop!
Michelle says
I hate food waste! These seeds are a tasty snack and a great way to use the whole squash!
Nancy says
Food waste sucks! Enjoy these addicting snacks!
Marinela says
This is a such a quick and healthy snack idea! Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Nancy says
Super tasty!
Julia says
I love trying to be as zero waste as possible and this was such a treat to make, easy snack to always have lying around.
Nancy says
Sustainable tastes good!
Swathi says
Crispy kabocha seeds are excellent side dish I need to try it as it is pumpkin season.
Nancy says
Any time is pumpkin season. It doesn't have to end!
Dee says
I've never had kabocha seeds. They look great. Can't wait to try this.
Nancy says
Enjoy these spicy pumpkin seeds!
Emily Flint says
The seeds are the best part!!! I love this recipe, my boys ate them in one sitting.
Nancy says
Guilt free snacks are the best!
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
I love these seeds! Can't stop eating them!
Nancy says
Enjoy these umami flavour bombs. They are super addicting! We usually finish it in one sitting!
Amanda says
Such a tasty idea and I love that it’s gluten free!
Nancy says
Enjoy !We usually finish it in one sitting!
Liz says
Such a delicious autumn snack! My kids loved munching on these.
Nancy says
You can make these year around! The fun doesn't have to end!
Andréa Janssen says
Great recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Nancy says
enjoy!
Julie says
Lovely flavours in this kabocha seeds recipe, perfect for topping a simple green salad.
Nancy says
OHH that's a great idea Julie!
Andy says
such a yummy snack! love it!
Nancy says
Enjoy these umami flavour bombs.
Agnieszka says
These seeds were absolutely delicious!
Nancy says
happy snacking!
Genevieve says
We grow Kabocha on our farm, I've never thought to use the seeds from them, what a great idea!
Nancy says
OMG that's awesome ! you are so lucky
Julia says
Yess! I always hate throwing out the seeds from my squashes, and these were easy to make. Loved using some of the spices to add a bit of a kick to these.
Nancy says
it's zero waste with this easy pumpkin seed recipe!
Audrey says
This was so easy to make in my air fryer!!
Nancy says
they come out really crispy too!
Amy Liu Dong says
This is so easy and delicious.
I am so excited to make this at home.
Thank you!
Nancy says
it's zero waste with this easy pumpkin seed recipe!
Katie says
These Kabocha Seeds are incredible! Perfectly roasted and so easy to make!
Nancy says
enjoy this easy pumpkin seed recipe! they are zero waste too!
Andrea says
love that these yummy seeds can be whipped up in the air fryer! so easy to make and so delicious!
Nancy says
enjoy this easy pumpkin seed recipe! they are zero waste too!
Judith says
A tasty snack. I love that they are so quick to make and they are healthy too.
Nancy says
enjoy this easy pumpkin seed recipe! they are zero waste too!
Choclette says
Such a good idea to use the seeds from the squash rather than throwing them away. They sound delicious too.
Nancy says
enjoy this easy pumpkin seed recipe! they are zero waste too!
Andrea says
I'm always up for a good savory and spicy snack. Can't wait to make these.
Nancy says
enjoy this easy pumpkin seed recipe! they are zero waste too!
Janessa says
I love the seasoning of these crispy seeds! So addictive.
Nancy says
enjoy this guilt free snack! they are zero waste too!
justin says
WAs given one of these pumpkins and wasn't sure how to cook all the things, great suggestion! Will make again when I can find another!
Nancy says
cool! what a cool gift to receive. Enjoy all the different ways to cook with a pumpkin! super tasty!
Jess says
Perfect afternoon snack. So quick and easy!
Nancy says
So many flavours to make with these healthy seeds!
Shadi says
This was such a hit! Thank you for loving all the ingredients, can’t wait to try this!
Nancy says
i bet the seeds disappeared fast! it is so addicting!
Ieva says
Great snack! Or topping for salads and soups! Love your no-waste approach to cooking veggies 🙂
Nancy says
absolutely! they make your soup and salads pop
Chenée says
This is my new favorite vegan snack! And they were so easy to make!
Nancy says
Enjoy these Chenee!
MacKenzie says
Such a delicious recipe. Love that they are made in the air fryer.
Nancy says
can't beat this healthy snack in under 10 minutes
Aimee Mars says
You're right, these would make a beautiful and delicious gift for friends. I think I'm going to make them for edible gifts this year and save some for myself to sprinkle on my salads.
Nancy says
your friends and family will be happy to receive a savoy snack instead of the common dessert sweets!
Keri says
What wonderful flavor! My new favorite healthy snack!
Nancy says
Awesome! team spicy!
Mary says
Great way to use the kabocha seeds. I love the squash, but never know what to do with the seeds. These were even better because I could air fry them. Thanks!
Nancy says
I totally agree! I used to discard them - what a waste because they are super yummy!
Tina says
Such a yummy idea! Love that it only takes 10 minutes too!
Nancy says
perfect quick and easy healthy snack!
Emily says
This was such a tasty and easy snack to make in the air fryer! We loved the flavors and it's great to use the seeds this way with zero waste!
Nancy says
zero waste and sustainability tastes good!