Lime Chili Pepitas - Easy roasted spicy pumpkin seeds with oven bake and air fryer instructions. Vegan, gluten-free, healthy recipe.

Why this recipe works
1. The maple syrup makes the seasoning stick to the pepitas.
2. Easy crispy snack that can be stored in a jar at room temperature for 10-12 days, making this a perfect desk snack.
3. Can be made in the Air fryer and oven.
A delicious healthy snack or a crunchy topping on your salads and avocado toasts that's crispy, salty, spicy, and sweet.
These little seeds are a great source of protein and have a good range of nutrients. It is easy to make and lasts a few days when stored in an air-tight container. You can bake it in the oven or the air fryer.
I know I say addictive a lot, but this has to take the throne for it, and I have proof. The very first time I made it, I dropped the whole tray on the ground. It was quite messy and I will spare you the details but let's just say the whole batch of roasted pumpkin seeds was finished by me.
I always crave salty snacks, and it's so easy to open a packet of chips and gobble them up in under 1 minute. Yes, we have all been there and are there several times a week(if not day ).
The other day, I decided to test out overeating. This means I will eat healthy snacks before my stomach starts growling. That way, I will not eat junk. I will keep you updated on my overeating experiment.
One of the things I made for myself is these spicy, crunchy, salty with a hint of sweet pepitas. It's essentially all things I crave but in a healthier form.
If this kind of spicy snack is your jam, try Airfryer Sweet & Salty Edamame, or if you like to have healthy, sweet snacks, these snicker dates will rock your world!
Another effortless snack is air-fried crispy pita chips. Serve it with spicy sriracha lime aioli.
Ingredients for Lime Chili Pepitas
Here are the simple ingredients you need to make this delicious recipe
- Pepitas or Pumpkin Seeds
- Chili
- Lime
- Maple Syrup or Honey
- Salt
See the recipe card for quantities.
Pepitas
For this recipe, use the raw pumpkin seeds. These green kernels are readily available in most grocery stores.
They have recently become quite famous worldwide for being high in protein and magnesium. Here is a great article you can read about these super seeds.
Chili
Technically, you can use any kind of powdered chili. In the ingredient photo, I have used gochugaru (Korean Chili powder) but anything from paprika, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika will work.
A note on heat levels.
Mild heat- Use paprika or Kashmiri chili
Medium heat - Gochugaru and Japanese chili powder
Spicy - Cayenne Pepper
Ingredients Substitutions
Most of the ingredients listed in the recipe are pretty simple. However, for whatever reason, if you do not have them on hand, here are some common substitutions.
- Pepitas- This recipe would work with any similar-sized nuts and seeds, such as sunflower seeds. Here is a detailed post on how to make air-fried crispy peanuts.
- Lime Chili mix- You can change the dressing to anything you have at hand, from simple salt and pepper to curry powder.
- Oil- Feel free to use any kind of oil you have at hand. Coconut oil, Avocado oil and sesame oil will work.
How to make Spicy Pumpkin Seeds
Step 1: Mix Everything
Just toss everything together till the pumpkin seeds look shiny and coated with the seasoning.
Taste one and check if you like the taste. The taste and seasoning intensify after baking, so do not over-salt it the first time.
Plain unroasted pepitas
Mix the pepitas with seasoning
Step 2: Roast the Pepitas
This step can be done in the air fryer or the oven.
Preheat the oven or air fryer at 150C/300 F.
Spread the pumpkin seeds in an even layer.
Bake for 8-10 minutes.
Remove the roasted seeds from the oven and let them come to room temperature before eating and storing.
Spread on a baking tray
Baked Pepitas
In just 15 minutes, you can relish a wholesome, healthy meal without extensive preparation, planning, or post-meal cleanup.
Hot Tip
Instead of baking the pumpkin seeds, air fry them.
Variations
You could give this recipe so many different delicious twists-
- Salted pumpkin seeds - Use only the oil and salt for this version
- Honey Cinnamon Pepitas - Double the maple syrup or honey and add a teaspoon of cinnamon.
- Smoked Pumpkin Seeds - Use smoked paprika in the same seasoning.
Storage
The roasted pumpkin seeds can be stored in an airtight container jar on counter top for 5-6 days.
Make sure to let the spicy pepitas cool completely before putting them away.
Serving Spicy Pumpkin Seeds
Serve this in nut bowls as snacks or along with a charcuterie board when entertaining. Here is my Indian-inspired charcuterie board that we have been making on repeat for some time.
Other than that, it is a great topping for your salads, porridge, and grain bowls. This is also a great addition to your homemade trail mixes.
Related
Here are some more healthy snacks for you
If you make this chile lime pepitas, please leave a review. I appreciate every rating and review comment!
Lime Chili Pepitas
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Pepitas Pumpkin Seeds
- 1 Teaspoon Olive Oil or any other oil
- 1 Tablespoon Lime Juice Around 1 lime
- 1 Teaspoon Chili Tajin ; Read Notes
- 1 Tablespoon Maple Syrup Or Honey
- 1 Teaspoon Salt Table salt
- ½ Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper Optional ; For spicier pepitas
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together the pepitas or pumpkin seeds along with maple syrup, lime juice, and chili.
Oven
- Preheat the oven to 150C or 300 F.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Spread the spiced pepitas on it.
- Bake for 8-12 minutes. Midway, remove from the oven and give a mix.
- Let it cool completely before storing in an air tight container
Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 150C or 300 F.
- Add the spiced pepitas to the air fryer basket.
- air fry for 8 minutes, shaking midway.
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