These Za'atar roasted pumpkin seeds are a delicious and easy twist on a fall staple snack. This is a great way to reduce food waste during pumpkin carving season or when preparing homemade pumpkin puree from scratch.
How to Clean Pumpkin Seeds: While carving or preparing your whole pumpkin, scoop the seeds and any attached stringy pumpkin bits and set aside in a large stainless steel bowl. Before washing, use your fingers to sort through, and remove and discard any large pieces of stringy bits and pumpkin flesh by hand.
Fill the bowl with cold water and use your fingers to swoosh and separate the seeds from the gooey pumpkin flesh. The stringy bits should sink to the bottom of the bowl. Use your hands to gently scoop out the seeds and place in a colander. Rinse several times, rubbing the seeds with your fingertips to remove any gooey residue.
Transfer the seeds to a large baking sheet lined with a clean kitchen towel. Blot with another clean towel until dry.
Prepare Za'atar Roasted Pumpkin Seeds: Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C) with a rack in the center position.
Transfer the clean, dry pumpkin seeds to a standard half sheet pan. Drizzle with avocado oil (or olive oil) and sprinkle with the Za'atar seasoning and salt. Toss until the seeds are evenly coated in the oil/seasoning and spread the seeds out onto the pan in an even thin layer.
Roast for 10 minutes to 20 minutes, tossing halfway through with a spatula, or until lightly golden and crisp. Total roasting time will vary depending on the size of your pumpkin seeds, so watch and check on them often. Set on a rack to cool completely before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week.
Prep Ahead Tip:
If you don’t want to prepare the pumpkin seeds right away, you can transfer the cleaned seeds to a covered container and refrigerate them for several days prior to roasting.