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You are here: Home / Air Fryer Recipes / Air Fryer Pumpkin Fries

Air Fryer Pumpkin Fries

September 24, 2020 Updated: November 3, 2021 By Leanne 18 Comments

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Air Fryer Pumpkin Fries are an easy and delicious way to enjoy roasted pumpkin. They’re sweet and salty, and require just a few ingredients. The recipe also includes two different air frying methods to help you get the results you want!

Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away here in Canada, so I’m in full planning mode to create new and delicious side dishes.

While turkey and ham are Thanksgiving staples, I love to change up our side dishes. So this year, air fryer pumpkin is on the menu, along with this whole wheat stuffing, healthy cranberry sauce and these roasted Brussels sprouts.

Overhead view of air fryer pumpkin fries in a white oval dish.

Details on the ingredients

You only need a few simple ingredients to pull together this easy side dish!

Pumpkin – You’ll need two small pumpkins for this recipe such as Jack Be Littles or Pie Pumpkins. They have sweet, smooth flesh and they’re much easier to cut than larger pumpkins.

Extra virgin olive oil – To help the pumpkin fries crisp up in the air fryer, we’re using a little evoo. Feel free to use olive oil or avocado oil instead.

Seasoning – The fries are coated in a simple seasoning of salt, garlic powder and smoked paprika. The savoury and smokey flavour works well with the sweet pumpkin.

Two small Jack Be Little pumpkins arranged on a light coloured surface.

How to cut and prepare mini pumpkins for roasting

Tip: Use a sharp knife and make sure your cutting surface is stable. (I usually place a damp cloth under my cutting board to prevent it from slipping).

Step 1: Cut the top and bottom off the pumpkins so they can stand flat on your cutting surface and then cut the pumpkins in half.

Step 2: Before you scoop out the seeds, peel the pumpkins with a vegetable peeler.

Step 3: Scoop out the seeds (and save them for these air fryer pumpkin seeds).

Step 4: Cut the pumpkin into 1/2-inch slices (so they look like thick cut fries).

Collage of 4 images showing how to cut small pumpkins on a cutting board with a knife and vegetable peeler.

How to make pumpkin fries in the air fryer

You can use two different methods to air fry these pumpkin fries:

Air fry in one batch (for quick results)

  • Add the pumpkin slices to a large bowl and toss them with oil and seasonings.
  • Place all the pumpkin in the air fryer basket and air fry on 400F for about 15 minutes, or until fork tender.
  • Since they’re overlapping you’ll need to stir the fries or shake the basket once or twice while they air fry. 
  • All the fries are done in one batch. They’re tender and delicious but not crispy. 

Air fry in multiple batches (for crispy results)

  • Soak the pumpkin slices in cold water for about an hour.
  • Drain well and dry the slices thoroughly with paper towels or a clean tea towel.
  • Add the pumpkin slices to a large bowl and toss them with oil and seasonings.
  • Arrange the pumpkin slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air fry in batches on 400F for about 10 minutes per batch, or until fork tender and crispy on the outside.
  • While this method will require air frying the pumpkin in 3-4 batches (depending on the size of your air fryer), it results in crispy pumpkin fries.
  • Just note that you’ll also need to keep the fries warming in the oven while you finish all the batches.
Collage of 4 images showing how to season the pumpkin fries in a glass bowl and cook them in the air fryer.

Frequently asked questions

What type of pumpkin is best for pumpkin fries?

I like to use small pumpkins, such as Jack Be Littles, which have a sweet taste and smooth flesh. Pie Pumpkins are also great for cooking and baking. Both types are small, so they’re easier to peel and cut.

Larger pumpkins, on the other hand (like the ones you carve as jack-o-lanterns), are edible but they tend to be a little watery and stringy. Their large size is also a little more awkward to peel and cut. I don’t recommend them for this recipe.

How do you get crispy pumpkin fries?

To get crispy pumpkin fries, make sure you soak the raw fries in cold water first and pat them dry before air frying. You’ll also want to air fry the fries in a single layer and space them out in the air fryer basket so they aren’t crowded together. This means you’ll need to cook the fries in batches. For extra crispy fries, you can even toss them with a little cornstarch before air frying.

How do you store and reheat leftover pumpkin fries?

Air fryer pumpkin fries are best served and enjoyed immediately. If you have leftovers, just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When ready to eat, arrange the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and reheat in the oven on 400F for 6-8 minutes, or reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes. 

Additional recipe tips

  • The recipe instructions are based on a Philips air fryer with a 2.75 quart capacity. Depending on the size and brand of your air fryer, you may need to adjust the temperature and air frying time slightly.
  • Make sure your pumpkin fries are all about 1/2-inch thick so they cook evenly.
  • If you don’t want to bother cutting up a pumpkin, try finding pre-cut pumpkin. If they’re cut into large sizes or cubes, you may just need to air fry them for a few extra minutes.
  • This air fried pumpkin recipe has a smokey and salty flavour.  If that’s not your thing, you can reduce the amount of seasoning used or try other seasonings such as oregano, chili powder or cumin.
Overhead view of roasted pumpkin fries in a white dish with granola, pumpkin seeds and crispy sage off to the sides.

Ways to serve air fryer roasted pumpkin

Serve them alongside your turkey or ham for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

Add a sprinkle of savoury pecan granola to the top before serving, or toss them with some crushed crispy sage leaves.

Add a dip to the side, like this vegan creamy jalapeño dip or chipotle dip.

Serve them up with a grain bowl, a green leafy salad or add them to this roasted root vegetable salad.

Other air fryer side recipes

  • Air Fryer Beets – made with red, golden and candy cane beets.
  • Air Fryer Butternut Squash – sweet and savoury home fries perfect for a holiday meal.
  • Air Fryer Radishes – perfectly roasted and tender, and the prettiest colour pink.
  • Air Fryer Carrots – with sweet, spicy and savoury flavour options included in the recipe.
  • Air Fryer Green Beans – a simple side dish that’s ready in just 15 minutes.
  • Air Fryer Turnip Fries – golden brown veggie fries with a garlicky and smokey flavour.

If you make this air fryer pumpkin recipe, I would love to hear what you think in the comments below!

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Up close and overhead view of air fryer pumpkin fries in a white dish with a fork inserted into it.

Air Fryer Pumpkin Fries

★★★★★ 5 from 7 reviews
  • Author: Leanne
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Air Fry
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

Air Fryer Pumpkin Fries are an easy and delicious way to enjoy roasted pumpkin. They’re sweet and salty, and require just a few ingredients. The recipe also includes two different air frying methods to help you get the results you want!


Ingredients

  • 2 mini pumpkins, peeled, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch slices (see cutting tips above)
  • 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

Quicker version – air fry in one large batch:

  1. Add the pumpkin slices to a large bowl and toss with oil and seasonings.
  2. Place all the pumpkin in the air fryer basket and air fry on 400F for about 15 minutes, or until fork tender. Shake or stir them at the mid-way point.

Crispier version – air fry in multiple batches:

  1. Soak the pumpkin slices in cold water for about an hour.
  2. Drain well and dry the slices thoroughly with paper towels or a clean tea towel.
  3. Add the pumpkin slices to a large bowl and toss with oil and seasonings.
  4. Arrange the pumpkin slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air fry in batches on 400F for about 10 minutes per batch, or until fork tender and crispy on the outside.

Notes

  1. Total recipe time is based on air frying the pumpkin in a single batch. If you soak the pumpkin fries first and air fry in batches, this will increase the total recipe time to almost 2 hours.
  2. I used Jack Be Little pumpkins in this recipe, but you can use other types of edible, small pumpkins like Pie Pumpkins.
  3. Make sure your pumpkin fries are all about 1/2-inch thick so they cook evenly.
  4. This roasted pumpkin recipe has a smokey and salty flavour. If it’s too much seasoning for you, you can reduce the amount of seasoning used or try other seasonings such as oregano, chili powder or cumin.
  5. The recipe instructions are based on a Philips air fryer with a 2.75 quart capacity. Depending on the size and brand of your air fryer, you may need to adjust the temperature and air frying time slightly.
  6. Be sure to check out the detailed sections above the recipe card for additional advice and suggestions for making this recipe.

Keywords: pumpkin fries, roasted pumpkin, air fried pumpkin

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Filed Under: Air Fryer Recipes, All Recipes, Fall Recipes, Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Holiday Recipes, Pumpkin Recipes, Side Dishes, Vegan, Vegetarian

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Marisol Chancellor says

    October 2, 2020 at 2:02 pm

    Always looking for new recipes for my air fryer! cant wait to try these

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      October 5, 2020 at 7:07 am

      Thanks Marisol. I hope you like them as much as we do!

      Reply
  2. Rylee says

    September 29, 2020 at 2:03 pm

    Huge pumpkin fan over here and these are so creative and fun! Must make asap!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      October 1, 2020 at 6:56 am

      Thank you Rylee! Hope you enjoy them!

      Reply
  3. Michelle | Sift & Simmer says

    September 29, 2020 at 1:29 am

    Leanne, you’ve done it again with the air fryer fries!! Really seriously having fomo not having an airfryer! These pumpkin fries look incredible!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      October 1, 2020 at 6:57 am

      Thanks Michelle! Glad they appeal to you!

      Reply
  4. Tasia ~ two sugar bugs says

    September 27, 2020 at 1:30 pm

    This is such a creative recipe Leanne! I would definitely go for the crispy version!!! This will be a perfect addition to the Thanksgiving menu!

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      October 1, 2020 at 7:02 am

      Thanks Tasia! Definitely a good one for Thanksgiving!

      Reply
  5. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says

    September 27, 2020 at 9:50 am

    Wow! What a great recipe Leanne. I’ve never even thought of pumpkin fries. Bet they’re delish!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      October 1, 2020 at 7:02 am

      Thanks Mary Ann!

      Reply
  6. katherine | love in my oven says

    September 25, 2020 at 1:59 am

    How have I never tried fries with pumpkins?! That’s such a great idea!! I will keep my eyes open for those mini pumpkins over the next few weeks! I’m sure the air fryer makes them sooo crispy!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      October 1, 2020 at 7:02 am

      Hope you get your hands on some mini pumpkins to give the recipe a try! Thanks Katherine!

      Reply
  7. Alex says

    September 24, 2020 at 9:08 pm

    I am a huge pumpkin fan, and this is a new favourite recipe – a great idea to use the air fryer!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      October 1, 2020 at 7:04 am

      Thanks so much Alex!

      Reply
  8. Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says

    September 24, 2020 at 12:37 pm

    I have never had pumpkin fries, but I have an air fryer, so I’m definitely going to try these! And love that you have two ways to make them 🙂

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      October 1, 2020 at 7:04 am

      Thanks Jennifer! I hope you like them!

      Reply
  9. Terry says

    September 24, 2020 at 12:08 pm

    These are great idea for a Thanksgiving meal! Easy to make and look delicious. Good tip on using the small pumpkins, I probably would have just tried the big ones.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      October 1, 2020 at 7:05 am

      Thanks Terry! You could use a big pumpkin but the smaller ones definitely work better for this recipe!

      Reply

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Meet Leanne

Hey there! I'm Leanne and welcome to Crumb Top Baking. I'm a self-taught baker, home cook and food photographer, and I'm passionate about sharing recipes that help people eat a little healthier and find balance in the recipes they prepare for themselves and their families. Learn more about me and what you'll find on Crumb Top Baking....

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