Air Fryer Pumpkin Fries

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.

What you’ll need for this recipe

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

• Mini pumpkins
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika

What type of pumpkin works best for this recipe?

I like to use small pumpkins, such as Jack Be Littles, which have a sweet taste and smooth flesh. They’re also small, so easier to peel and cut, and two small pumpkins yield just the right amount of fries for this recipe.

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, and the yield is about twice what this recipe calls for.

So, if you have options, go for mini pumpkins.

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 for this air fryer pumpkin seeds recipe).

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

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.

How to store and reheat leftovers

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. 

Additional recipe tips and substitutions

• 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.

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.

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

Other air fryer recipes you might enjoy

• 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.

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

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