Tillie Doyle
Pumpkins are a versatile ingredient, used in everything from lattes to pies. But can you cook pumpkin in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Air fryer pumpkin is a healthy, easy, and delicious way to cook this versatile vegetable. It's perfect as a side dish or salad topping, and brings out the natural sweetness of the pumpkin while giving it a crispy and charred exterior. With a cooking time of around 20 minutes, it's also a quick and convenient option for a tasty treat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | 12-20 minutes |
| Temperature | 350°F-425°F (175°C-218°C) |
| Texture | Crispy exterior, soft interior |
| Health | Low-carb, nutritious, rich in vitamins, antioxidants and minerals |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, thyme, rosemary |
| Oil | Coconut, olive, avocado |
| Garnish | Parsley, roasted pumpkin seeds |
| Storage | Store raw, cubed pumpkin in the fridge for 4-5 days |
| Store cooked pumpkin in the fridge for 4-5 days | |
| Freeze cooked pumpkin for 2-3 months |
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What You'll Learn
Air fryer roasted pumpkin wedges
Ingredients
- 1 pumpkin (a sweet sugar or pie pumpkin is best for cooking and roasting)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon seasoning veggie blend (e.g. salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cinnamon)
Method
- Wash the pumpkin and dry it with a kitchen towel.
- Cut the pumpkin in half vertically and scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
- Cut each half into wedges, aiming for a uniform thickness of 1 to 1.5 inches.
- (Optional) Peel the pumpkin wedges.
- Coat the wedges with oil and seasoning.
- Preheat the air fryer to between 375F and 400F.
- Place the wedges in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Check for doneness by piercing a wedge with a fork—it should be tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.
Tips
- You can store leftover pumpkin wedges in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer for 4-5 minutes.
- Try adding pumpkin to your morning sandwiches, oatmeal, or yogurt, or pureeing it into a spicy pumpkin hummus.
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How to prepare and season the pumpkin
Preparing and seasoning a pumpkin for air frying is a simple process. First, select a sweet sugar or pie pumpkin, wash the exterior, and cut off the stem. Cut the pumpkin in half and use a large spoon to scoop out the seeds, which you can save to roast later. Then, cut each half into wedges or cubes of equal size. This will ensure even cooking. Next, coat the pumpkin pieces with a tablespoon of melted coconut oil, olive oil, or avocado oil. Alternatively, you can spritz them with oil spray.
Now it's time to season the pumpkin. The natural sweetness of the pumpkin goes well with a variety of spices, herbs, and seasonings. You can try a simple mix of salt, pepper, and cinnamon, or get creative with additional ingredients like smoked paprika, nutmeg, thyme, rosemary, or garlic powder. For a savoury dish, consider rosemary, thyme, or sage. If you want to add some heat, include a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. You can also make your pumpkin sweeter by adding brown sugar or maple syrup before air frying.
For a more comprehensive seasoning, combine olive oil, grated parmesan cheese, dried oregano, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix well, then add the pumpkin cubes, tossing them in the seasoning mixture to ensure they are evenly coated. You can also add avocado oil and seasonings directly to the air fryer basket and toss the pumpkin to coat, or use a bowl and then transfer the seasoned pumpkin to the air fryer.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for pumpkin in an air fryer depend on the type and size of the pumpkin pieces. For example, wedges may take longer than cubes. Most sources recommend cooking pumpkin cubes in the air fryer for 12–20 minutes, checking halfway through and shaking the basket or flipping the cubes. The ideal temperature is said to be between 350°F and 380°F.
When cooking pumpkin in an air fryer, it is important to ensure even cooking by not overcrowding the basket and cooking in batches if necessary. The pumpkin should be arranged in a single layer and flipped or shaken halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
The cooking time will vary depending on the size and type of pumpkin pieces. For example, one source recommends cooking wedges for 10 minutes, then flipping them over and cooking for an additional 10–15 minutes. Another source recommends cooking cubes for 15–18 minutes, checking halfway through and shaking the basket or flipping the cubes as needed.
It is also important to note that different air fryers may vary in cooking time and temperature, so it is recommended to start checking the pumpkin a few minutes before the suggested cooking time to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
Additionally, the pumpkin's thickness can impact the cooking time. For example, if you are cooking wedges, it is recommended to cut them into uniform thicknesses of 1 to 2 inches for even cooking.
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Reheating and storing leftovers
Storing leftovers: Once cooked, store leftover pumpkin in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it. Put the cooled roasted pumpkin in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Frozen roasted pumpkin can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: You can reheat your leftover pumpkin in an air fryer or a conventional oven. To reheat in the air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C), place the leftover pumpkin cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crispy. To reheat in the oven, preheat it to the same temperature, place the pumpkin cubes on a baking sheet, and bake for 10-12 minutes until heated through. If you're using frozen pumpkin, make sure to thaw it first and bring it to room temperature before reheating.
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Health benefits of roasted pumpkin
Pumpkins are a type of winter squash native to North America and are particularly popular around Thanksgiving and Halloween. They are highly nutritious and can be prepared in many ways, including roasting, grilling, steaming, baking, boiling, blending, and even in the microwave. Pumpkins are rich in potassium, vitamin C, antioxidants, beta-carotene, and fibre. They also contain small amounts of magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, folate, and several B vitamins.
Pumpkin is a good source of beta-carotene, a carotenoid that your body turns into vitamin A. This can aid in reducing the risk of certain cancers and improve eye health. Pumpkins are also low in calories, as they are 94% water, and are a great vegetable to include in your diet.
Roasting pumpkin in an air fryer is a great way to get all of the nutritional benefits of this versatile vegetable. Air-frying gets you to enjoy this tasty treat with less oil and in a fraction of the time it would take in the oven. The natural sweetness of the pumpkin is brought out, while also creating a crispy and charred exterior with a soft and flavourful interior.
You can cut the pumpkin into wedges or fries, and season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cinnamon. You can also add curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and garam masala, or make it sweeter with brown sugar or maple syrup.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 12 to 20 minutes to cook pumpkin in an air fryer.
The air fryer should be preheated to between 350°F and 380°F.
First, wash the pumpkin and cut off the stem. Then, cut it in half and scoop out the seeds. Cut each half into wedges or cubes of equal size. Coat the pumpkin pieces in oil and seasonings.
The pumpkin is done when it is fork-tender and has a caramelized exterior.
Leftover cooked pumpkin can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for later use. It can be reheated in the air fryer or oven until warmed through and crispy.
