Air-Fryer Pumpkin Chips: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Pumpkin chips are a healthy, crispy snack that can be made in an air fryer. They are made from the skin of a pumpkin, which is usually thrown away when cooking fresh pumpkin. This method of making pumpkin chips is a great way to use almost an entire pumpkin and reduce waste.

Choosing the right pumpkin

• Variety: When it comes to choosing a pumpkin for chips, look for varieties such as sugar pumpkins, Cinderella pumpkins, or Fairytale pumpkins. These pumpkins are known for their sweet and creamy flesh, making them ideal for cooking and baking. They are smaller in size and have a denser texture with higher sugar content, which is perfect for achieving that crispy chip texture.
• Maturity: Opt for pumpkins that have reached full maturity, as they will have harder and tougher rinds. Avoid pumpkins with sunken or mouldy spots, cuts, or punctures. A well-matured pumpkin will also have a firmly attached stem, which is important if you plan to store it for later use or display.
• Size: Smaller pumpkins are generally sweeter and denser, making them ideal for chips. They also tend to have higher sugar content, which will enhance the flavour of your chips.
• Colour: While orange pumpkins are the most popular, especially during Halloween, don't shy away from trying other colours. White pumpkins, for example, are great for baking and easier to paint if you want to get creative.
• Texture: Look for pumpkins with hardened skin. You should not be able to crack the skin with your fingernail. This indicates that the pumpkin is ripe and ready for use.
• Sound: Tap the pumpkin and listen for a hollow thumping sound, which is another indication that it is ripe. Thick-walled pumpkins will produce a denser sound, while a hollow sound suggests the pumpkin is ready for harvesting.
• Weight: Aim for small cooking pumpkins that weigh between 3 to 7 pounds. This size is perfect for making pies and, of course, chips!
• Seeds: Remember, you can roast and eat the seeds of any pumpkin. So, when choosing your pumpkin, consider selecting one with a good number of seeds if you want to make a tasty snack with them.

Preparing the pumpkin for roasting

Firstly, select the right type of pumpkin. Smaller varieties such as smaller varieties such as sugar pumpkins, pie pumpkins, Jack Be Littles, or Long Island Cheese pumpkins are ideal. These pumpkins have sweeter, more concentrated flavours and a better texture for roasting. Avoid using large field pumpkins or jack-o'-lantern pumpkins, as they tend to be watery, stringy, and less flavoursome.

When you have chosen your pumpkin, start by washing the exterior thoroughly to remove any dirt. You can use a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife to remove the tough skin, but this step is optional as the skin can be removed more easily after roasting.

Next, use a sharp knife to cut the pumpkin in half vertically. This can be a challenging task due to the thickness of the pumpkin's skin, so take your time and cut carefully. Once halved, use a spoon to scoop out and discard the seeds and fibres from both halves. You can choose to roast the seeds separately as a snack if desired.

Now, cut the pumpkin into wedges or slices of your desired size. If you want to make pumpkin chips, cut the pumpkin into thin slices, approximately 1/2-inch thick. For other recipes, such as roasted pumpkin cubes or wedges, you can adjust the size of the pieces accordingly. Remember to cut the pieces evenly to ensure consistent cooking.

If you are making pumpkin chips, you can skip the next step and move directly to tossing the slices with oil and seasonings. For other recipes, you may choose to peel the pumpkin wedges or cubes. Use a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife to remove the peel from each piece.

At this point, you can choose to cook the pumpkin wedges or cubes directly, or cut them into smaller pieces if desired. For example, you could cut the wedges into fries or further chop the cubes into bite-sized pieces.

Once you are happy with the size and shape of your pumpkin pieces, it is time to season them. Place the pumpkin in a large bowl and add your desired seasonings. You can use a variety of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, garlic powder, paprika, or chilli powder. Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavours! Drizzle or spritz the pumpkin with a small amount of oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil, and toss the pieces to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasoning.

Your pumpkin is now ready to be roasted in the air fryer! Remember to preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually around 400°F/ 200°C, and arrange the pumpkin pieces in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the pumpkin in batches.

Follow the recommended cooking times and temperatures for your specific recipe, and be sure to shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking to ensure even roasting. Enjoy your perfectly roasted pumpkin!

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for your air fryer pumpkin chips will depend on the model of your air fryer, the size of your pumpkin pieces, and the texture you want to achieve. Here are some general guidelines to help you get the best results:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F (190-204°C).
• If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, set it to air fry for 3-4 minutes before adding the pumpkin.
• For crispy pumpkin chips, air fry in multiple batches. Soak the pumpkin slices in cold water for about an hour, then dry them thoroughly before tossing with oil and seasonings.
• Arrange the pumpkin slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air fry at 400°F (204°C) for about 10 minutes per batch, or until fork-tender and crispy.
• For quicker results, you can air fry the pumpkin in one batch. Toss the pumpkin slices with oil and seasonings, then place them in the air fryer basket and air fry at 400°F (204°C) for about 15 minutes, or until fork-tender. Stir or shake the basket once or twice during cooking for more even results.
• Depending on the size and brand of your air fryer, you may need to adjust the temperature and timing slightly.
• For a whole pumpkin, air fry for approximately 12 minutes per pound. For a 2-pound pumpkin, this will be around 24 minutes at 400°F (204°C).
• To check if your pumpkin is done, insert a knife into the flesh. It should pierce easily and slide through the inside.
• If your pumpkin is not fully cooked, continue cooking in 3-minute increments until it is fork-tender.
• For pumpkin chips, set the air fryer to 375°F (196°C) for 8 minutes. Toss the pumpkin skin pieces halfway through cooking. If they are not done after 8 minutes, continue air frying in 2-minute increments until they are deep orange and crispy.

Seasoning options

There are many different ways to season your pumpkin chips. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Spicy seasonings: For a spicy kick, add some chili powder, smoked paprika, or red pepper flakes to the mix. You could also add some cayenne pepper for an extra spicy punch.
• Savory seasonings: If you prefer a more savory flavor profile, try using garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, thyme, or sage. You could also add some Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Sweet seasonings: For a sweeter version, consider adding brown sugar, maple syrup, or cinnamon to the mix. You could also drizzle your pumpkin chips with honey or a sweet dipping sauce before serving.
• Classic fall seasonings: Pumpkin spice, nutmeg, and cinnamon are classic fall spices that pair well with pumpkin. You could also add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice for a slightly different flavor.
• Other herbs and spices: Don't be afraid to experiment with other herbs and spices such as oregano, cumin, paprika, or curry powder. You could also try a pre-made spice blend such as pumpkin pie spice or curry powder.

Feel free to mix and match different seasonings to find your perfect combination. You can also adjust the amount of seasoning used to suit your taste preferences. Remember to always add a pinch of salt to enhance the natural sweetness of the pumpkin.

Storing and reheating leftovers

Storing and reheating leftover pumpkin chips is simple.

Storing Leftover Pumpkin Chips:

Pumpkin chips are best stored at room temperature in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 3-5 days.

Reheating Leftover Pumpkin Chips:

For best results, reheat leftover pumpkin chips in an air fryer on a low temperature for a short time (about 1 minute). You can also reheat them in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F and heat the chips for 5-10 minutes.

It is not recommended to freeze pumpkin chips after cooking, as they will lose their crunch when defrosted. However, you can freeze uncooked pumpkin skin to make chips at a later time.

Frequently asked questions