Air-Fryer Pumpkin Puree: A Quick, Easy Guide

Pumpkin puree is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. From pies and bread to soups and hummus, it's a great way to add a creamy texture and a seasonal flavour to your cooking. Making your own pumpkin puree in an air fryer is easy and quick, and you can even use the leftover seeds and skin to make snacks.

Choosing the right pumpkin

First, look for pumpkins specifically labelled for cooking or baking, such as "pie pumpkins" or "sugar pumpkins." These varieties tend to be smaller, sweeter, and have a creamier texture, making them ideal for purees. Avoid the larger pumpkins typically used for carving and decoration, as they can be bland, stringy, and watery.

When selecting a pumpkin, go for one that feels heavy for its size, indicating it is ripe and has a good amount of flesh. The skin should be firm, smooth, and free of soft spots or blemishes. Look for a pumpkin with a deep, vibrant orange colour, as this is a sign of maturity and indicates a higher concentration of carotenoids, which provide nutritional benefits.

Smaller pumpkins, around 2-3 pounds, are ideal for air frying as they fit better in the air fryer basket. If your pumpkin is too large to fit whole, you will need to cut it into halves or slices before air frying, which may alter the cooking time.

If you plan to make sweet dishes with your pumpkin puree, opt for pumpkins with bright orange flesh. The air fryer can crisp and brown the outer layer, which may affect the colour and taste of your puree. By choosing pumpkins with orange flesh, you can ensure a vibrant and appealing colour for your desserts.

Lastly, consider buying pre-cut pumpkin chunks or wedges to save time and effort. Pumpkins can be challenging to cut, so purchasing pre-cut pieces can be a convenient option. If you decide to cut the pumpkin yourself, use a sharp knife and cut slowly and carefully to avoid any accidents.

Preparing the pumpkin for roasting

Firstly, select the right type of pumpkin. Look for pie pumpkins, also known as sugar or sweet pumpkins. These pumpkins are small, readily available, and have a sweet, creamy flavour. Long Island Cheese and New England Pie pumpkins are also great options for roasting. Avoid using field pumpkins or jack-o-lantern pumpkins, as they are typically used for carving and decorating, tend to be too large for the air fryer, and have watery, stringy flesh.

Before you begin cutting, wash the outside of the pumpkin to remove any dirt. You can also scrub it gently to ensure it is clean. If your pumpkin is too large to fit in the air fryer, cut off the stem. If it fits, you can leave the stem on and remove it after cooking when it will be easier to pull off.

Now, it's time to start cutting. Place the pumpkin on a cutting board and cut it in half vertically. Pumpkins have thick skin, so be sure to use a sharp knife and cut carefully. Hold the pumpkin steady to ensure a straight cut. Once cut, use a spoon to remove the seeds and fibres from both halves. Don't throw away the seeds! You can roast them separately as a delicious snack.

At this point, you have a few options for cutting the pumpkin. You can cut 1-1.5-inch wedges, or you can peel the pumpkin and then cut it into chunks. If you prefer, you can also roast the wedges directly, but the air frying time will be a little longer. If you like fries, cut the pumpkin into thin wedges and air fry for a shorter time. Remember to cut the pieces evenly to ensure uniform cooking.

If you're short on time, you can also buy pre-cut pumpkin chunks. Alternatively, you can cube the pumpkin and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, so you can prepare it in advance.

Once your pumpkin is cut and prepared, it's almost ready for the air fryer. Just add your chosen seasonings and a small amount of oil, and you're ready to start cooking!

In summary, preparing the pumpkin for roasting in an air fryer is a straightforward process that begins with selecting the right type of pumpkin and ensuring it is clean. Cut the pumpkin to the desired size, remove the seeds, and add your chosen seasonings. With these simple steps, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious roasted pumpkin dishes.

Air-frying the pumpkin

Firstly, you will need to prepare your pumpkin. You can either place a whole small pumpkin (around 2-3lb) in the basket of your air fryer, cutting off the stem if it is too tall to fit, or cut the pumpkin into chunks, wedges, slices, or cubes. If you are cutting the pumpkin, it is recommended to use a very sharp knife and cut slowly and carefully. You can leave the skin on, but make sure to clean and remove any stringy bits and seeds.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C. If your air fryer does not have a preheat setting, set it to air fry for 3-4 minutes.

Now you are ready to cook the pumpkin. Place the whole pumpkin or pumpkin pieces into the air fryer basket. If you are cooking a whole pumpkin, cook for around 15 minutes at 400°F/200°C, then flip the pumpkin upside down and cook for a further 15-18 minutes at the same temperature until tender. For pumpkin pieces, cook for 15-20 minutes at 400°F/200°C, shaking the basket halfway through. The pumpkin is ready when it is fork-tender and golden.

Once the pumpkin is cooked, let it cool down to room temperature. If you cooked a whole pumpkin, cut it in half and remove the seeds and stringy insides with a spoon. You can now remove the peel with a knife or by scooping the flesh away from it with a spoon.

Finally, place the cooked pumpkin in a blender and blend until you have a smooth puree.

Making the puree

To make pumpkin puree in an air fryer, you'll first need to select a suitable pumpkin. Pie pumpkins, also known as sugar or sweet pumpkins, are a good option as they are small, sweet-tasting, and have a creamy inside. Long Island Cheese and New England Pie pumpkins are also great for roasting and eating. Avoid using field pumpkins, which are typically used for carving and decorating, as they tend to be too large and have watery, stringy flesh.

Once you've selected your pumpkin, give it a good wash to remove any dirt. You can choose to cut the stem off at this stage or leave it on as it will be easy to pull off once the pumpkin has been air-fried. If your pumpkin is too large to fit in the air fryer, cut it in half, remove the seeds and stringy fibres, and then place it in the air fryer.

Place the whole pumpkin or pumpkin halves into the air fryer basket. If your pumpkin is whole, you may need to cut off the pumpkin stem if it's too tall to fit. For a 2-3lb pumpkin, air fry for around 15 minutes at 400°F/200°C, then flip the pumpkin upside down and cook for another 15-18 minutes until tender. If your pumpkin is in halves, cook for about 12 minutes. To check if the pumpkin is soft, insert a knife into it. If it slides through easily, it's ready. If not, cook for a little longer.

Once the pumpkin is cooked, let it cool down to room temperature. Then, cut the pumpkin in half if you haven't already and remove the seeds with a spoon. Scrape out the stringy pumpkin inners. You can remove the peels with a knife or use a spoon to scoop out the pumpkin flesh.

Finally, place the pumpkin flesh into a blender and puree until smooth. For an extra smooth puree, push the mixture through a sieve. Your pumpkin puree is now ready to be used in various recipes, such as pie fillings, pumpkin bread, soup, hummus, and more!

Storing the puree

Now that you've made your pumpkin puree, it's important to store it properly to ensure it stays fresh and delicious. Here are some tips to help you store your homemade puree:

• Leftover pumpkin puree can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure the container is clean and dry before adding the puree. Store the puree in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• If you want to keep the puree for longer, consider freezing it. You can freeze your puree in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. This is a great option if you want to make a large batch and save some for later.
• When you're ready to use your frozen puree, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. This will ensure that it defrosts slowly and safely.
• You can also divide the puree into smaller portions before freezing. This way, you can take out only what you need, instead of thawing the entire batch. Use freezer-safe bags and lay them flat in the freezer for easy storage.
• It's important to label your containers or freezer bags with the date and contents. This will help you keep track of how long the puree has been stored and ensure you use it within the recommended time frame.
• Make sure to use clean utensils when handling the puree to prevent contamination. This will help your puree stay fresh and reduce the risk of food spoilage.
• If you notice any mould or an unpleasant odour, discard the puree immediately. It's important to practise food safety to avoid any health risks.

Frequently asked questions