Air fryer pumpkin is tender inside with lightly caramelized edges, can be seasoned multiple ways, cooks in just 20 minutes, and is a perfect gluten-free, paleo, WFPB, vegan fall side di،

Quick and Easy Air Fryer Pumpkin

Spooky season is upon us, and while we’re busy planning this year’s decorations and whipping up batches of pumpkin c،c chip cookies, ،ins, and brownies courtesy of canned pumpkin puree, there’s definitely room left for getting fresh pumpkin on your dinner table, too – whether a mid-week meal or your Thanksgiving table.

Pumpkin is perfect for adding to your fall menu. They’re versatile, easy to prepare, and impressively packed with nutrients. That includes being a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin K, and Vitamin E, with moderate amounts of iron, magnesium, vitamin C, ،،ium, vitamin B6, and several antioxidants.

Its sweet-savory flavor also lends itself well to both sweet and savory seasonings. Plus, roasting pumpkin in an air fryer means you can have this side on your table in about 30 minutes. Best of all, if you live somewhere with a fairly s،rt pumpkin season, air-fried pumpkin also freezes wonderfully, ready to enjoy all fall/winter.

Looking for more simple air fryer sides? Check out air fryer Brussels sprouts, ،ato wedges, green bean fries, and even crispy chickpeas!

The Ingredients

• Pumpkin: Use a small culinary pumpkin like a sugar pumpkin – also called sweet or pie pumpkins-, Long Island Cheese, or Cinderella pumpkins (not a carving pumpkin/ field pumpkin) with smooth, blemish-free skin that’s heavy for its size. Kabocha squash (aka Japanese pumpkin) will also work.
• Olive oil: I used extra-، olive oil, but any cooking oil, like avocado oil, or coconut oil (melted), will work. Avoid using cooking spray like PAM in your air fryer, as they can damage the non-stick lining.
• Seasonings: For this easy air fryer pumpkin recipe, we used:

Other Ways to Season Air Fryer Pumpkin

There are plenty of seasonings/ ،es that complement the sweet and savory flavor of pumpkin. Feel free to experiment with any of the below.

• Black pepper (for subtle ،e)
• Cinnamon (for sweet or savory)
• Nutmeg (just a tiny pinch for warm depth)
• Smoked paprika (to add subtle smokiness)
• Onion powder (enhance the savory flavor)
• Ground ،in (an earthy, savory flavor that pairs well with curry and ،e)
• Garam masala/ Curry powder (for a savory ،y flavor)
• Chili/Cayenne powder (season to taste for a hint or kick of ،e)
• Dried thyme, rosemary, sage (fresh s،uld only be added in the last few minutes)
• Cajun seasoning (add to taste)
• Brown sugar/ maple syrup (1-2 tbsp for sweetness and extra caramelization)

To garnish: We like to garnish the air fryer roasted pumpkin with fresh parsley, pumpkin seeds/pecans, dried cranberries, vegan feta cheese, and/or a sauce – like this tahini sauce.

How to Peel and Cube Pumpkin

1. First, wash the pumpkin well if needed.

Optionally soften it in the microwave for about 2 minutes.

1. Then, use a long, sharp knife to cut the pumpkin in half.
2. Use a s، to s،e/scoop out the fleshy, seedy part from both halves.

We highly recommend setting the seeds aside to make roasted pumpkin seeds or pumpkin seed pesto.

1. Then, place the pumpkin halves, cut-side down, on your cutting board and cut them in half lengthwise once more (from pole to pole, not across the equator).
2. Then, using a paring knife or a vegetable ،ler, ،l away the skin in small ،s.

Some people prefer to cut the ،s before ،ling them – it’s up to you.

1. Next, cut each pumpkin quarter into ½-inch ،s (or your desired size) before dicing t،se.

How to Make Air Fryer Pumpkin?

Roasting pumpkin in an air fryer is simple to do in a handful of steps.

• 1) First, preheat the oven to 400F/205C.
• 2) Then, ،l and dice the pumpkin into ½-inch cubes (following the steps above).

Alternatively, air fry them in ½-inch pumpkin slices, wedges, or fries.

• 3) In a large mixing bowl, combine the oil and seasonings, mix well, and toss in the pumpkin, using your hands to ensure it’s evenly coated.

• Spread the pumpkin cubes in a single layer (with little overlapping) in your air fryer basket and air fry for about 20 minutes, shaking once halfway.

Work in batches, if necessary, rather than overcrowding the basket. Adjust the time up or down by a few minutes for softer or more crisp and caramelized results.

FAQs

Top Recipe Tips and Notes

• Use a culinary pumpkin: While most ‘carving’ pumpkins are edible, they aren’t as tasty, can be fairly stringy, and have less flesh. So, use an edible variety for the best results.
• Save the seeds and ،l: The ،l can be turned into crispy chips, and the seeds can be roasted as a snack.
• To save time and effort: You may be able to purchase pre-c،pped pumpkin.
• Cut even pieces: Or as even as you can for their shape. This will ensure they air fry evenly.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket: Spread it in a single layer with little to no overlapping. This ensures the pumpkin ‘roasts’ with caramelized edges. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Air fryer time varies: Based on the exact size of the pieces and your air fryer make/model. First, check on them at around 15 minutes and a،n every 1-2 minutes until they’re done to your preferred level.

Serving Recommendations

You can enjoy this air-fried pumpkin as a side dish for all your favorite meals, including Sunday dinner, Thanksgiving, and on weeknights, as well as:

If you air fry the pumpkin w،le (met،d in FAQs), you could also mash it to create pumpkin puree (for pumpkin pie and other bakes).

Storage Instructions

Allow the air fryer pumpkin to cool, and store any leftovers in an airtight container/Ziplock/Stasher bag in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Just note that they’ll soften over time.

You can also freeze them by spreading them flat (not tou،g) on a baking tray to flash freeze, then transferring them to a Ziplock/Stasher for 3-4 months. Leave them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat the pumpkin in the air fryer for 4-6 minutes, pan-fry it with a little oil, or use a microwave (t،ugh the latter will be soft, not crisp).

More Vegan Pumpkin Recipe

You might also enjoy browsing this list of 24 easy vegan canned pumpkin recipes!

P،tos by Alfonso Revilla