If you’re craving a side dish that feels cozy, festive, and a little bit unexpected, you are going to fall head over heels for this Air Fryer Pumpkin Fries Recipe. Imagine crispy, caramelized edges with that sweet and salty punch that pumpkin naturally brings into the mix. These fries are not only a beautiful twist on the usual potato side, but they also bring a lovely color and warmth to your table. Whether you’re planning a Thanksgiving spread or just want to brighten up your weeknight dinner, these Air Fryer Pumpkin Fries make everything feel special and oh-so-delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role: the pumpkin provides sweetness and a tender bite, olive oil adds crispness and richness, and the garlic powder, smoked paprika, and sea salt deliver that perfect savory balance. Together, they create a harmony of flavor and texture that makes these fries truly irresistible.
- 1 pie pumpkin (approximately 4 pounds): This variety has the perfect texture and sweetness to make wonderfully tender fries.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the fries crisp up beautifully while adding a subtle richness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds depth and a savory touch that complements the natural sweetness of pumpkin.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings a gentle smoky warmth that makes the fries extra flavorful.
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps balance the dish perfectly.
- Chopped fresh parsley for serving (optional): A fresh, herbal pop of color and brightness to finish the fries.
How to Make Air Fryer Pumpkin Fries Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin
Start by standing your pie pumpkin upright and trimming the bottom if it wobbles to create a stable base. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice down one side of the stem to create two halves. Split them apart and scoop out the seeds, which you can save for roasting later if you like. Then, peel the tough skin off each pumpkin half using a Y peeler—this step is crucial for smooth, fry-worthy slices.
Step 2: Slice the Pumpkin into Fries
Cut each half into quarters, so you have eight pieces total. Then slice each piece into thin 1/4-inch strips, just like classic fries. This should yield about 10 cups of pumpkin slices, the perfect amount to work with a few batches in your air fryer without overcrowding.
Step 3: Season and Toss
Place your pumpkin slices in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle the garlic powder, smoked paprika, and sea salt on top. Toss everything together with your hands or tongs until the slices are evenly coated. Getting this seasoning mix just right is key to those vibrant, flavorful fries!
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Arrange the pumpkin fries in your air fryer basket in a single or overlapping double layer—don’t crowd the basket, or they won’t crisp well. Depending on your air fryer size, you’ll likely need to cook in 2 to 4 batches. Air fry each batch at 400F for 15 to 17 minutes, shaking the basket several times and rearranging the fries to ensure even cooking. The result is crispy, golden edges with tender, sweet centers that are hard to resist.
Step 5: Serve Hot and Seasoned
Once cooked, sprinkle the fries with a little extra fine sea salt and if you like, some freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve them right away for that ideal crispy and caramelized experience.
How to Serve Air Fryer Pumpkin Fries Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley brightens these Air Fryer Pumpkin Fries and adds a lovely herbal note. For a bit of extra flair, a dash of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of a tangy balsamic glaze can also be fantastic. These small touches bring out the natural beauty and flavor of the fries.
Side Dishes
These fries complement a wide range of main dishes wonderfully. Think roasted turkey or chicken, grilled sausages, or even a hearty veggie burger. Their sweet-savory profile balances well with rich meats and smoky flavors. Plus, they’re an excellent vegetarian side that everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pumpkin fries in small paper cones or rustic baskets lined with parchment paper for a casual, street-food vibe. Pair them with an assortment of dipping sauces like garlic aioli, spicy ketchup, or a creamy herb dip for a party-ready platter. The vibrant orange fries on a big platter make a stunning centerpiece for any meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Air Fryer Pumpkin Fries Recipe treats (which might be rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep them from getting soggy, separate layers with parchment paper if stacking is necessary.
Freezing
While these fries are best fresh, you can freeze uncooked seasoned pumpkin slices spread in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and cook them in the air fryer straight from frozen, adjusting cooking time slightly. This way you’ll always have a quick snack ready to go.
Reheating
To revive leftover or frozen fries, pop them back into the air fryer at 350F for about 5 minutes. This will refresh their crispiness without drying them out, making them taste almost as good as freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pumpkin for this recipe?
While pie pumpkins are ideal due to their sweetness and texture, you can experiment with other varieties like sugar pumpkins. Just avoid large carving pumpkins as they tend to be less flavorful and watery.
How do I know when the fries are done?
You want golden brown edges that are slightly crisp but still tender inside. The fries should have a caramelized look and no raw pumpkin softness when you bite into them.
Can I make these fries without an air fryer?
Absolutely! You can roast them in a conventional oven at 425F for around 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy but will still taste fantastic.
Are these fries gluten-free?
Yes, this Air Fryer Pumpkin Fries Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
What dipping sauces pair best with pumpkin fries?
For a perfect match, try garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, honey mustard, or a simple herbed yogurt dip. These dips add creaminess and a punch of flavor that elevates the fries beautifully.
Final Thoughts
I hope you are as excited as I am to bring this Air Fryer Pumpkin Fries Recipe into your kitchen! It’s a simple, flavorful way to add something new and festive to your meals. Once you try these crispy, sweet, and savory fries, I promise they will become your go-to side dish for fall and beyond. Happy cooking and enjoy every crispy bite!
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Air Fryer Pumpkin Fries Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet and salty with caramelized and crispy edges, these Air Fryer Pumpkin Fries are a delicious alternative to traditional fries and the perfect way to change up your Thanksgiving side dishes! Made from fresh pie pumpkin and air fried to perfection, they offer a healthier, flavorful twist on classic fries.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pie pumpkin (approximately 4 pounds)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- Chopped fresh parsley for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pumpkin: Stand the pumpkin on a cutting board. If it’s uneven, trim the bottom to make it level. Using a sharp knife, cut down one side of the stem, then repeat on the opposite side.
- Remove Seeds and Trim: Pull apart the two halves, scoop out the seeds, cut off the stem, and trim the bottoms if not done earlier.
- Peel the Pumpkin: Use a vegetable peeler, preferably a Y peeler, to completely remove the skin from each pumpkin half.
- Slice the Pumpkin: Cut each half into quarters, giving you 8 pieces. Then slice each piece into 1/4-inch thick fries, yielding roughly 10 cups of pumpkin slices.
- Toss with Seasonings: Place the pumpkin slices in a large bowl and toss thoroughly with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and fine sea salt until evenly coated.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the seasoned pumpkin slices in the air fryer basket in a single or double layer without overcrowding. Depending on basket size, cook in 2 to 4 batches.
- Air Fry the Fries: Cook at 400°F (204°C) for 15-17 minutes, shaking the basket and stirring the fries occasionally for even cooking and crisping.
- Serve: Once cooked to crispy perfection, sprinkle with additional sea salt and chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure fries crisp properly; cook in batches if needed.
- Use a sharp knife and stable cutting board for safe pumpkin prep.
- Adjust seasoning amounts to taste, you can add a pinch of cayenne for some heat.
- Leftover fries can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain crispiness.
- Make sure to flip or shake fries during cooking for even browning.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American, Canadian
