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
