How to make pumpkin crispy in an air fryer?

To make pumpkin crispy, start by drying the slices thoroughly before seasoning. Toss them in a light layer of oil, lay them flat in a single layer inside the basket, and air fry at 360°F. Flip halfway for an even crunch. Preheating your air fryer also helps achieve a crispy finish.

Why soak fries before air frying?

Soaking is recommended for starchy vegetables like potatoes—it draws out excess starch and leads to crisper results. But for air fryer pumpkin fries, it’s not needed. Instead, focus on cutting even slices and ensuring they are dry before cooking. This preserves texture and boosts crispiness.

How to get your fries crispy in the air fryer?

The keys are space, heat, and airflow. Don’t overcrowd the basket—work in batches. Always preheat your air fryer and flip the fries once during cooking. Season well with dry spices and oil to promote browning. For extra crunch, let the seasoned slices sit for 10 minutes before air frying.

What is not recommended in an air fryer?

Avoid anything with wet batter or runny textures—these won’t crisp and can cause a mess. Also, steer clear of parchment paper without food on top; it can fly into the heating element. Stick with solid, dry-prepped foods like air fryer pumpkin fries for reliable results.

Air Fryer Pumpkin Fries – 3 Secrets for Crispy, Perfect Results

Name: Air Fryer Pumpkin Fries
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium pumpkin (Kabocha or sugar pumpkin recommended); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon turmeric; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon sea salt; Black pepper to taste

Description

These air fryer pumpkin fries are crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with warm spice. A healthy, flavorful snack for fall or anytime.

Ingredients

Scale

1 medium pumpkin (Kabocha or sugar pumpkin recommended)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon turmeric

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon sea salt

Black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Wash and dry the pumpkin. Cut it in half, remove the stem and seeds.

2. Slice into half-inch to one-inch fries. Peel if needed.

3. In a large bowl, mix olive oil with all spices.

4. Add the sliced pumpkin and toss until fully coated.

5. Preheat air fryer to 360°F.

6. Arrange fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

7. Air fry at 360°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

8. Check crispiness. Add 5 more minutes if needed.

9. Repeat for 2-3 batches depending on basket size.

10. Serve hot with your favorite dip.

Notes

No soaking is needed for pumpkin like potatoes.

For extra crisp, let slices sit 10 minutes after seasoning.

Works best with firm pumpkins like Kabocha or sugar pie.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Snacks
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 120
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 340mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: air fryer pumpkin fries, pumpkin fries, fall snack, crispy fries