Good reasons to make air fryer pumpkin
Cooking pumpkin saves a lot of time compared to using a traditional oven. The hot air circulates around the pieces to ensure even cooking without much effort. You also need less oil to get a great texture when using this method. It is an easy way to prepare a nutritious side dish for any meal.
How to cook air fryer pumpkin
Prepare the pumpkin: Start by cutting the pumpkin in half and removing the seeds with a large spoon. Peel the outer skin if it is very thick or leave it on if you prefer. Cut the flesh into even cubes of about two centimetres so they cook at the same rate.
Season the pieces: Place the cubes into a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Add the salt, black pepper and dried thyme to the bowl. Toss everything together with your hands or a spoon to ensure every piece is coated.
Air fry: Preheat the machine for a few minutes if your model requires it. Place the seasoned pieces into the basket in a single layer for the best results. Cook at 200C for about 20 minutes and shake the basket halfway through the time.
Serve the dish: Check that the pieces are tender and have golden brown edges before removing them. Transfer the cooked pumpkin to a serving bowl or plate. Serve it immediately while it is hot and fresh.
Important tips for air fryer pumpkin
Make sure to cut the pieces into similar sizes so the pumpkin cooks evenly. If the basket is too full, the air cannot circulate and the pumpkin will steam rather than roast. You can experiment with different spices like smoked paprika or garlic powder for a different flavour profile.
Always check the pumpkin a few minutes before the timer ends as different machines vary in heat. If you want a sweeter version, you can swap the savoury herbs for cinnamon and a little honey. Using a smaller pumpkin often results in a sweeter and less watery texture than using large carving ones.
For a little more variety, you can also try
air fryer frozen vegetables,
air fryer stuffed chicken breast or
air fryer bacon.
