Ever tried pumpkin in the air fryer? This easy air fryer pumpkin recipe uses just 4 ingredients to roast wedges, strips, or cubes until tender and caramelized—a delicious side dish for fall.
I think pumpkins aren’t just for carving Jack-o’-lanterns or displaying as decorative pumpkins—they’re one of my favourite ingredients to cook with during the fall. This Air fried Pumpkin slices & Roasted Pumpkin Soup, for example.
From mid-September onwards, you’ll find plenty of pumpkin varieties in UK supermarkets like M&S, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Morrisons. It’s a bargain to pick up more than one and freeze some for later. I love to use them to make a Vegan Instant Pot Pumpkin Soup.
If you’re a pumpkin fan like me, you will find so many easy pumpkin recipes on my blog like Pumpkin Flatbread and Pumpkin Hummus.
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👩🏻🍳Sandhya's Top Tips & Tricks
- Cut pumpkin evenly – whether cubes, wedges, slices or strips, keep them similar in size so they cook at the same rate.
- Pat the pumpkin dry – removing excess moisture helps it roast instead of steam.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket – air circulation is key for caramelised, crispy edges. Cook in batches if needed.
- Check halfway and shake – give the basket a shake for even cooking and golden edges.
- If your pumpkin has a tough skin, peel it first. Some smaller varieties have tender skin that crisps nicely and can be eaten.
- For sweeter roasted pumpkin, drizzle with maple syrup or honey right after cooking.
📋Ingredients
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
- Pumpkin: I use sugar pumpkins (also called pie pumpkin) to maximize flavors (but any variety of edible pumpkin works!). If you have access to Indian Grocery Stores, edible pumpkins are available all year around to buy.
- Oil: A light drizzle of olive oil or avocado oil helps the pumpkin roast beautifully.
- Salt : Always add to bring out the natural sweetness.
- Optional spices: ground cinnamon, pumpkin spice mix, garlic powder or nutmeg are all delicious with roasted pumpkin. Choose what you like.
🔪How to Prepare Pumpkins for Roasting?
It is really simple to prep the pumpkin than you think. Wash and dry the pumpkin.
Step 1. I have not peeled the pumpkin as the skin was tender. But if you like, you can peel it. Then place on the cutting board and cut it in half using a sharp knife and scoop out the seeds and stringy bits. (You can save the pumpkin seeds for roasting later!)
Step 2. Cut long medium slices of the pumpkin into thick wedges or strips about 1 to 2-inch thick.(It should not be thin, else the pumpkin will burn.) If you like cut into bite-sized cubes. Aim for similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
👩🏻🍳Pro Tip: Pat dry with a kitchen towel after slicing, to remove excess moisture – this helps the pumpkin roast instead of steam.
👩🏻🍳Tip: To save time, look out for ready-to-cook pumpkin cubes or slices available in most supermarkets.
⏲️How to Roast Pumpkin in the Air Fryer
Step 3. In a large mixing bowl, add pumpkin slices, oil, spices and salt.
Step 4. Using hands or spoons, coat the pumpkin with seasoning all over.
Step 5. Arrange the pumpkin in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding – cook in batches if needed.
Step 6. Air fry at 200°C / 400°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The pumpkin should be golden on the edges and fork tender. If needed add a few more minutes to roast to your liking.
Remove the air fried pumpkin slices and serve immediately.
⏲️How to Make Roasted Pumpkin in the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 220°C / 425°F.
- Toss your prepped pumpkin slices with oil, salt, and seasoning.
- Spread the pumpkin in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the edges are caramelised and the pumpkin is tender inside.
🍽 Uses of Air fryer Roasted Pumpkin
Enjoy Air fryer Pumpkin as a delicious snack or side dish with a creamy sour cream chives dip. Or add them to your nourish bowl.
When I've roasted the pumpkin with just oil and salt, I would puree them to make pumpkin flatbread or pumpkin hummus — they are too good!
🧂Storing Leftovers
- In the Fridge: Store the roasted air fryer pumpkin in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer basket and air fry for 2 minutes.
- In the Freezer: Transfer the cooked pumpkin into a freezer-safe bag or container. Enjoy it for later use.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! Rinse and dry the seeds, toss with a little oil and seasoning, and air fry at 160°C / 320°F for 10–15 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crispy.
Can you roast pumpkin and then freeze it?
Yes! Roasted or cooked pumpkin freezes beautifully. It’s a great way to use leftovers or prepare ahead. I simply let the pumpkin cool, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag and store for later use.
Yes. Add a couple of minutes to the cooking time and shake or stir halfway through for even cooking.
Small pumpkins and pumpkin wedges can be air fried with the skin on. After cooking, you can enjoy the crispy skin or remove it. The flesh scoops out easily. For cubes, peeling before cooking is common.
More Easy Pumpkin Recipes
Ingredients
- 450 g pumpkin sliced into wedges (about 1 small pumpkin)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Slice the pumpkin into wedges (about 1–2 inches thick).
- In a large bowl, add the pumpkin, olive oil, salt, and cinnamon (or pumpkin spice). Toss well to coat.
- Arrange the wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 200°C / 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Remove onto a plate and serve with a optional garnish of pine nuts and chopped coriander leaves.
Video
Notes
Sandhya’s Top Tips
- Make your own pumpkin spice: ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg, ⅛ teaspoon ginger, ¹⁄₁₆ teaspoon cloves.
- Use “Sugar Pumpkin” or “Pie Pumpkin” – they’re sweeter and more flavorful.
- Stick to wedges around 1–2 inches thick so they cook evenly without turning mushy.
- For a sweeter touch, drizzle with maple syrup or honey right after cooking.
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