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    Home » Recipes » Easy Indian Sides

    Air Fryer Pumpkin with Indian Spices (Quick and Easy)

    Published: Oct 11, 2023 by Shilpa Kerur · This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

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    5 from 93 votes
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    Easy and delicious roasted pumpkin with warm spices is a perfect dish for the Fall. Its rich flavors and comforting aroma make it an ideal addition to your autumn menu.

    Ditch the oven and roast pumpkin in mere minutes using this air fryer pumpkin recipe. Soft and tender inside and crispy outside, this dish can take center stage in salads, soups, or sandwiches.

    Air fryer roasted pumpkin cubes placed on a white plate.

    Air fryer pumpkin is a delicious way to cook pumpkin. It is quick and easy to make, and the pumpkin turns out perfectly tender and slightly crispy on the outside.

    This is my favorite way to cook a fresh pumpkin, and it makes a lovely Autumn vegetable side dish. I always use roasted spiced pumpkin for making soup, as it gives it a richer and deeper flavor than canned or boiled pumpkin.

    Why you will love this recipe?

    • Quick and easy: The recipe is ready in 15 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
    • Versatile: Air fryer pumpkin can be used as a side dish, added to salads, or used to make pumpkin soup.
    • Freezing option: It is freezer-friendly, allowing you to preserve the roasted pumpkin for future use.

    Ingredients

    Pumpkin: I have found that sugar pumpkin or pie pumpkin works best for this recipe.

    Spices: I am using ground cumin, turmeric, and paprika.

    See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

    Variations

    Onion-garlic: Season the pumpkin with a combination of garlic powder and onion powder, along with salt and black pepper.

    Air fryer buffalo pumpkin cubes: Toss the pumpkin cubes in a mixture of buffalo sauce and melted butter or oil. Roast until they are crispy and coated in the tangy, spicy buffalo goodness. Serve roasted pumpkin with a side of ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

    Italian seasoning: For a delicious Italian-inspired variation of air fryer roasted pumpkin, coat the cauliflower florets in olive oil and generously sprinkle them with Italian herbs, like basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.

    Maple glaze: Drizzle maple syrup over the pumpkin pieces before air frying for a sweet and savory twist.

    Step-by-step instructions

    Seasoned pumpkin cubes in a grey bowl.

    Step 1: Cut the pumpkin into 1-inch cubes and place them in a large bowl. In another small bowl, combine together oil, ground cumin, turmeric powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix. Drizzle the seasoning on the pumpkin and toss them well. Make sure all the pieces are well coated.

    Pumpkin cubes in the air fryer basket.

    Step 2: Preheat the air fryer to 400 F (200 C) for 2 minutes. Place the seasoned pumpkin cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer.

    Crispy air fried pumpkin cubes in the air fryer basket.

    Step 3: Air fryer at 400 F for 12-15 minutes or until they are cooked through and begin to turn crispy at the edges.

    Expert Tips

    Opt for small to medium-sized sugar pumpkins or pie pumpkins, as they have sweeter and more tender flesh compared to larger carving pumpkins. Also, I make sure to cut the pumpkin pieces into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.

    When placing the pumpkin pieces in the air fryer basket, make sure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. This allows for proper air circulation and even cooking.

    It is important to preheat the air fryer before adding the pumpkin. This helps in achieving a crispier exterior.

    Serving Suggestion

    As a side dish: Air fryer pumpkin is a delicious side dish for any meal. Serve it with roasted chicken legs, fish, or roasted shrimp.

    Use it to make soup: This spicy roasted pumpkin can be used to make a delicious and creamy pumpkin soup.

    In a pasta dish: Add air fryer pumpkin to your favorite pasta dish for a hearty and flavorful meal. I love to add a few cubes to my masala pasta.

    In a sandwich or wrap: Add roasted pumpkin to a sandwich or wrap for a quick and easy lunch or snack.

    Storing roasted pumpkin

    To store this spicy roasted pumpkin, allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer-term storage, freeze the roasted pumpkin in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

    When reheating, use the air fryer for a quick refresh or gently warm in the oven to maintain the desired texture and flavors.

    Recipe FAQs

    Can I use other types of squash for this recipe?

    Yes, you can substitute other winter squashes like butternut squash or acorn squash for pumpkin in this recipe. The method remains the same.

    Can I use other cooking oils besides olive oil?

    Yes, you can use other cooking oils like vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil, based on your preference.

    Can I make this recipe without spices?

    Absolutely, you can omit the spices and season with just salt and pepper for a basic roasted pumpkin side dish.

    Can I prepare the roasted pumpkin in advance?

    Yes, you can prepare the pumpkin in advance and reheat it in the air fryer or oven before serving. This can be convenient for meal prep or when serving guests.

    Close up of pumpkin cubes showing the crispy texture.

    More air fryer vegetables

    • Air fryer okra served on a white plate.
      Air Fryer Okra / Crispy Kurkuri Bhindi (V+GF)
    • Air fryer roasted cauliflower placed on a white plate.
      Easy Air Fryer Cauliflower Recipe (Masala Gobi)
    • Air fryer mushrooms on a white plate.
      Air Fryer Mushrooms / Tandoori Mushroom
    • Air fryer malai broccoli on a white plate.
      Air Fryer Broccoli (Cheesy Malai Broccoli)

    If you tried this Air Fryer Roasted Pumpkin with Spices Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a ? star rating and let me know how it went in the ? comments below.

    Recipe card

    Air fryer roasted pumpkin cubes placed on a white plate.

    Roasted Pumpkin with Spices (Air Fryer)

    Discover the perfect fall side dish with this air fryer roasted pumpkin made with warming spices. Quick, flavorful, and endlessly customizable, this dish elevates the humble pumpkin to new heights.
    5 from 93 votes
    Print Pin Rate Google logo Add Preferred Source
    Author: Shilpa Kerur
    Course: Side Dish, Snack
    Cuisine: Indian
    Servings: 4
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

    Equipment

    • Mixing bowl
    • Air fryer

    Ingredients

    • 2 lb pumpkin
    • 2 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
    • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
    • ½ teaspoon paprika
    • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust as per taste)
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
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    Instructions

    Prep the pumpkin:

    • Cut the pumpkin in half. Scoop out the seeds and pulp. Cut the hard top parts and cut them into quarters.
    • Peel the skin off each quarter. Cut them into 1-inch cubes. Transfer to a large bowl.

    Season and air fry:

    • In a small bowl, combine together oil, ground cumin, turmeric powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix.
    • Drizzle the seasoning on the pumpkin and toss them well. Make sure all the pumpkin pieces are well coated.
    • Preheat the air fryer to 400 F (200 C) for 2 minutes.
    • Place the seasoned pumpkin in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
    • Air fryer at 400 F for 12-15 minutes or until they are cooked through and begin to turn crispy at the edges.

    Notes

    Opt for small to medium-sized sugar pumpkins or pie pumpkins, as they have sweeter and more tender flesh compared to larger carving pumpkins. Also, I make sure to cut the pumpkin pieces into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
    When placing the pumpkin pieces in the air fryer basket, make sure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. This allows for proper air circulation and even cooking.
    It is important to preheat the air fryer before adding the pumpkin. This helps in achieving a crispier exterior.
    Calories: 125kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 585mg | Potassium: 796mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 19438IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this Recipe? Share it Today!Mention @easyindiancookbook or tag #easyindiancookbook!

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