Looking for a healthy yet flavorful snack or side dish? Pumpkin sticks in the air fryer are your new go-to! With a crispy exterior and tender inside, these pumpkin sticks are the perfect balance of light, savory, and slightly sweet. The air fryer ensures they cook up quickly and evenly, giving you a satisfying crunch without all the extra oil of traditional frying.
Seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, thyme, and a touch of olive oil, these pumpkin sticks are perfect on their own or paired with your favorite dipping sauce. Whether you’re making a quick snack, side dish, or party appetizer, these air-fried pumpkin sticks will impress with minimal effort.
Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe
- Crispy and Light: The air fryer gives the pumpkin a crispy texture without the heaviness of deep frying.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 45 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Healthy and Flavorful: A wholesome snack or side packed with nutrients and delicious spices.
- Customizable: Add your favorite seasonings or herbs for a personalized twist.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun and healthy way to introduce pumpkin to younger eaters.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Sticks
- Uniform Size: Cut the pumpkin into even sticks to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For the crispiest texture, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Fry in batches if necessary.
- Season to Taste: Experiment with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even chili powder for a different flavor profile.
- Add a Dipping Sauce: Serve with a creamy dipping sauce like ranch, aioli, or yogurt for extra indulgence.
How to Store Pumpkin Sticks
Store any leftover pumpkin sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes at 180ºC (350ºF) to crisp them up again.
How to Freeze Pumpkin Sticks
These pumpkin sticks freeze well for up to 1 month. After air-frying, let them cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, air fry from frozen at 180ºC (350ºF) for about 5–7 minutes until crispy.
Ingredients
How to Make Pumpkin Sticks in the Air Fryer
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Start by microwaving the pumpkin for 10 minutes. This softens it, making it easier to peel and cut into sticks. After microwaving, carefully peel off the skin and slice the pumpkin into thin, uniform sticks. Aim for about ½-inch thick pieces to ensure even cooking.
Start by microwaving the pumpkin for 10 minutes. This softens it, making it easier to peel and cut into sticks. After microwaving, carefully peel off the skin and slice the pumpkin into thin, uniform sticks. Aim for about ½-inch thick pieces to ensure even cooking.
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Place the pumpkin sticks in a strainer and sprinkle with cornstarch. Toss them gently to coat them evenly. The cornstarch creates a crispy outer layer when air-fried.
Place the pumpkin sticks in a strainer and sprinkle with cornstarch. Toss them gently to coat them evenly. The cornstarch creates a crispy outer layer when air-fried.
Transfer the coated pumpkin sticks to a bowl and add olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Toss the sticks well until they are fully coated in the seasoning and oil mixture. This step ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
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Transfer the coated pumpkin sticks to a bowl and add olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Toss the sticks well until they are fully coated in the seasoning and oil mixture. This step ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
Preheat the air fryer to 218ºC (425ºF). Place the seasoned pumpkin sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer). Cook for 35 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crisping. The pumpkin sticks should be golden and crispy on the outside, while remaining tender on the inside.
Preheat the air fryer to 218ºC (425ºF). Place the seasoned pumpkin sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer). Cook for 35 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crisping. The pumpkin sticks should be golden and crispy on the outside, while remaining tender on the inside.
Once they’re done, remove the pumpkin sticks from the air fryer and serve immediately. They’re best enjoyed warm, with your favorite dipping sauce or a sprinkle of extra herbs.
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