Who doesn’t love a good snack? And what’s better than a healthy and delicious one that you can make at home with just a few ingredients?
In this post, I’m really excited to share with you my recipe for air fryer pumpkin chips. These chips are crispy, flavorful, and perfect for snacking on the go or for a party.
And the best part is that they’re made in the air fryer, which means they’re so much healthier than regular fried chips.
With just a few simple steps, you can have these tasty chips ready in no time. And don’t worry if you’re not an experienced cook- this recipe is easy to follow and doesn’t require any special skills.
All you need is some mini pumpkins, olive oil, and a few spices that you probably already have in your pantry.
So, what are you waiting for? try my recipe today and enjoy this amazing side dish!
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Healthy Snacking: Air fryer pumpkin chips are a much healthier alternative to traditional fried chips.
With just a small amount of olive oil, you can achieve the same crispy texture as deep-fried chips but without all the added calories and unhealthy fats.
Easy to Make: This recipe is so easy to follow and doesn’t require any special skills.
With just a few simple steps, you can have these tasty chips ready in no time.
Perfect for Parties: Air fryer pumpkin chips are the perfect snack for parties and gatherings.
They’re easy to make in large batches, and the variety of dipping sauces makes them a crowd-pleaser.
Flavor Variations: This easy recipe offers a lot of room for creativity and experimentation. You can try different seasoning combinations to create unique flavor variations.
👨🍳 Air Fryer Pumpkin Chips Ingredients
For this air fryer pumpkin fries recipe you will need:
- 2 Mini Pumpkins
- 3 teaspoons Olive Oil
- 3/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 3/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
🎃 Pumpkin Chips Air Fryer Recipe
Easily make these tasty air fried pumpkin chips. Follow these steps:
Step 1
Start by peeling the mini pumpkins, seeding them, and cutting them into 1/2 inch slices.
Step 2
Soak the pumpkin slices in cold water for 40-50 minutes.
Step 3
Drain the water and pay dry the pieces with a paper towel.
Step 4
Place the slices in a large bowl. Add the olive oil and seasonings, and mix well until well coated.
Step 5
Place the pumpkin slices in the air fryer (in a single layer) and air fry at 400F for 8-10 minutes until crispy. Repeat with the remaining slices.
That’s it! Enjoy these delicious air fryer pumpkin fries!
💡 Tips
Here are my best tips for making pumpkin air fryer chips:
1. Pick The Right pumpkins
When selecting pumpkins for your air fried pumpkin chips, it’s important to choose the right variety.
For this recipe, it’s recommended to use mini pumpkins that have a firm flesh, smooth skin, and no soft spots or blemishes.
These pumpkins are perfect for making chips since they have less moisture content than larger pumpkins, making them crispier when air-fried.
2. Soak Pumpkin Slices Before Air Frying
Soaking pumpkin slices in cold water before air frying them is a recommended step that should not be overlooked.
Soaking the slices removes excess starch, which can cause them to stick together or become mushy when air-fried.
It also helps to keep them crispy on the outside while tender on the inside.
3. Spice It Up
Spices and seasonings are the key to making tastypumpkin chips in air fryer.
In this recipe, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt are used to add flavor and depth to the chips.
But of course, you can also experiment with other spices and herbs like cinnamon, cumin, rosemary, or thyme to add a unique flavor twist to your chips.
4. Serve With Dipping Sauces
Air fryer pumpkin chips are really delicious on their own, but you can take them to the next level by serving them with different dipping sauces.
Some great options include guacamole, sour cream, ranch dressing, or even a spicy salsa.
The dipping sauce adds an extra layer of flavor and creaminess that complements the crispy air fryer pumpkin chips perfectly.
5. Cook In Batches
If you have a large batch of pumpkin slices to cook, it’s important to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
Instead, cook the pumpkin chips in batches. This allows each batch to cook evenly and become crispy without overcrowding the air fryer basket.
You can keep the cooked batches warm in the oven at a low temperature while you cook the remaining batches. That’s what I do when I host a lot of people.
6. Adjust The Cooking Time
The cooking time for air fryer pumpkin chips may vary depending on the thickness of the slices and the power of your air fryer.
If you find that your pumpkin chips are not crispy enough, you can increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
I personally like my air fryer pumpkin fries extra crispy- so I always cook them for extra 2 minutes.
✔️ Variations
Sweet and Spicy Pumpkin Chips: To make sweet and spicy air fryer pumpkin fries, add about a tablespoon of honey and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
The honey adds a touch of sweetness while the cayenne pepper gives the chips a nice kick. Serve with a creamy dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese (an amazing combination!).
Parmesan Pumpkin Chips: For a cheesy twist on the original recipe, add grated parmesan cheese to the seasoning mix.
The cheese adds a salty and savory flavor to the chips, making them even more irresistible. Serve with marinara sauce.
Curry Pumpkin Chips: Add a teaspoon of curry powder and a pinch of turmeric to the seasoning mix. Serve with a cooling yogurt dip to balance out the heat.
Herb and Garlic Pumpkin Chips: For a more classic flavor profile, add dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano to the seasoning mix along with garlic powder.
The herbs add a fragrant and earthy flavor to the chips while the garlic gives them a nice kick. Serve with a creamy aioli or hummus.
Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Chips: For a sweet and cozy treat, mix together cinnamon and sugar and sprinkle it over the pumpkin chips before air-frying. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Lemon Pepper Pumpkin Chips: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest and a generous sprinkle of black pepper to the seasoning mix for a zesty and refreshing twist on the original recipe. I recommend serving it with a tangy yogurt dip for a light and refreshing snack.
BBQ Pumpkin Chips: Mix together smoked paprika, chili powder, brown sugar, and a pinch of cumin to create a BBQ-inspired seasoning mix.
↩️ Ingredient Substitutions
Olive Oil: You can substitute olive oil with other types of oil like avocado oil, coconut oil, or vegetable oil.
Smoked Paprika: If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika or even chili powder for a bit of heat.
Garlic Powder: Garlic powder can be substituted with fresh minced garlic or garlic paste. You can also use onion powder as a substitute.
Salt: You can use any type of salt you have on hand like sea salt, kosher salt, or Himalayan salt.
👪 FAQ
Can I use a larger pumpkin instead of mini pumpkins for this recipe?
I don’t recommend using use larger pumpkins for this pumpkin fries air fryer recipe because they have a higher moisture content which can result in soggy chips. Stick to using mini pumpkins for the best results.
Can I skip soaking the pumpkin slices in cold water?
Soaking the pumpkin slices in cold water helps to remove excess starch and ensures that the chips turn out nice and crispy. Skipping this step may result in the chips being soggy or not as crispy.
How To Store The Leftover Pumpkin Chips?
You can store the leftover pumpkin chips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, simply place the chips in the air fryer for a few minutes until they are warm and crispy again.
Can I freeze the pumpkin chips?
It is not recommended to freeze the pumpkin chips as they may become soggy when thawed.
I hope you liked my pumpkin fries air fryer recipe. These fries taste so good, and they are also very easy to make thanks to the air fryer. All you need is some pumpkin, oil, salt, and your favorite spices to make these delicious chips!
If you have any questions about making these air fried pumpkin chips- comment below. Also, make sure to check out other easy air fryer recipes on my website.
Air Fryer Pumpkin Chips
- 2 Mini Pumpkins
- 3 teaspoons Olive Oil
- 3/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 3/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- Start by peeling the mini pumpkins, seeding them, and cutting them into 1/2 inch slices.
- Soak the pumpkin slices in cold water for 40-50 minutes.
- Drain the water and pay dry the pieces with a paper towel.
- Place the slices in a large bowl. Add the olive oil and seasonings, and mix well until well coated.
- Place the pumpkin slices in the air fryer (in one layer) and air fry at 400F for 8-10 minutes until crispy. Repeat with the remaining slices.
