Name: Roasted Pumpkin in an Air Fryer
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: ½ pumpkin

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Roasting pumpkin in an air fryer is an absolute favorite during the fall and winter months, and it’s surprisingly simple to do. Let’s dive into how you can achieve perfectly roasted pumpkin using an air fryer.

Pros and Cons of Air Fryer Roasting

Opting for an air fryer over a traditional oven has its advantages and disadvantages. The biggest perk is energy efficiency: air fryers use less power, making them a cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice for roasting pumpkin. Plus, if you don’t own a traditional oven, an air fryer offers a convenient alternative.

However, it’s important to note that roasting pumpkin in an air fryer isn’t necessarily quicker than using a traditional oven. Also, due to the compact size of most air fryers, you’re limited in how much pumpkin you can cook at once—typically enough for a small gathering. For example, in my larger model air fryer, I can comfortably roast half a pumpkin.

Optimal Temperature and Timing for Air Fryer Roasted Pumpkin

The key to any simple air fryer recipe is the right combination of temperature and time, and that’s no different when roasting pumpkin.

The ideal approach depends on how large you cut your pumpkin chunks and your personal preference for doneness.

I recommend roasting at 375°F for 30 minutes. This temperature allows you to cook the pumpkin evenly without needing to adjust settings mid-cook. If you can arrange the pumpkin pieces vertically in your air fryer basket, you won’t need to stir or flip them at all.

If you’re pressed for time and don’t mind a bit more effort, try roasting at 400°F for 12 minutes, then reduce the heat to 355°F and continue cooking for another 10 minutes. Regardless of your method, always check the pumpkin with a fork at the end of cooking to ensure it’s tender.

Pro Tip: Add 1-2 tablespoons of water to the air fryer basket. The water won’t directly contact the pumpkin but will create steam that helps the pumpkin cook to a delightfully moist and tender finish.

Comparing Traditional Oven and Air Fryer

We tested roasting pumpkin using both a traditional oven and a Cosori Premium air fryer, using the same pumpkin split between the two appliances.

Air fryer roasted pumpkin slices 3 — Air fryer roasted pumpkin

Oven roasted pumpkin slices — Oven roasted pumpkin

The flavor of your roasted pumpkin largely depends on the pumpkin variety rather than the cooking method. Hence, we recommend sourcing your pumpkin from a reputable supplier known for quality.

Both methods yielded delicious results, but there were notable differences. The air fryer seemed to enhance the flavors slightly more than the oven. The traditional oven produced a creamier texture, while the air fryer maintained more of the pumpkin’s original firmness. The oven-roasted pumpkin retained more size and moisture, whereas the air-fried pumpkin experienced more shrinkage.

Enjoy your deliciously roasted pumpkin, a simple yet cozy addition to any fall or winter meal!