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Home » Air Fryer

Air Fryer Pumpkin - How to Roast a Whole Pumpkin

Published: Sep 16, 2021 · Modified: Nov 16, 2023 by Kristina Tipps · This post may contain affiliate links for which I earn a small commission.

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Roasting a whole pumpkin in your air fryer couldn't be easier! This fantastic Fall vegetable can be used in so many ways. Turn your Air Fryer Pumpkin into a homemade puree to use in your favorite fall recipes, make mashed pumpkin to serve with dinner and on holidays and even use it to make baby food!

roasted pumpkin on a cutting board with the seeds scooped out

Roasting a whole pumpkin in the air fryer is a simple and great way to use fresh, seasonal pumpkins in your cooking during the fall. An air fryer pumpkin turns out soft and tender inside and then can be made into a mash or homemade puree. Use it in place of store bought pumpkin puree in your favorite pumpkin recipes, like pumpkin cream cheese muffins, pumpkin pasta, sweet pumpkin bread, chewy pumpkin cookies and even pumpkin soup!

This recipe uses pie, or sugar, pumpkins which are sweet enough to eat plain too. It doesn't require any olive oil, salt, pepper, or seasoning. Just a simple roasted pumpkin to use in your favorite pumpkin-inspired recipes.

One of the coolest things about roasting a whole pumpkin is that there is no waste- you can easily use the entire pumpkin to make delicious snacks, including roasting the pumpkin seeds and even turning the skin into crunchy pumpkin chips! You can also use the same method I give here to roast butternut squash, acorn squash, and other winter squashes in your air fryer.

Pumpkins can be cooked in any brand basket-style or oven-style air fryer. I tested this recipe in both my Instant Pot Duo Crisp and Omni Plus, and there was no difference in cooking time or outcome. You can also cook a pumpkin using your Instant Pot, so if you have more than one pumpkin and both of these appliances, use them both!

homemade pumpkin puree in a bowl

What Type of Pumpkin to Air Fry

Pie pumpkins, also known as sugar or sweet pumpkins, are one of the best for cooking. They are small, readily available and sweet tasting with a creamy inside. Long Island Cheese and New England Pie are also fantastic pumpkins for roasting and eating.

You should not use field pumpkins for cooking. These are the pumpkins found in pumpkin patches and used traditionally for carving and decorating. They tend to be too large to fit in an air fryer and have watery, stringy flesh.

How To Prepare a Pumpkin for Roasting

Because we are roasting the whole pumpkin, you only need to wash it and scrub away any dirt. You can cut the stem off prior to cooking or leave it on. After the pumpkin has been air fried, the stem is easy to pull off. If you have a small air fryer that does not fit the whole pumpkin, cut it in half and remove the stringy fibers and seeds before air frying. If the pumpkin fits in your air fryer whole, you'll do this once it's done and cooled.

How Long to Air Fry

Whole, uncut pumpkins should be air fried for approximately 12 minutes per pound. I had a 2 pound pie pumpkin that took 24 minutes. You can test to see if it's done by inserting a knife into the flesh. The knife will easily pierce through the skin and slide through the inside.

Ways To Use Air Fried Pumpkin

I use my air fryer pumpkin as an alternative to canned pumpkin in my favorite autumn recipes. Here's how to easily turn it into a puree. Here are some delicious recipes to use your air fried pumpkin in:

  • Instant Pot Pumpkin Chili
  • Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake with Nutmeg Crust
  • Instant Pot Pumpkin Cheesecake
  • Chocolate Pumpkin Bread
  • Instant Pot Pumpkin Bread
  • Bread Machine Pumpkin Bread
  • Pumpkin Cornbread with Sugared Walnut Topping
  • Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
  • Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal with Walnuts
  • Instant Pot Pumpkin Risotto

Or, turn it into mashed pumpkin, similar to making mashed sweet potatoes. To do this, mash the cooked pumpkin using a potato masher or immersion blender. Once smooth and creamy, mix in a little brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter for a sweet side dish or just a little salt and pepper for a more savory version.

Want to make baby food? All you need to do is mash the pumpkin and season as desired. It's full of wholesome vitamins and minerals!

Step-By-Step Directions

  1. Wash your pumpkin, scrubbing away any dirt. Remove the stem if doing so is necessary for it to fit in your air fryer basket.
  2. Set the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (or 204 Celsius) for 24 minutes. *The timing here is for a 2 pound pie pumpkin. You should alter the timing to air fry your pumpkin for 12 minutes per pound. Use a kitchen scale to get an accurate weight.
  3. When done, carefully transfer the pumpkin to a cutting board and let cool for 15-20 minutes. Cut the pumpkin in half and scoop out the fibers and seeds. Peel the skin off using tongs or your fingers. A knife can be used to cut away any skin that is difficult to peel. Bonus- use the skin to make pumpkin chips!
  4. Use a food processor or blender to create a puree or mashed pumpkin.
steps to air frying, pulping, and slicing a whole pumpkin

Don't forget to save the seeds to roast in your air fryer too!

How to Store

If you've made a puree, store it in mason jars in the fridge for up to 7 days. If you've kept the pumpkin whole after cooking, cut it into pieces and store in an airtight container. If you'd like to keep it longer than this, store in the freezer for up to 6 months. For easy use all season, divide into ½ or 1 cup increments and put into freezer safe bags. Lay them flat to stack in the freezer. Defrost overnight in the fridge when ready to use. For a quick thaw, place the frozen bag in a bowl of warm water.

Pro Tips

  • Pie pumpkins are typically 2-3 pounds. This size pumpkin should fit in most air fryers. If it doesn't fit in the air fryer whole, cut it in half. When cut, reduce the cook time by a few minutes per pound.
  • If the pumpkin isn't fully cooked using the recommended 12 minutes per pound, continue cooking in 3 minute increments until a knife easily pierces the flesh.
  • Don't worry about peeling the pumpkin before air frying. The skin will fall right off once it's air fried.

Recipe FAQs

How Many Servings Does One Pie Pumpkin Yield?

You will get approximately 1 cup of cooked pumpkin per pound. So for example, my 2 pound pumpkin made about 2 cups of cooked pumpkin.

Do I Need To Peel The Pumpkin Before Air Frying?

No, this method is easy and does not require peeling prior to cooking. The skin will peel right off the pumpkin after it's air fried, so don't give yourself any extra preparation work!

At What Temperature Should I Cook A Pumpkin?

400 degrees Fahrenheit, or 204 degrees Celsius.

Can I Use A Halloween Pumpkin?

No, you should not use a field or jack o lantern style pumpkin intended for fall decorating. These pumpkin lack flavor, have tough flesh and are too large to fit in an air fryer. Stick to pie/sugar pumpkins.

If you enjoyed this recipe, make sure to give it a star rating and let me know what you thought in the comments! And follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for more delicious recipes!

Recipe

sliced whole pumpkin on a cutting board with seeds and pulp

Air Fryer Pumpkin

Kristina Tipps
Roasting a whole pumpkin in your air fryer couldn't be easier! This fantastic Fall vegetable can be used in so many ways. Turn your Air Fryer Pumpkin into a homemade puree to use in your favorite Fall recipes. Make mashed pumpkin to serve with dinner and on holidays. You can even use it make baby food!
4.99 from 62 votes
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Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time 24 minutes minutes
Total Time 34 minutes minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 59 kcal

Equipment

  • air fryer
  • Knife
  • Large spoon

Ingredients

  • 2 lb pie pumpkin *see notes

Instructions
 

  • Wash your pumpkin, scrubbing away any dirt. Remove the stem if doing so is necessary for it to fit in your air fryer.
  • Set the air fryer to 400° Fahrenheit (204° C) for 24 minutes (*see notes on timing).
  • When done, carefully remove the pumpkin to a cutting board and let cool completely.
  • Remove and discard the stem. Cut the pumpkin in half and scoop out the fibers and seeds with a spoon. Peel the skin off using your hands. A knife can be used to cut away any skin that is difficult to peel. Discard skin and reserve seeds and skin for roasting if desired.
  • Use a food processor or blender to create a puree or mashed pumpkin, or store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 7 days.

Notes

Pumpkin Size: The typical pie pumpkin is 2-3 pounds. This size pumpkin fits in most air fryers. If your pumpkin is too large to fit in yours, cut it in half and remove the stem prior to air frying. 
Cooking Time: Whole pumpkins air fry for about 12 minutes per pound. Adjust your cook time based on the size of your pumpkin.
Recipe Yield: You will get approximately 1 cup of cooked pumpkin per pound. This recipe with a 2 lb pumpkin will make 2 cups of cooked pumpkin.
Storing: If you've made a puree, store it in mason jars in the fridge for up to 7 days. If you've kept the pumpkin whole after cooking, cut it into pieces and store in an airtight container. If you'd like to keep it longer than this, store in the freezer for up to 6 months. For easy use all season, divide into ½ or 1 cup increments and put into freezer safe bags. Lay them flat to stack in the freezer. Defrost overnight in the fridge when ready to use. For a quick thaw, place the frozen bag in a bowl of warm water.
Print Recipe

Nutrition

Serving: 4ozCalories: 59kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 2gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.01gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.03gSodium: 2mgPotassium: 771mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 19307IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 48mgIron: 2mg
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Comments

    4.99 from 62 votes (61 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Jane says

    October 16, 2022 at 9:00 am

    Do I need any liquid in the air fryer?
    Very new to this.

    Reply
    • Kristina says

      October 16, 2022 at 4:39 pm

      Hi Jane! Nope, no liquid is needed in your air fryer.

      Reply
  2. Angie Murphy says

    February 10, 2022 at 11:51 am

    Hi! I don't own any of the modern day appliances. I've been considering an Omni air fryer that you've spoken about. Where do I purchase one; how large are they and what is the approximate cost?? Thank you. I love to cook. I'm 80, but have lots of family in. I'm thinking this would help me.

    Reply
    • Kristina says

      February 10, 2022 at 8:44 pm

      Hi Angie! The Instant Omni is a larger air fryer and it sits on the counter like a toaster. They can be found quite easily, in stores like Target, Walmart, Macys, etc. I purchased mine from Amazon for about $250. Here is a link to it, and you can find the dimensions there as well. https://amzn.to/3Lr2PGf

      I hope this helps!

      Reply
  3. Angie Murphy says

    February 10, 2022 at 11:45 am

    I do not have any of these very modern kitchen appliances. I've been considering something, but don't know which or what one to get. Reading your info, I'm leaning towards a

    Reply
  4. Jean says

    September 16, 2021 at 8:27 pm

    5 stars
    great idea instead of oven roasting to use in purees

    Reply
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