Pumpkin fries are a delightful, healthier alternative to regular fries, with a crispy exterior and a soft, tender interior. Made from pumpkin, these fries are perfect for a snack, side dish, or even as a savory addition to your Halloween or Thanksgiving meal. Pumpkin fries bring the natural sweetness of pumpkin together with a blend of spices, creating a flavor-packed dish that satisfies any craving. Plus, they are easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite seasonings. Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe and learn how to make these crispy pumpkin fries from scratch.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- Pumpkin – 800 grams (preferably a firm pumpkin like sugar or pie pumpkin)
- Corn starch – 2 tablespoons
- Flour – 1 tablespoon
- Salt – 0.5 teaspoon
- Dried garlic – 0.5 teaspoon
- Paprika – 1 teaspoon
- A mixture of peppers (black, cayenne, etc.) – to taste
- Vegetable oil – 2-3 tablespoons (for baking or air frying)
Steps to Make Crispy Pumpkin Fries:
Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Start by washing the pumpkin thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. Once cleaned, carefully cut the pumpkin in half, scoop out the seeds, and peel the skin using a sharp knife or vegetable peeler. After peeling, cut the pumpkin into thin, even-sized sticks (around the size of regular fries). Make sure the fries are roughly uniform to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Seasoning the Pumpkin Fries In a large bowl, mix together the corn starch, flour, salt, dried garlic, paprika, and a mixture of peppers. The combination of corn starch and flour will help create a crispy coating on the pumpkin fries. If you prefer extra spiciness, you can add cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
Step 3: Coating the Fries Place the pumpkin sticks in the bowl with the dry ingredients, tossing them until each stick is well-coated with the flour mixture. The corn starch will help absorb moisture and create a crunchier texture after baking.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven or Air Fryer If you’re using an oven, preheat it to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with vegetable oil to prevent the fries from sticking.
If you’re using an air fryer, preheat it to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes before placing the fries in the basket.
Step 5: Cooking the Fries For the oven method, place the coated pumpkin fries on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle the vegetable oil over the fries or spray them lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through to ensure even browning.
For air frying, arrange the pumpkin fries in the basket (in a single layer if possible) and air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy Once the fries are golden and crispy on the outside, remove them from the oven or air fryer. Allow them to cool for a minute or two before serving. These fries pair well with your favorite dipping sauces, such as garlic aioli, ketchup, or a spicy mayo.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
- Sodium: 310mg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I use a different type of squash instead of pumpkin? Yes, you can substitute pumpkin with other types of squash like butternut squash or acorn squash. Both work well and offer similar textures and flavors.
2. Can I make these fries without oil? Yes, you can skip the oil if you prefer. However, keep in mind that the fries may not be as crispy without it. An alternative would be to use cooking spray to lightly coat the fries for a similar effect.
3. Can I deep fry the pumpkin fries? Yes, you can deep fry the pumpkin fries for an even crispier result. Just heat oil in a deep frying pan and fry the pumpkin sticks in batches until golden brown. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil before serving.
Tips for Making the Best Pumpkin Fries:
- Cut the Fries Evenly: To ensure that your fries cook evenly, cut them into equal-sized sticks. If the fries are too thick, they may not crisp up properly, and if they are too thin, they may burn quickly.
- Dry the Pumpkin Sticks: After cutting the pumpkin into sticks, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps the coating stick better and results in a crispier texture.
- Spice It Up: Don’t hesitate to experiment with spices. Add cumin, cayenne pepper, or smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor. You can also toss the cooked fries with fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary for a finishing touch.
- Double Dipping: For extra crispiness, dip the fries in the corn starch mixture twice, allowing them to sit for a few minutes between coats. This will give them a thicker, crunchier exterior.
Storage Tips: Pumpkin fries are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes until crispy again. Avoid reheating them in the microwave, as this will make the fries soggy.
If you want to freeze the fries for later use, partially bake or air fry them for about 10 minutes, then let them cool completely. Store the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet in the freezer for an hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, bake them straight from the freezer, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
Conclusion: Crispy pumpkin fries are a versatile and delicious treat, perfect for fall gatherings or any time you crave a unique twist on traditional fries. With their perfect blend of spices and delightful crunch, these fries are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making them as a snack, a side dish, or an appetizer, they’re bound to become a favorite in your household. Don’t forget to customize them to your taste with different spices, and enjoy the rich flavors of pumpkin in a whole new way!