Pumpkin and speck skewers are an easy and tasty appetizer perfect for serving at a buffet, an aperitif, or a dinner with friends. Pumpkin is an inexpensive vegetable, low in calories and very versatile in the kitchen. We have indeed prepared it in many ways: to make pumpkin and mushrooms in a pan, for pumpkin pesto and also to make desserts and first courses. Have you ever served it for an aperitif? A simple recipe that is prepared in no time with very few ingredients. They are nothing more than pumpkin bites flavored with aromatic herbs, wrapped in slices of speck, and cooked in the air fryer.
In this recipe, I used Butternut squash, but you can use the variety of pumpkin you prefer. The important thing is that it has firm and dry flesh. You can replace speck with bacon or smoked pancetta, and these skewers can also be cooked in the oven instead of the air fryer. For convenience, I recommend the latter. In less than 10 minutes, you will have a really tasty appetizer ready to serve as a starter. Now, follow me in the kitchen because the pumpkin and speck skewers will be ready in a click!
If you are interested in other pumpkin recipes, also read:
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Very Economical
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 8 skewers
- Cooking methods: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Autumn, Winter
- Energy 17.65 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 0.58 (g) of which sugars 0.21 (g)
- Proteins 1.58 (g)
- Fat 1.06 (g) of which saturated 0.33 (g)of which unsaturated 0.54 (g)
- Fibers 0.05 (g)
- Sodium 136.92 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 8 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients
- 10.5 oz pumpkin (net of waste)
- 7 oz speck
- extra virgin olive oil (to taste)
- rosemary (to taste)
- sage (to taste)
- salt (to taste)
- pepper (to taste)
Tools
- Air Fryer
- Bowl
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- 8 Skewers
Steps
First, clean the pumpkin by removing the skin and seeds. Then cut it into fairly regular cubes. Mine aren’t very precise, but surely you’ll be better than me. Transfer the pumpkin cubes into a bowl and add the aromatic herbs, salt, and pepper. Then mix with your hands or a spoon so that all the aromas are evenly distributed over the pumpkin.
Lay a slice of speck on the cutting board and fold it in half lengthwise. Place a pumpkin cube and roll to wrap it in the speck slice. Continue this way until all ingredients are used up.
Then put 3 pumpkin and speck bites on each skewer to form skewers. Then put the skewers in the fryer basket and distribute a little oil. I didn’t specify the quantity in the ingredients because it’s really minimal. It’s not necessary to overdo it since the speck’s fat itself will help the cooking.
Cook the pumpkin and speck bites in the air fryer at 365°F for 8 minutes, or until the pumpkin is tender. Obviously, cooking times are relative because they depend on the type of air fryer you have.
Variations and Tips for Pumpkin and Speck Skewers
Pumpkin and speck skewers in the air fryer are best enjoyed immediately after cooking. Alternatively, you can store them in the refrigerator for a maximum of one or two days in a container with a lid. When needed, reheat them for a couple of minutes in the fryer.
For this recipe, I suggest using a pumpkin with firm and dry flesh.
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FAQ Questions and Answers for Pumpkin and Speck Skewers
Can I cook the skewers in the oven?
Yes, you can also cook the skewers in the oven. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 356°F with the fan on for 25 minutes, or until the pumpkin is tender.
What can I substitute rosemary and sage with?
You can replace the aromatic herbs with others of your liking: marjoram, oregano, or thyme.
