Savory baked or air fry pumpkin fritters are a simple, wholesome dish, perfect for autumn. They are prepared in a few minutes with common ingredients like fresh pumpkin, egg, flour, and cheese, resulting in a recipe that is crispy on the outside and soft inside, light yet full of flavor.
They are ideal as an appetizer, side dish, or vegetarian main course, to enjoy freshly cooked or even warm. Raw grated pumpkin gives a soft and fragrant texture, while baking or air frying makes them golden without frying, perfect for those looking for a tasty yet light dish.
You can accompany them with yogurt sauce, creamy cheeses, or simply with a pinch of salt and fresh parsley. In the air fryer, they are ready in less than fifteen minutes, while in the oven, they take about twenty minutes: two different methods but both perfect for bringing delicious and golden pumpkin fritters to the table.
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 6 fritters
- Cooking methods: Oven, Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Autumn, Winter
Ingredients for Savory Baked or Air Fry Pumpkin Fritters:
- 9 pumpkin (weight without skin)
- 1 medium egg (at room temperature)
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- to taste chopped parsley
- to taste fine salt
- to taste black pepper
Tools for Savory Baked or Air Fry Pumpkin Fritters:
- 2 Bowls glass
- 1 Mandoline
- 1 Air fryer cecotec
- 1 Non-stick baking sheet
Steps for Preparing and Cooking Savory Baked or Air Fry Pumpkin Fritters:
To prepare the savory baked or air fry pumpkin fritters, start by grating the raw pumpkin with a coarse grater or mandoline. This will give a more rustic texture, and the fritters will stay soft inside but well compact. Squeeze the pumpkin well between your hands or in a clean cloth to remove excess water: this step is crucial to prevent the batter from being too wet.
Gather the pumpkin in a large bowl and add the egg, flour, grated cheese, one tablespoon of oil, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. If you like, you can also add a pinch of sweet paprika or nutmeg for an aromatic touch. Mix well with a spoon until you get a soft but compact mixture. If it seems too runny, add a bit more flour until the batter can hold its shape.
If using the air fryer, form the fritters with two spoons and place them on a rack lined with perforated parchment paper, spraying them with some oil spray. Cook at 365 °F for about 15 minutes, they should be golden on the outside.
If using the oven, place the fritters in a non-stick baking sheet and bake in a ventilated oven at 375°F for 20/25 minutes. If you prefer a more golden surface, switch to grill mode for the last few minutes of cooking.
Once ready, serve them hot or warm: the fritters will be golden and crispy outside, soft and fragrant inside, perfect to enjoy on their own or as a side dish.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
Can I use already cooked pumpkin?
Better not: cooked pumpkin releases too much water and makes the fritters mushy. Use raw grated pumpkin and squeeze it well.
Can I cook them directly on the air fryer rack?
Yes, but since the batter is soft, we recommend using perforated parchment paper to prevent it from dripping.
Can they be frozen?
Yes! After cooking, let them cool completely, then freeze them in a food bag. To serve, heat them directly in the air fryer for 5-6 minutes at 356 °F.
Can I make them without eggs?
Yes, you can replace it with 1 tablespoon of chickpea flour mixed with 2 tablespoons of water: they will still hold their shape well.
