Pumpkin is without a doubt one of the most versatile crops you can harvest from your garden. Not only does it store well and lend itself beautifully to canning and preserving, but it also shines in all sorts of homemade dishes — and pumpkin fries are a delicious example of that versatility.
These “fries” may not be as crunchy as classic potato fries, but they’re just as tasty. And with the right pumpkin variety and cooking time, you can get surprisingly close to that crisp exterior.
When pumpkin is fried, it develops a warm, sweet, nutty flavor that fits perfectly with fall and winter recipes. If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional fries, these pumpkin fries are absolutely worth trying — especially alongside hearty stews or roasted meats.
Which Pumpkin Should You Use?
Not all pumpkins are ideal for making fries. Choose a variety with firm, dense flesh, such as Hokkaido pumpkin (Red Kuri squash). This type has a naturally sweet flavor and a sturdy texture that holds up well during frying. Thanks to its dense flesh, it keeps its shape and won’t fall apart easily.
Avoid watery pumpkin varieties. They tend to turn mushy, soak up too much oil, and simply don’t give you that satisfying fry-like texture.
How to Make Pumpkin Fries
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Prepare the Pumpkin
Peel the pumpkin, remove the seeds, and cut the flesh into fries about ½ inch thick and 2 to 2.5 inches long (≈ 1 cm x 5–6 cm).
Freezing (Optional but Recommended)
You can cook the fries fresh, but they get slightly crispier and more flavorful if you freeze them first. Spread the raw fries on a baking sheet lined with a silicone mat so they don’t stick together. Freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container.
Frying
For the best texture, fry the pumpkin fries straight from the freezer. Heat your oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry for about 5 minutes.
If you don’t have a deep fryer, you can use a heavy pot with an inch or two of oil — just make sure the fries are fully submerged so they cook evenly.
You can also make air fryer pumpkin fries or oven-baked pumpkin fries for a healthier option.
Texture
Pumpkin fries won’t become as crispy as potato fries — they have a softer interior — but frying brings out their natural sweetness. Freezing them beforehand helps them crisp up a little more on the outside.
Serving Suggestions
Pumpkin fries are wonderfully versatile. Here are some delicious ways to serve them:
Dips
Serve with a garlic dip, yogurt dip, ranch dressing, or a simple aioli. Great as a fall appetizer.
Seasoning
Season right after frying. Try:
- Salt, pepper, paprika
- Garlic powder
- Cinnamon and a touch of sugar for a sweet twist
As a Side Dish
Pumpkin fries pair beautifully with:
- Grilled meats or chicken
- Roasted vegetables
- Game dishes
- Fall salads (like Belgian endive salad)
Variations
Herbed Pumpkin Fries
Add dried rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder for a fragrant, savory finish.
Parmesan Pumpkin Fries
Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the hot fries. The salty, umami flavor complements the pumpkin’s sweetness perfectly.
Storing Pumpkin Fries
If you happen to have leftovers (unlikely!), store them in the fridge for up to 2–3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore some crispiness.
When processing your pumpkin harvest, you can also cut large batches of fries at once and freeze them in portions. This makes weeknight meal prep much faster.
Pumpkin Fries: A Fall Favorite
Pumpkin fries are a wonderful way to enjoy pumpkin in a completely different way. Whether you serve them as a snack or a cozy side dish, they add warmth, sweetness, and comforting fall flavors to any meal. Give them a try and enjoy the rich, nutty taste that makes these fries so unique!
More Pumpkin Recipes
Love cooking with pumpkin and looking for more ideas? These recipes celebrate pumpkin in both savory and aromatic ways:
- Pumpkin Risotto — A creamy Italian comfort dish, perfect for chilly fall evenings.
- Sweet and Sour Pumpkin with Mustard Seeds — Fragrant, sweet pumpkin cubes that pair beautifully with winter dishes and roasted meats.
- Pumpkin Soup with Curry and Orange — A wonderful starter for a festive lunch or dinner.
- Pumpkin Tagine with Chicken and Vegetables — A Moroccan-inspired dish with warm spices and tender chicken.
These cozy recipes show how versatile pumpkin can be — from everyday dinners to festive meals.
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