Air Fryer Recipe
Crispy Pumpkin and Ricotta Fritters
Pumpkin fritters are a treat when their exterior is crisp and craggy, contrasting with a soft, creamy centre. The air fryer is ideal for this dish, as its rapid convection crisps the breadcrumb coating quickly, preventing the cheese-rich filling from spreading or leaking.
Ingredients
- 450g peeled pumpkin or squash, cut into 2cm cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil, plus 1–2 tsp extra for the basket or spray oil
- ½ tsp fine sea salt, divided
- 250g ricotta, drained well
- 1 medium egg, beaten
- 45g plain flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 35g finely grated Parmesan or vegetarian hard cheese
- 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
- 1 tbsp finely chopped sage or parsley
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 70g panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds or pumpkin seeds, finely chopped, optional
Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 190°C for 3 minutes.
- Toss the pumpkin cubes with 1 tbsp olive oil and ¼ tsp salt, then air fry for 14–18 minutes, shaking halfway, until soft at the centre and browned at the edges.
- Tip the hot pumpkin onto a plate and leave it for 8–10 minutes, uncovered, until steam has stopped rising. Mash roughly with a fork, keeping a few small pieces.
- While the pumpkin cools, drain the ricotta. If wet, spoon it into a sieve lined with kitchen paper and leave for 10 minutes, then blot the top.
- In a bowl, mix the mashed pumpkin, drained ricotta, beaten egg, flour, baking powder, Parmesan, garlic, herbs, nutmeg, black pepper, and remaining ¼ tsp salt. Stir until combined.
- Mix the panko with the sesame seeds or chopped pumpkin seeds, if using, on a shallow plate.
- Lightly oil your hands, then divide the mixture into 10–12 portions, about 50–55g each. Shape each into a squat patty about 2cm thick and press gently into the crumbs on all sides.
- Chill the coated fritters for 15 minutes if the mixture feels very soft.
- Lay a perforated parchment liner in the basket, if using, and mist or brush it lightly with oil. Arrange the fritters in a single layer with at least 1cm between them. Spray or dab the tops with a little oil.
- Air fry at 190°C for 8 minutes, then turn carefully with a fish slice. Cook for another 5–7 minutes until deeply golden, crisp at the edges and hot through.
- Rest the fritters on a wire rack for 3 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 250
