These Air Fryer Kabocha Squash Fries are sweet and salty with a crunchy coating that’s so easy to make! They make a great low carb alternative for potato fries that requires no oil frying!
I’m always looking for alternatives with a crunch but you can only have so many Parmesan cheese crisps before your taste buds say no more.
These kabocha fries satisfy not only the crunch cravings with its crispy pork rinds outer coating but also the cravings for traditional french fries. Not to mention, kabocha is a great food to add to your diet because it is healthy and packs more nutrients than a typical potato.
What are Air Fryer Kabocha Pumpkin Fries?
Sliced kabocha coated with crushed pork rinds, then air fried until tender and golden brown. These pumpkin french fries are low carb, gluten free, sugar-free, and keto friendly.
What is kabocha?
Kabocha is a Japanese squash also known as a Japanese pumpkin. They’re usually deep green with orange flesh and firm like that of traditional pumpkins.
What does kabocha taste like?
Kabocha tastes like a mixture of pumpkin and sweet potato and has an exceptional sweet nutty flavor.
What are the health benefits of Kabocha?
Kabocha is packed with fiber, iron, and vitamin C and B. Its vivid orange flesh is due to its excellent source of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that is great for skin, eye health, and a strong immune system.
Studies suggest that four servings a day of fruits or vegetables rich in beta-carotene can lower the risk of developing cancer and heart disease.
How do you soften kabocha squash before cutting?
Microwave whole kabocha for 1-2 minutes to make cutting easier.
What ingredients do I need to make air fryer pumpkin fries?
- Kabocha – Japanese pumpkin available in most Asian or Japanese supermarkets.
- Salt – table salt or sea salt.
- Egg – beaten and used as a binder for pork rinds.
- Unflavored Pork Rinds – make your own crushed pork rinds or purchase pre-ground such as Pork Panko.
How do I air fry kabocha squash?
Place kabocha squash on a cutting board and use a knife to slice it in half. Using a spoon, scoop out seeds then cut into slices. Dip kabocha slices into egg then dredge in pork rinds. Place single layer in the air fryer basket and air fry at 360 F for 13 minutes.
What is the nutrition information for this kabocha squash french fries recipe?
- 301 Calories
- 6g Carbohydrates
- 2g Fiber
- 30g Protein
- 15g Fat
- 122mg Cholesterol
- 1108mg Sodium
- 424mg Potassium
- 57mg Calcium
- 1mg Iron
- 1657ui Vitamin A
- 14mg Vitamin C
Looking for other kabocha recipes?
- Baked Maple Glazed Kabocha
- Sweet n Salty Fried Kabocha
- Mashed Kabocha Salad
- Simmered Sweet Pumpkin – Japanese Kabocha
Now, let’s get making this Air Fryer Kabocha Pumpkin Fries recipe!
- Prepping Time 5M
- Cooking Time 12M
- Total Time 17M
- Net Carb/Serv ~4g
- Servings 2
Ingredients
- 1/4 Whole Kabocha
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1 Egg
- 3 oz Unflavored Pork Rinds (1/3 Cup if using Pork Panko or regular panko)
Directions
1) Gather all the ingredients.
2) Cut 1/4 of the kabocha into thin slices about 1/2″ thick. See pictures below on how we de-seed and cut the kabocha for this dish. Note – if you’re having a difficult time cutting into the kabocha, throw the whole kabocha in the microwave for about 1 – 1.5 minutes.
3) Lightly sprinkle some salt onto both sides of sliced kabocha and set aside.
4) Pour Unflavored Pork Rinds into a food processor and pulse until ground very fine. You can also use your hands to crush the pork rinds if you don’t have a food processor, but we strongly recommend using a food processor. Note – Skip this step if you are using Pork Panko or regular panko.
5) Fill a mixing bowl with with beaten eggs and another mixing bowl with crushed Unflavored Pork Rinds.
6) Take a slice of kabocha, dip into the beaten eggs, then crushed Unflavored Pork Rinds and into the air fryer tray.
7) Air Fry for 12 minutes at 360F. Once fried, transfer to a serving plate and enjoy warm!
Hope you enjoy your Air Fryer Kabocha Pumpkin Fries!
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Air Fryer Kabocha Pumpkin Fries
Ingredients
- 1/4 Whole Kabocha
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1 Egg
- 3 oz Unflavored Pork Rinds 1/3 Cup if using Pork Panko or regular panko
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Cut 1/4 of the kabocha into thin slices about 1/2" thick. See pictures below on how we de-seed and cut the kabocha for this dish. Note - if you're having a difficult time cutting into the kabocha, throw the whole kabocha in the microwave for about 1 - 1.5 minutes.
- Lightly sprinkle some salt onto both sides of sliced kabocha and set aside.
- Pour Unflavored Pork Rinds into a food processor and pulse until ground very fine. You can also use your hands to crush the pork rinds if you don’t have a food processor, but we strongly recommend using a food processor. Note – Skip this step if you are using Pork Panko or regular panko.
- Fill a mixing bowl with with beaten eggs and another mixing bowl with crushed Unflavored Pork Rinds.
- Take a slice of kabocha, dip into the beaten eggs, then crushed Unflavored Pork Rinds and into the air fryer tray.
- Air Fry for 12 minutes at 360F. Once fried, transfer to a serving plate and enjoy warm!
Video
Nutrition
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