Save Golden, crispy pumpkin nuggets seasoned with warm spices make the ultimate festive snack or an irresistible party appetizer for the holiday season.
I first made these pumpkin nuggets for a winter gathering and they disappeared in minutes. The simple prep and crowd-pleasing crunch made them an instant favorite!
Ingredients
- Pumpkin: 2 cups (about 300 g), peeled and grated
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Bread crumbs: 1/2 cup (60 g), plus extra for coating
- Parmesan cheese: 1/3 cup (40 g), grated
- Egg: 1 large, lightly beaten
- Ground cumin: 1/2 tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
- Ground nutmeg: 1/4 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Panko breadcrumbs: 1 cup (120 g)
- Vegetable oil: For shallow frying
Instructions
- Prep Pumpkin:
- Place grated pumpkin in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture.
- Combine Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine pumpkin, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, cumin, smoked paprika, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and mixture holds together.
- Shape Nuggets:
- Shape mixture into small nuggets (about 1 tablespoon each).
- Coat:
- Roll each nugget in panko breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
- Fry:
- Heat 1/2 inch oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry nuggets in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crisp (about 3–4 minutes per side).
- Drain and Serve:
- Drain nuggets on paper towels and serve warm.
Save My family loves helping shape the nuggets together, making it a fun and interactive kitchen moment before guests arrive.
Required Tools
Large bowl, grater, kitchen towel, skillet, slotted spoon, paper towels
Allergen Information
Contains egg, milk (Parmesan), wheat/gluten (breadcrumbs, panko). Substitute dairy-free cheese and gluten-free breadcrumbs as needed. Always check ingredient labels.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 170; Total fat: 7 g; Carbohydrates: 21 g; Protein: 6 g (per serving, based on 6 servings)
Save Enjoy these golden pumpkin nuggets straight from the skillet or bake them for a lighter spin. They’ll be the highlight of any gathering.
Recipe FAQs
- → How can nuggets be made gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and panko to ensure the nuggets are suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
- → Can these nuggets be baked instead of fried?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway for crispness without extra oil.
- → What dips pair well with pumpkin nuggets?
Yogurt dip or spicy ketchup are delicious choices to complement their savory flavor and crispy texture.
- → Can the nuggets be prepared ahead?
Shape and coat nuggets, then refrigerate before frying or baking to save time during the event.
- → How do I avoid soggy nuggets?
Squeeze excess moisture from grated pumpkin and drain fried nuggets on paper towels before serving.
- → What can be added for extra flavor?
Include chili flakes, chopped fresh herbs, or adjust spices for your desired taste profile.