Pin Golden, crispy pumpkin nuggets seasoned with warm spices deliver festive crunch for any holiday snacking or party spread.
I first made these pumpkin nuggets for a winter party and they quickly disappeared from the table—everyone asked for the recipe. Their crunchy bite and warm spice blend always remind me of cozy holiday moments.
Ingredients
- Pumpkin: 2 cups (about 300 g), peeled and grated
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Breadcrumbs: 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
- Drain pumpkin:
- Place the grated pumpkin in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture.
- Mix ingredients:
- 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 the mixture into small nuggets (about 1 tablespoon each).
- Coat nuggets:
- Roll each nugget in panko breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
- Fry nuggets:
- Heat 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the nuggets in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crisp (about 3–4 minutes per side).
- Drain and serve:
- Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
Pin 
My family loves helping shape the nuggets together in the kitchen before a holiday movie night. It's a simple tradition that adds tasty joy to our festive celebrations.
Required Tools
Large bowl for mixing, grater for pumpkin, kitchen towel for draining, skillet for frying, slotted spoon and paper towels for draining.
Allergen Information
Contains egg, milk (Parmesan), wheat/gluten (breadcrumbs, panko). For allergies, substitute dairy-free cheese and gluten-free breadcrumbs and always check ingredient labels.
Nutritional Information
Each serving (based on 6) has approximately 170 calories, 7 g total fat, 21 g carbohydrates, and 6 g protein.
Pin Pumpkin nuggets bring festive flavor and crunch to any gathering—serve them warm and watch them disappear!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I bake these nuggets instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway for a crispy result without extra oil.
- → What breading is best for extra crunch?
Panko breadcrumbs provide a light, crisp coating that holds up well during frying and baking.
- → Are there gluten-free options for this snack?
Substitute regular breadcrumbs and panko with certified gluten-free versions for an allergy-friendly batch.
- → How can I boost the flavor?
Add chili flakes or fresh herbs like parsley or chives to the mixture for extra zest and aroma.
- → What dips pair well with pumpkin nuggets?
Serve with yogurt-based dip, spicy ketchup, or creamy herb sauces for a delicious contrast in flavor.
- → How do I prevent soggy nuggets?
Thoroughly squeeze excess moisture from pumpkin before mixing, and drain fried nuggets on paper towels.