Golden crumbed pumpkin bites stacked on a board with melted mozzarella oozing from the centre, served with a small bowl of spicy mayo.
WRITTEN BY
SERVES:
2 People
Prep Time:
20 MINUTES
Cook Time:
45 MINUTES

Meet your new favourite snack: crispy crumbed pumpkin bites with a molten cheese middle that pulls into proper stretchy strands. Roasted pumpkin gets mashed with parmesan and herbs, wrapped around a mozzarella cube, then crumbed and air-fried until golden. Part croquette, part cheese pull party trick — equally good as a side, a starter, or something to hand around with drinks. Spicy mayo on the side is non-negotiable.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 500g pumpkin
  • 70g breadcrumbs
  • 20g parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 Tbsp dried parsley
  • Salt and pepper
  • Olive oil, for drizzling
  • 8 mozzarella cubes (or any cheese cut into cubes)
  • 1½ cups breadcrumbs, for coating

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Cut the pumpkin into medium-sized cubes, spread across a baking tray, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until soft.
  3. Mash the pumpkin while still hot, then stir through the 70g breadcrumbs, parmesan, parsley, and a little extra salt and pepper.
  4. Divide the mixture into 8 portions. Flatten each one in your hand, place a mozzarella cube in the centre, then roll into a ball, making sure the cheese is fully enclosed.
  5. Tip the remaining 1½ cups breadcrumbs into a bowl and toss each ball through until evenly coated.
  6. Line the air fryer with baking paper and cook at 200°C for 12–13 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
  7. Serve hot with spicy mayo.
wonkybox

Cheesy Pumpkin Bites (Air Fryer)

Crispy crumbed pumpkin bites with a molten mozzarella middle and a hit of parmesan — air-fried golden, served with spicy mayo.
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