Golden, crispy pumpkin fries in tempura batter—delicious appetizer or snack, perfect with your favorite sauce.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pumpkin
01 - 1 pound pumpkin (kabocha or butternut), peeled, seeded, and sliced into fry-shaped pieces
→ Tempura Batter
02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1/4 cup cornstarch
04 - 1 large egg
05 - 3/4 cup ice-cold sparkling water
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ For Frying
07 - Vegetable oil, sufficient for deep frying
→ To Serve
08 - Sea salt, as needed
09 - Dipping sauce of choice (such as aioli, sweet chili sauce, or soy-based sauce), optional
# Steps to Follow:
01 - Pour vegetable oil into a deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot and heat to 350°F (180°C).
02 - Add the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt to a mixing bowl and whisk to combine.
03 - In a separate bowl, gently beat the egg and blend in ice-cold sparkling water.
04 - Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients and stir briefly to form a lumpy batter; do not overmix.
05 - Pat the pumpkin fries dry thoroughly with paper towels to prevent excess moisture.
06 - Coat the pumpkin pieces in the tempura batter, ensuring excess drips off.
07 - Working in batches, fry the battered pumpkin for 3 to 4 minutes, turning as needed, until golden and crisp.
08 - Remove the fries with a slotted spoon and transfer to paper towels to drain; immediately sprinkle with sea salt.
09 - Serve hot with your preferred dipping sauce for optimal texture.
