# Pumpkin cooking times

How long to cook pumpkin: **30–40 min in the oven at 200°C (180°C fan), 15–20 min in an air fryer at 200°C, 10–15 min boiled and 12–15 min steamed**. Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.

Source: https://feastflow.co.uk/pumpkin-cooking-times (FeastFlow free cooking-time guides). Last checked 11 November 2026.

## How long to cook pumpkin

Times are for about 1 kg peeled pumpkin, for 4.

Pumpkin: cooking times by method:

| Method | Time | Heat | How |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Oven](https://feastflow.co.uk/oven-cooking-times) | 30–40 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Toss in oil and turn halfway. |
| [Air fryer](https://feastflow.co.uk/air-fryer-cooking-times) | 15–20 min | 200°C (400°F) | Toss in a tablespoon of oil; shake halfway. |
| [Boil](https://feastflow.co.uk/boiling-times) | 10–15 min | simmering in salted water | Drain well before mashing or blending. |
| [Steam](https://feastflow.co.uk/steaming-times) | 12–15 min | over simmering water | – |
| [Microwave](https://feastflow.co.uk/microwave-cooking-times) | 8–10 min | on full power, covered | With 3 tablespoons of water; stir halfway. |

## Before you start

Use an eating pumpkin rather than a big carving one, which is watery. Peel, seed and cut into 3 cm chunks or wedges.

## How to tell it’s done

A knife slides into the middle easily.

## Questions

### How long to cook pumpkin in the oven?

30–40 min at 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6. Toss in oil and turn halfway.

### How long to cook pumpkin in an air fryer?

15–20 min at 200°C (400°F). Toss in a tablespoon of oil; shake halfway.

### How long to boil pumpkin?

10–15 min simmering in salted water. Drain well before mashing or blending.

### How long to steam pumpkin?

12–15 min over simmering water.

### How long to microwave pumpkin?

8–10 min on full power, covered. With 3 tablespoons of water; stir halfway.

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Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and sizes vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance.

FeastFlow also plans a whole meal backwards from serving time, with every dish timed and oven temperatures that don’t clash: https://feastflow.co.uk/