If baking the fritters, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Add a large cast iron skillet or metal baking dish to the bottom rack of the oven while it preheats. Bring a large pot of water to a boil on the stove. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. If using air fryer, line the air fryer insert or baking pan with parchment paper.

Add pumpkin and maple syrup to a large mixing bowl and whisk to combine.

Add in the flour. Stir with a spatula until you have a thick batter/wet dough. .

Use a ⅓ cup measuring cup to scoop the batter and release onto your parchment lined baking sheet or parchment lined air fryer insert, spacing the fritters 2 inches apart. Gently press each mound into a 2½ to 3-inch wide circle with your hands. If using an air fryer, you may need to do this in smaller batches. Optional step: Lightly brush the surface of the fritters with avocado oil. While they will still crisp up without it, they will be more golden and crispy with the avocado oil.

Oven instructions: Carefully add hot water into the baking dish that is on the bottom rack of the oven. Then add the baking pan with the fritters to the oven rack above and bake the fritters for about 20 minutes until they are puffed and cooked through. Then switch the oven to broil and cook for 1–2 minutes, until the fritters are crisp and golden on the outside.

Ari fryer instructions: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook the fritters for about 10-11 minutes or until golden on the surface and done.

Allow the fritters to cool slightly before serving. Fritters are best enjoyed soon after they are done cooking and while still a little warm. The fritters are very lightly sweet on their own. If desired, you can dust the fritters with powdered sweetener or add a glaze. I share the maple glaze I used on the fritters in the photos in the notes section. Store uneaten fritters in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.