Air Fryer Candied Pumpkin (Dona Maria Style)

A traditional Brazilian dessert — sweet candied pumpkin caramelized to perfection in the air fryer. Tender, sweet, with a beautiful golden caramel coating. Grandma-approved.

• 2 lbs pumpkin or butternut squash peeled and cubed
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 whole cloves
• Pinch of salt

1. Cut pumpkin into 2-inch cubes.
2. Make syrup: dissolve sugar in water over medium heat.
3. Add cinnamon sticks and cloves to syrup.
4. Toss pumpkin cubes in the syrup.
5. Transfer to oven-safe dish that fits your air fryer.
6. Cook at 340°F for 15 minutes.
7. Stir gently, spoon syrup over pumpkin.
8. Cook 5 more minutes until caramelized and tender.
9. Let cool slightly — serve warm or cold.