Air-Frying Parsnips: A Quick, Easy, And Healthy Treat

Cooking parsnips in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare this healthy root vegetable. Air fryers cook food faster than a standard convection oven, making them a convenient option for busy families. They also use less energy than traditional ovens, as they are smaller and heat up more quickly. Parsnips can be prepared in an air fryer in a variety of ways, including roasting, boiling, or frying, and they can be seasoned with a range of spices and herbs to enhance their natural sweetness. The cooking time for parsnips in an air fryer can vary depending on the size and quantity of the parsnips, but on average, they take around 10-15 minutes to cook at 390 degrees Fahrenheit.

How long to cook parsnips in an air fryer

Air-fried parsnips are a delicious and healthy alternative to french fries or an easy side dish. They are naturally sweet like carrots, with a texture similar to a cross between a carrot and a potato.

To cook parsnips in an air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer to 390–400 °F. Wash, peel, and cut the parsnips into 2–3-inch pieces, around 3/4-inch thick. If the parsnips are large, you may need to cut them into quarters. Place the parsnip pieces in a mixing bowl and toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. You can also add a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.

Next, place the seasoned parsnips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cooking time will depend on the size of your air fryer and the amount of parsnips you are cooking. For a 5-quart air fryer, it is recommended to cook 1 pound of parsnips at a time. Cook the parsnips for 10–18 minutes, shaking the basket or tossing them halfway through to ensure even cooking. The parsnips are done when they are golden brown and tender.

You can also batch cook parsnips in the air fryer by roasting them first, then freezing them. To cook from frozen, air fry for 18 minutes, ensuring the insides are piping hot before serving.

How to prepare parsnips for air frying

Air-fried parsnips are a healthy snack that can be prepared and cooked in under 10 minutes. The cooking time is quick and simple, and the parsnips turn out tender and flavourful. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare parsnips for air frying:

Step 1: Wash and peel the parsnips

Give the parsnips a good wash under running water to remove any dirt. Then, use a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife to remove the outer skin.

Step 2: Cut the parsnips

Cut the parsnips in half lengthwise. If the parsnips are large, you may need to quarter them. If the thin end of the parsnip is very thin, cut this part off separately. You can also cut the parsnips into French fry shapes for a more appetising experience.

Step 3: Remove the core

Hold each quarter upright and use a sharp knife to cut out the stringy core. Be careful to only remove the core and not cut away any of the flesh. Depending on the size of the parsnips, you may need to cut them down further. Aim for pieces about the size and length of an adult thumb.

Step 4: Season the parsnips

Place the parsnips in a mixing bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil, and add seasonings like salt, pepper, ginger, nutmeg, rosemary, or spice blends like za'atar. Toss the parsnips until they are evenly coated.

Step 5: Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit or 180 degrees Celsius. Some air fryers may not require preheating, so check your model's instructions.

Step 6: Arrange the parsnips in the air fryer

Place the seasoned parsnips in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. It is okay if they overlap slightly.

Step 7: Air fry the parsnips

Cook the parsnips for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Check for doneness, and continue cooking for 2-3 more minutes if needed. The parsnips are ready when they are tender, golden brown, and slightly crisped on the outside.

Step 8: Taste and serve

Always taste a parsnip to ensure it is cooked to your desired level. Serve the air-fried parsnips with your favourite condiments, such as ketchup, ranch, or honey. Enjoy!

Seasoning and spices for air-fried parsnips

Air-fried parsnips are a quick, easy, and healthy snack that can be prepared in under 10 minutes. They are a great alternative to traditional French fries and can be seasoned in a variety of ways to suit your taste preferences.

One popular seasoning combination for air-fried parsnips is olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. This combination provides a savoury and slightly spicy flavour. You can also add some rosemary to this mixture for extra aroma and taste. If you want to enhance the sweetness of the parsnips, you can omit the garlic, onion, and paprika and instead coat them with honey. You can also try adding a teaspoon of Italian seasoning instead of paprika for a Mediterranean twist.

For those who enjoy a little heat, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper make for a delicious and spicy seasoning blend. If you're looking for something even spicier, you can add some red pepper flakes or chilli powder to the mix.

If you have a sweet tooth, you can toss the parsnips in brown sugar, cinnamon, and a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet and indulgent treat. This combination is perfect for those who want a dessert-like option.

Additionally, you can experiment with various spice blends such as ras el hanout, za'atar, or baharat. These blends can add complex and unique flavours to your air-fried parsnips. You can also try adding some ginger and nutmeg for a warm and comforting flavour profile.

When it comes to preparation, simply wash, peel, and cut the parsnips to your desired shape. Then, add them to a mixing bowl with your chosen oil and seasonings. Toss until the parsnips are evenly coated, and then place them in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook at 390-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.

Air fryer temperature and settings

The ideal temperature for cooking parsnips in an air fryer is between 390–400 °F (200 °C). The cooking time varies between 8–15 minutes, depending on the size of the parsnips and the desired level of crispness. It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the model and brand of the air fryer, so adjustments may be necessary. For example, if your air fryer tends to run hot, use a lower temperature and check the parsnips a few minutes earlier than the recipe suggests.

When preparing the parsnips for cooking, it is recommended to cut them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. The parsnips can be cut into sticks, similar to French fries, or into coins about as thick as a pinky finger. It is also important to ensure that the parsnips are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket, as this can cause them to steam and become soggy. A single layer of parsnips with some space for airflow is ideal.

To enhance the flavour of the parsnips, consider coating them with a small amount of cooking oil, such as extra virgin olive oil, and seasonings before placing them in the air fryer. Honey can also be added for extra sweetness, and herbs such as thyme or parsley can be used for freshness. It is recommended to add sugary ingredients towards the end of the cooking process to prevent them from burning.

By following these temperature and setting guidelines, you can cook delicious and healthy air fryer parsnips that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Reheating and storing air-fried parsnips

If you have leftovers, you can store your air-fried parsnips in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. When you're ready to eat them, you can reheat them in the air fryer at a lower temperature, around 180°C/350°F, for around 8 minutes.

If you want to batch-prepare some parsnips for quick reheating, it's best to roast them first, then cool them and freeze them. You can then reheat them from frozen in the air fryer for around 5 minutes, or 20 minutes in the oven.

If you're reheating fully cooked parsnips, it's best to do so at a lower temperature to avoid overcooking them. Check your parsnips after 8 minutes and continue cooking if necessary.

Frequently asked questions