Air-Fryer Parsnips: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Parsnips are a healthy snack that can be cooked in an air fryer in under 10 minutes. The preparation is quick and simple, and the parsnips come out tender and flavourful. They can be cooked in a variety of ways, including boiling, roasting, and frying, but air frying results in an even cook, with a soft and tender inside and a crunchy outside. They are a great addition to roast dinners and can be served with a variety of meats, including chicken, lamb, beef, and pork.

How to cut parsnips for the air fryer

To cut parsnips for the air fryer, start by washing the parsnips under cold water to remove any dirt and impurities. Next, use a vegetable peeler to peel the parsnips. You can then cut the parsnips into your desired shape. Some people prefer to cut them into sticks, similar to French fries, while others cut them into coins about as thick as a pinky finger. If you are cutting the parsnips into sticks, try to make them roughly the same size so that they cook evenly. If you are cutting them into coins, make sure they are not too thin to prevent them from burning.

Seasoning and coatings

If you want to add a touch of sweetness to your parsnips, consider coating them in honey before cooking. This will give them a lovely, light sweetness. You can also try using a couple of tablespoons of honey and a teaspoon of rosemary to coat the parsnips for a slightly different flavour.

For those who enjoy a more complex flavour profile, spices work exceptionally well with parsnips due to their natural sweetness. Ginger, nutmeg, sage, cinnamon, and spice blends like ras el hanout, za'atar, and baharat are all excellent additions. You can also try adding dried herbs at the beginning of cooking or fresh herbs halfway through.

If you're looking for a more savoury option, coat your parsnips in garlic, onion, and paprika. This combination will add a depth of flavour to your parsnips and make them a delicious side dish or snack.

Additionally, you can try parboiling your parsnips before air frying, which will reduce the cooking time in the air fryer. However, some people believe that parboiling is unnecessary and does not significantly improve the final dish.

Finally, don't forget to experiment with different sauces and dips to accompany your air-fried parsnips. Popular options include chili crunch, pesto, tahini sauce, aioli, and ketchup.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for parsnips in an air fryer depend on the size and quantity of the parsnips, as well as the size of the air fryer. It is recommended to cut the parsnips into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.

For one pound of parsnips in a 5-quart air fryer, it is suggested to cook them at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-18 minutes, stirring once halfway through. If the parsnips are cut into smaller pieces, they may be ready sooner, and if they are larger, they may need a few extra minutes. It is important to keep an eye on the parsnips to avoid overcooking, especially if using a smaller air fryer, as they may cook faster and require cooking in batches.

Some recipes suggest cooking parsnips at 200 degrees Celsius for 12-17 minutes, turning at least once, or at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-18 minutes. It is also possible to cook parsnips at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, and then continuing for an additional 2-3 minutes if needed until they are tender and golden brown.

When reheating fully cooked parsnips, it is recommended to use a lower temperature of around 180 degrees Celsius or 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8 minutes.

Reheating parsnips in an air fryer

To reheat, simply place the parsnips in the air fryer basket in a single layer and set the temperature to 180°C. Reheat for 3 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy again. You can also reheat parsnips in the oven or microwave, but the air fryer will give them that delicious crispy texture.

The exact reheating time will depend on the power of your air fryer and the size of your parsnips. Smaller parsnips will take less time to reheat, and larger ones may take a little longer. It's important to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Check after 3 minutes and add more time if needed, in 1-minute increments, until they are heated through.

If your parsnips are looking a little dry, you can spritz them with a little water or oil before reheating. This will help them crisp up and stay moist. You can also add fresh herbs or a drizzle of honey to add some extra flavour and moisture.

So, if you have any leftover parsnips, don't let them go to waste! Reheat them in your air fryer for a quick and tasty side dish that's sure to impress.

Dips and sauces

While air-fried parsnips are delicious on their own, dips and sauces can enhance their flavour and make for an even more enjoyable eating experience.

One option is to coat the parsnips in honey before air frying them. This will give them a light sweetness and a lovely flavour. You can also try adding a drizzle of honey to the parsnips after they're cooked, perhaps with some rosemary as a dressing.

If you're looking for a dip, a simple option is ketchup. You can also try Thousand Island dressing, ranch, or even a spicy chili oil. To make your own chili oil, marinate dried chili, garlic, and onion in olive oil.

For a more complex sauce, you can make a parsnip dip. This involves baking the parsnips until they're soft, then blending them with hazelnuts, dill, grapeseed oil, chiles, garlic, feta, and lemon juice. This sweet and savoury dip is a riff on a Greek classic and is sure to impress.

If you're feeling adventurous, try making a curry with parsnips, chickpeas, and a creamy coconut sauce. Or, for a heartier option, a parsnip pilaf with mint salsa verde. For a gluten-free option, make a curry with pumpkin, carrots, and parsnips, served with basmati rice and lentils.

There are endless possibilities for dips and sauces to pair with air-fried parsnips. So, get creative and experiment with different flavours to find your favourite combinations.

Frequently asked questions