Turnip Air Fryer Cooking: A Healthy, Quick Treat

Turnips are root vegetables similar to parsnips and swedes, with a creamy white colour and a hint of purple. They are a great low-carb potato substitute and can be cooked in an air fryer. Air-fried turnips are a perfect vegan, gluten-free, and quick-to-prepare side dish for holiday meals. They can be seasoned with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, and tossed in olive oil before being air-fried. The cooking time is typically around 10-15 minutes, and they come out roasted on the outside and creamy on the inside.

Air fryer turnip fries

Ingredients:

• 2 small turnips (or about 2 cups of turnip fries)
• Oil (avocado or extra virgin olive oil)
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika

Instructions:

Start by peeling and removing the ends of the turnips. Cut the turnips into 1/2-inch thick rounds, and then slice each round into 1/4-inch thick slices to create your turnip fries. It is important to ensure that the fries are of equal size so that they cook evenly.

Next, prepare the coating for your turnip fries. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, spices, and seasoning. You can use a simple mix of salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. However, feel free to experiment with additional spices and seasonings, such as onion powder, pepper, or red chili powder, to suit your taste preferences.

Toss the turnip fries in the mixing bowl until they are fully coated with the oil and seasoning mixture. Preheat your air fryer to 380F-400F (some sources recommend 350F or even 375F). Place the coated turnip fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.

Air fry the turnip fries for about 8 minutes, and then flip them over. Continue air frying for another 3-5 minutes, or until the fries are golden brown and tender. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of the turnip fries.

Finally, serve your air fryer turnip fries immediately. They go well with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ketchup, mayonnaise, or even a special Utah Fry Sauce, which is a simple mixture of ketchup and mayonnaise.

Tips:

• Choose small turnips as they have a sweeter and milder flavor compared to larger ones.
• For extra crispness, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of arrowroot to the coating mix, but this will also add carbs.
• You can prepare these turnip fries in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat them in the air fryer or oven before serving.
• If your air fryer basket is smaller, you might need to cook the turnip fries in two batches to ensure even cooking.

Enjoy your healthy and delicious air fryer turnip fries!

How to cut turnips for air frying

Turnips can be a bit of a chore to peel and cut, but the end result is worth it! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to cut turnips for air frying:

• First, you'll want to select the right turnips. Choose small to medium turnips, which will be younger and have a sweeter flavour. They should be heavy for their size and firm, without any nicks or cuts. If the greens are attached, they should be brightly coloured and fresh.
• Wash and dry the turnips.
• Next, peel the turnips. Peeling is not strictly necessary, but it's generally recommended for air frying.
• Cut the turnips into bite-sized pieces. You can cut them into cubes, sticks, or slices, depending on your preference. Just be sure to cut them into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
• Place the cut turnips into a medium or small mixing bowl.
• Add your desired seasonings and oil to the bowl. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or another alternative. For seasonings, you can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like paprika, garlic powder, red chili powder, or cayenne pepper. Toss the turnips in the bowl to coat them evenly.
• Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F for about three minutes. Check your user manual for exact preheating times.
• Place the seasoned turnips in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Air fry at 380-400°F for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
• After 10-15 minutes, the turnips should be fork-tender and slightly golden brown. If you'd like them crispier, continue air frying for a few more minutes.

And that's it! You now have delicious, healthy turnip fries that can be served as a side dish or enjoyed as a snack.

Seasoning and spices for air fryer turnips

Turnips have a natural sweetness that can be brought out by roasting them in an air fryer. This natural sweetness plays well with a variety of flavours and seasonings.

When it comes to seasoning your air fryer turnips, you can use any spices or seasonings you like. You can keep it simple by tossing the turnips in a little oil and seasoning, or you can experiment with different spices to suit your tastes.

Some common spices and seasonings used for air fryer turnips include:

• Avocado or olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Parsley
• Onion powder
• Cumin
• Coriander
• Red chilli powder or cayenne pepper
• Grated parmesan

You can also try more complex seasoning combinations, such as garlic parmesan, or adding bacon and eggs to make a breakfast hash.

Air fryer turnips as a side dish

Air fryer turnips are a great side dish for any occasion. They are easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and just a few simple ingredients. Turnips are a fantastic low-carb alternative to potatoes and can be made into delicious crispy fries in your air fryer.

To make air fryer turnips, start by selecting small to medium-sized turnips, which will have a sweeter, milder flavour than larger turnips. Look for turnips that are heavy for their size and firm, without any nicks or cuts. If the greens are still attached, they should be brightly coloured and fresh, indicating the turnip's freshness.

Peel the turnips and cut them into your desired shape, such as cubes, wedges, or fries. If making turnip fries, cut the turnips into 1/2-inch thick slices, then cut those slices into 1/2-inch wide fries. Place the cut turnips into a bowl and toss with olive oil or avocado oil and your choice of seasonings. For a classic option, use salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like paprika, garlic powder, red chilli powder, or onion powder.

Preheat your air fryer to 380-390°F for about three minutes. Place the turnips in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. For turnip fries, you may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. After the initial cooking time, check the turnips and continue cooking in 2-minute intervals until they are fork-tender and slightly golden brown.

Serve your air fryer turnips hot as a side dish with any of your favourite main courses. They go well with proteins like chicken, beef, lamb, seafood, or pork. You can also serve them with dipping sauces, such as Utah Fry Sauce (a mixture of ketchup and mayo), or Calabrian chilli oil. Air fryer turnips are a versatile and tasty addition to any meal and can be made ahead of time, stored in the fridge for up to four days, and reheated in the air fryer when needed.

Air fryer turnips as a healthy snack

Turnips are root vegetables similar to parsnips and swedes. They are a great low-carb alternative to potatoes and can be cooked in an air fryer. Air-frying the turnips means you'll use less oil than deep-frying, so it's a healthier alternative.

To make air fryer turnips, preheat your air fryer to 380-390°F for about three minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the turnips by washing, drying, and peeling them. Cut the turnips into cubes or wedges and place them in a mixing bowl. Add oil and your choice of seasonings to the bowl and toss to coat the turnips. You can season your turnips with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder. For a more indulgent option, you can also add butter and parmesan cheese to your turnips.

Once your turnips are seasoned, place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry them at 380-390°F for about 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The turnips are done when they are fork-tender and slightly golden brown.

Air fryer turnips make a perfect healthy snack and can be served hot with a dipping sauce or tossed into a salad. They can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days or frozen for up to three months.

Frequently asked questions