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

Air fryer parsnips are a delicious, healthy alternative to french fries and can be prepared in under 20 minutes. Parsnips are root vegetables that look like white carrots and have a slightly sweet and nutty flavour. When cooked in an air fryer, parsnips become crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They can be served as a side dish or even as a main course, and are a great way to introduce someone to the unique flavour and texture of parsnips.

How long does it take to cook parsnips in an air fryer?

Air fryer parsnips are a delicious and healthy alternative to french fries or an easy side dish. They are cooked in the air fryer and come out perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with minimal oil.

The length of time it takes to cook parsnips in an air fryer depends on how hot your air fryer gets and how big the pieces are. It is recommended to check at the 8-10 minute mark and adjust the cooking time for doneness.

• Preheat your air fryer to 390-400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Wash, peel, and slice your parsnips into coins about as thick as your pinky finger or cut them into french fry shapes.
• Add the parsnips to a bowl and toss with extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or honey for extra sweetness.
• Place the parsnips in the air fryer basket in a single layer to prevent them from steaming and becoming soggy.
• Air fry the parsnips for 8-15 minutes, tossing or flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and tender.

By following these steps, you can enjoy delicious and crispy parsnips cooked in your air fryer in under 20 minutes!

How to season parsnips for air frying

To season parsnips for air frying, start by washing the parsnips under cold water to remove any dirt and impurities. Next, peel the parsnips with a vegetable peeler and cut them into your desired shape—either coins, sticks, or strips.

Once your parsnips are prepared, it's time to season them. You can try one of the following seasoning options:

Option 1: Olive Oil, Salt, and Pepper

Add the parsnips to a bowl and drizzle them with extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the parsnips, then toss everything together to coat the parsnips evenly.

Option 2: Olive Oil, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, and Paprika

Place the sliced parsnips in a mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika over the parsnips, then toss everything together to ensure an even coating.

Option 3: Oil, Honey, Salt, and Pepper

In a bowl, toss the parsnips with oil, honey, salt, and pepper. This combination will give your parsnips a sweet and savoury flavour.

After seasoning your parsnips, they are ready to be placed in the air fryer and cooked according to your preferred recipe instructions.

How to prepare parsnips for air frying

Preparing parsnips for air frying is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Choosing the Right Parsnips

Select medium-sized parsnips that are firm, with smooth skin and no soft spots or discolouration. If the parsnips still have their tops, ensure they are fresh and vibrant green.

Step 2: Washing and Peeling

Wash the parsnips under cold water to remove any dirt. You can choose to peel the parsnips or leave the skin on, depending on your preference. Peeling the parsnips will result in a smoother texture.

Step 3: Cutting the Parsnips

Cut off the tops and ends of the parsnips. Then, cut them into the desired shape. You can cut them into sticks, similar to French fries, or slice them into coins about as thick as your pinky finger. Try to ensure that the parsnip pieces are of similar size to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Seasoning (Optional)

Place the cut parsnips in a mixing bowl. You can choose to season them with various ingredients to enhance their flavour. A simple option is to drizzle olive oil over the parsnips and sprinkle them with salt and pepper. You can also get creative and experiment with other seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or rosemary. If you want to make honey-roasted parsnips, drizzle a small amount of honey over the parsnips. You can also add a sprinkle of thyme leaves for extra flavour.

Step 5: Air Frying

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 390-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the seasoned parsnips in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not piled up to prevent steaming. Cook for 10-15 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness, tossing or shaking the basket occasionally to ensure even cooking.

How to store leftover air-fried parsnips

Air-fried parsnips are a delicious and healthy alternative to french fries or an easy side dish. If you have any leftover, here are some ways to store them:

Storing in the Fridge

Store leftover air-fried parsnips in an airtight container in the fridge. They should last for about a week, although some sources suggest they should be eaten within 3-4 days.

Reheating

To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them up. You can also use a microwave, oven, or sauté pan.

Freezing

Although one source suggests freezing is not recommended, another advises that you can freeze cooked and cooled parsnips in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to three months.

What to serve with air-fried parsnips

Air-fried parsnips are a delicious and healthy alternative to french fries or an easy side dish. They are naturally sweet like carrots and have a slightly nutty flavour. Here are some ideas on what to serve with them:

Dips

You can serve air-fried parsnips with your favourite dips, such as Cane's Sauce, Alabama White Sauce, or Thousand Island dressing. Ketchup or ranch are also good options. Having a dip can be a great way to get kids to try veggies they may not otherwise want to eat.

Seasoning

You can season your parsnips with salt and pepper to enhance their natural sweetness and spiciness. You can also experiment with other seasonings like Greek, Cajun, Italian, Middle Eastern, or Old Bay Seasoning.

As a Side Dish

Air-fried parsnips can be served as a side dish along with a Hearty Portobello Mushroom Steak or Vegan Cabbage Rolls. They can also be served as an alternative to fries or as a side for a traditional roast meal like roast beef, roast pork, or roast lamb.

In a Soup

You can chop up any leftover air-fried parsnips and throw them into a pot of Easy Healthy Cabbage Soup.

In a Cake

If you have leftover parsnips, you can try them in a Parsnip Loaf Cake.

Frequently asked questions