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

Yes, you can put parsnips in an air fryer! This cooking method will transform the root vegetable into a slightly sweet, roasted treat with a soft inside and a lightly crisped outside. Parsnips are a healthy alternative to french fries and can be served as a side dish or even as a main course.

How to prepare parsnips for the air fryer

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

Step 1: Wash and Peel the Parsnips

Rinse the parsnips under cold water to remove any dirt and impurities. Then, use a vegetable peeler to peel them.

Step 2: Cut the Parsnips into Sticks or Coins

Cut the top and ends off the parsnips. You can cut the parsnips into sticks, similar to French fries, or slice them into coins. Try to cut the parsnips into even sizes to ensure they cook uniformly.

Step 3: Season the Parsnips

Place the parsnips in a mixing bowl. Add your desired seasonings and toss to coat the parsnips evenly. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as olive oil, honey, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or cinnamon.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Different recipes suggest temperatures ranging from 180°C to 390°F (200°C). Check your specific air fryer's instructions for the best results.

Step 5: Arrange the Parsnips in the Air Fryer Basket

Place the seasoned parsnips in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overlapping the parsnips too much to ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Cook the Parsnips

Cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer and the size of your parsnip pieces. For thinner pieces, 10-12 minutes at 390°F (200°C) should be sufficient. For thicker pieces, you may need up to 15-18 minutes at a lower temperature of 200°C. Remember to shake or toss the parsnips halfway through the cooking process.

Step 7: Taste Test and Adjust

Once the parsnips have reached the desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before tasting. If they need more time, return them to the air fryer and adjust the temperature or cooking time as needed.

Seasoning options

There are many ways to season parsnips before putting them in an air fryer. Here are some seasoning options:

Salt and Pepper

A basic seasoning of salt and pepper is a good starting point. You can also add a pinch of salt and pepper after air frying for extra flavour.

Olive Oil

Coating the parsnips in olive oil before roasting or air frying is a great way to ensure they cook evenly.

Honey

Adding a drizzle of honey to the parsnips before cooking will give them a lovely light sweetness.

Garlic Powder and Onion Powder

For extra flavour, you can add garlic or onion powder to the parsnips. Be careful not to add too much, though – about 1/4 teaspoon should be enough.

Spices

Due to their sweetness, spices work well with parsnips. Ginger, nutmeg, and spice blends like ras el hanout, za'atar, and baharat would all be great additions.

Maple Syrup or Brown Sugar

Coating the parsnips in maple syrup or brown sugar will add a touch of sweetness. However, be careful not to add too much, as sugary ingredients can burn easily when cooked at high temperatures.

Herbs

Herbs such as parsley, sage, and thyme complement the flavour of parsnips well. You can use fresh or dried herbs, but be aware that dried herbs have a stronger flavour, so you'll need to use less.

Cinnamon and Orange

For a festive twist, try adding ground cinnamon, orange zest, and orange juice to the parsnips before air frying.

Chili Crunch

If you're looking for something with a bit of spice, try serving your air-fried parsnips with chili crunch. This is a delicious spicy chili oil made from dried chili, garlic, and onion marinating in olive oil.

Sauces

Air-fried parsnips go well with a variety of sauces, including chili crunch, pesto, tahini sauce, aioli, and chili crunch mayo.

Air fryer temperature and cooking time

Most recipes recommend a temperature of around 400°F/200°C, but this can vary between 390°F/200°C and 400°F/204°C. The cooking time will depend on the temperature and the size of the parsnips, but most recipes suggest cooking for 10-15 minutes, with some suggesting up to 18 minutes.

It's important to note that air fryers vary in size and power, so it's a good idea to check the progress of your parsnips a few times during cooking to ensure they don't burn. You may need to adjust the temperature or cooking time accordingly.

To get the best results, it's recommended to cut the parsnips into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. It's also suggested that you place the parsnips in a single layer in the air fryer basket to prevent them from steaming and becoming soggy.

Dipping sauces

Air-fried parsnips are a delicious, healthy snack and a great alternative to traditional French fries. They are sweet and starchy, with a mild earthy and peppery taste, and can be served with a variety of dips and sauces. Here are some ideas for dipping sauces to serve with your air-fried parsnips:

• Tahini sauce: A creamy, rich sauce made from tahini, a paste made from ground sesame seeds. It is a popular choice for dipping and can be served as a simple sauce or with added lemon juice, garlic, or other spices.
• Pesto: A vibrant, herb-based sauce that can be made with various ingredients such as basil, parsley, or walnut, blended with olive oil, garlic, and nuts or cheese.
• Aioli: A garlicky mayonnaise-based sauce that can be flavoured with additional spices or herbs.
• Chili crunch: A spicy chili oil made by marinating dried chili, garlic, and onion in olive oil.
• Bravas sauce: A rich sauce that pairs well with the sweetness of parsnips.
• Lemon dip: A bright, citrusy dip that can add a tangy twist to your parsnips.
• Peanut sauce: A savoury, nutty sauce that can add depth of flavour to your parsnip fries.
• Honey: For a simple, sweet dip, a drizzle of honey can add a lovely light sweetness to your parsnips.
• Ketchup: A classic dip for fries, ketchup can also pair well with the sweetness of parsnips.
• Ranch: A creamy, savoury dressing that can be a great pairing with parsnips.

You can also get creative and experiment with your own combinations of spices, herbs, and sweeteners to create unique dipping sauces for your air-fried parsnips.

Storing and reheating leftover parsnips

Storing leftover parsnips:

To store leftover parsnips, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Make sure the parsnips are completely cooled before storing them to prevent them from getting soggy.

Reheating leftover parsnips:

You can reheat parsnips in an air fryer, in the oven, or on a stovetop. Reheating in an air fryer is the best way to restore the crispy texture of the parsnips. It takes about 5-6 minutes to reheat them. You can also use an oven on low heat, such as 325°F, or a stovetop to reheat the parsnips, but avoid using the microwave as they will become soft and mushy.

Frequently asked questions