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

Air-fried parsnips are a quick, easy, and healthy snack or side dish. They are a great alternative to french fries, with a similar texture but a lower carb count. Parsnips are naturally sweet and starchy, and air frying them gives them a crispy exterior and tender interior. The whole process takes under 20 minutes, and you can add seasonings like salt, pepper, paprika, or honey to enhance their flavour.

Cooking Parsnips in an Air Fryer

How long 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 much faster than oven-roasted parsnips and require less oil. The cooking time depends on how hot your air fryer gets and how big the pieces of parsnip are.

First, preheat your air fryer to 380–400 °F (about 200 °C). Then, wash, peel, and slice the parsnips into 2–3-inch pieces, about as thick as your pinky finger. Try to make the parsnips a similar shape and size for more even cooking. Next, place the parsnips in the air fryer basket in a single layer to prevent them from steaming and becoming soggy. Drizzle them with oil and sprinkle with seasonings. Then, cook for 10–20 minutes, tossing or flipping them occasionally, until they are golden brown with crispy edges.

The parsnips are done when they are soft and tender with a slightly crispy exterior. If they still feel hard and overly starchy, cook them for a few more minutes. You can also use frozen parsnips, but they may need a few extra minutes.

How to season parsnips for the air fryer

To season parsnips for the air fryer, you can use a variety of seasonings and condiments. Here are some ideas:

Honey-roasted Parsnips

For honey-roasted parsnips, you can add a drizzle of honey to your parsnips before cooking to enhance their natural sweetness. You can also substitute honey with maple syrup for vegan parsnips.

Salt and Pepper

The basic seasoning duo of salt and pepper enhances the natural sweetness and spiciness of parsnips.

Olive Oil

Coating your parsnips in extra virgin olive oil before air frying can add flavour and help prevent sticking. Avocado oil or vegetable oil are also good alternatives.

Garlic and Onion

For extra flavour, you can add garlic and onion to your parsnips. You can also try garlic powder instead of fresh garlic.

Spicy Chili Oil

For a spicy kick, try drizzling your parsnips with chili oil or chili crunch (dried chili, garlic, and onion marinating in olive oil).

Smoked Paprika

Smoked paprika can add a smoky flavour to your parsnips. For an Italian twist, substitute paprika with Italian seasoning and top with fresh herbs like oregano.

Cinnamon and Brown Sugar

For a sweet alternative, toss your parsnips with cinnamon and brown sugar. You can also add a drizzle of maple syrup after air frying for extra sweetness.

Mustard

For a tangy twist, add some mustard to your parsnips. Mix it with honey, oil, and salt for a delicious marinade.

Fresh Thyme

Fresh thyme can be used to season your parsnips before cooking, or as a garnish after they are done.

How to prepare parsnips for the air fryer

Preparing parsnips for the air fryer is a quick and easy process. First, select medium-sized parsnips that are firm, with no discolouration or soft spots. If the parsnips have tops, ensure they are fresh and green. Give the parsnips a good scrub under cold water to remove any dirt, then trim the tops and bottoms.

Next, you can peel the parsnips with a vegetable peeler, although this is optional. Some people prefer to peel parsnips for a more even texture, but it is not necessary. After this, cut the parsnips into 2-3 inch long pieces, about 3/4-1 inch thick. Try to cut the parsnip pieces to a similar size and shape to ensure even cooking.

Finally, pat the parsnip pieces dry before tossing them with a small amount of oil and any desired seasonings. You can use extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, vegetable oil, or a cooking spray. For seasonings, you might try salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, or fresh thyme. You can also add a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness, or a sprinkle of brown sugar and cinnamon for a sweeter option.

How to serve parsnips cooked in an air fryer

Air-fried parsnips are a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, side dish, or even a main course. Here are some ways to serve parsnips cooked in an air fryer:

• As a Snack: Air-fried parsnips can be a healthy and delicious snack option. Serve them plain or with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, chili crunch, pesto, tahini sauce, aioli, or chili crunch mayo. You can also sprinkle them with salt and pepper to enhance their natural sweetness and spiciness.
• As a Side Dish: Parsnips cooked in an air fryer make a wonderful side dish for a variety of meals. They pair well with proteins like a hearty Portobello mushroom steak, air fryer roast beef, air fryer roast pork, or air fryer roast lamb. You can also serve them with seafood or frozen mussel recipes. For a vegetarian option, try them with air fryer roast vegetables like carrots, pumpkin, sweet potato wedges, or roast potatoes.
• As a Main Course: While typically served as a side, parsnips can also be the star of the show. Try them as a main course with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them plain. You can also experiment with different seasonings to make them the perfect main dish.
• In Other Recipes: Don't forget about leftovers! Air-fried parsnips can be chopped up and added to soups, such as cabbage soup or roasted curried parsnips. You can also get creative and try them in a parsnip loaf cake for a unique dessert option.

No matter how you serve them, air-fried parsnips are a quick and easy option that can be tailored to your taste preferences. Enjoy experimenting with this versatile vegetable!

Health benefits of parsnips cooked in an air fryer

Air fryers are advertised as a healthy alternative to deep frying. They are kitchen appliances that cook food by circulating hot air of up to 400 °F around it. Air fryers require less oil than deep frying, which cuts down on the overall fat content of the food. This makes air-fried food healthier than deep-fried food as it contains fewer calories and less fat.

Parsnips are a healthy snack that can be cooked in an air fryer in under 10 minutes. They are a good source of vitamin C, zinc, and fiber. They also contain vitamin K, folate, calcium, iron, and riboflavin. Parsnips are low in calories and rich in fiber, which helps with weight loss by keeping you feeling full for longer. The fiber in parsnips also aids digestive health.

In addition, parsnips are a great source of antioxidants, including vitamin C and polyacetylenes, which help to prevent oxidative stress and decrease cell damage. These antioxidants may also protect against chronic conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

Air-fried parsnips are a delicious and healthy alternative to french fries. They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a natural sweetness. You can season them with honey, salt, and pepper to enhance their flavor.

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