Roasting Carrots And Parsnips To Perfection In Your Air Fryer

Air fryer carrots and parsnips are a delicious and healthy side dish that can be made in less than 20 minutes. This simple recipe is perfect for serving with a roast chicken or salmon and only requires a few ingredients. The air fryer also makes the dish quicker and easier than cooking in the oven, and it uses less oil, making it a healthier option.

How to prepare carrots and parsnips for air frying

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

Step 1: Wash and Chop the Vegetables

Start by washing your carrots and parsnips thoroughly. You can then choose to peel them or leave the skin on, depending on your preference. If you're using parsnips with thick skin, peeling them is recommended. Next, chop the vegetables into your desired shape and size. For air frying, it is generally recommended to cut them into thinner strips or 2-3 inch long pieces, as they will cook more quickly and evenly.

Step 2: Seasoning and Marinade

Place the chopped carrots and parsnips in a large bowl. You can then season them with your choice of oil, salt, and pepper, and other herbs or spices. A simple option is to use olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. You can also experiment with other seasonings, such as garlic, thyme, Italian seasoning, or a drizzle of honey for a glaze. Toss the vegetables in the bowl to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasoning and marinade.

Step 3: Prepare the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 160-180°C (320-356°F) for carrots and 400°F/200°C for parsnips. It is recommended to use greaseproof paper or parchment paper at the bottom of the air fryer tray to catch any oil or bits and make cleanup easier.

Step 4: Air Frying

Place the seasoned carrots and parsnips into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer for even cooking. Air fry the vegetables for 10-15 minutes, depending on their size and the desired level of crispness. For thicker cuts, you may need a few extra minutes. Shake the basket a few times during cooking to redistribute the vegetables and ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Serving

Once the carrots and parsnips are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and season with additional salt and pepper, if desired. You can also drizzle them with honey and air fry for an additional 2 minutes for a honey-glazed finish. Serve them warm as a delicious side dish to your meal.

How long to cook carrots and parsnips in an air fryer

Cooking carrots and parsnips in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious and healthy side dish. The time it takes to cook carrots and parsnips in an air fryer can vary depending on the size of the vegetables and the specific air fryer model being used. However, on average, it takes around 15 to 20 minutes to cook carrots and parsnips in an air fryer.

Preparing the Vegetables:

Before cooking, the carrots and parsnips should be washed and peeled. You can optionally leave the skin on, but peeling will result in a softer texture. Cut the vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. For carrots, it is recommended to cut them into 1-inch chunks or slices. For parsnips, cut them into 2-3 inch long pieces or lengthwise into quarters.

Seasoning and Cooking:

Place the prepared carrots and parsnips in a bowl and add your desired seasonings. You can use a variety of seasonings such as olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, rosemary, or honey. Toss the vegetables to ensure they are well coated with the seasonings.

Transfer the seasoned vegetables to the air fryer basket and cook at a temperature between 180°C to 200°C for 15 to 20 minutes. It is recommended to shake the basket halfway through cooking to redistribute the vegetables and ensure even cooking.

Checking for Doneness:

At the 15-minute mark, check the vegetables to see if they are ready. They should be browned on the outside and soft in the middle. If they need more time, continue cooking in 2-3 minute intervals until they reach the desired level of doneness.

Serving and Storing:

Air fryer carrots and parsnips can be served as a side dish alongside a whole roast chicken, salmon, or other main courses. They are best served warm and fresh out of the air fryer. However, if you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Seasoning and flavouring for carrots and parsnips

Seasoning and flavouring are key to enhancing the natural roasted flavour of carrots and parsnips.

A simple way to season carrots and parsnips is to drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Freshly ground black pepper is especially good for bringing out the flavour of roasted vegetables. You can also add dried mixed herbs for extra flavour.

If you want to experiment with different seasonings, rosemary is a great option. Simply chop up some fresh rosemary and mix it with the vegetables before putting them in the air fryer. You can also try using Italian seasoning, which is a blend of herbs including rosemary, along with melted butter, honey, salt, and pepper.

For a sweet and sticky option, baste your carrots in honey and season with salt and pepper. You can also substitute honey with maple syrup or brown sugar for a deeper, richer flavour.

If you're looking for a savoury option, you can toss in some fresh thyme, rosemary, parsley, or garlic powder. You can also sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

For a spicy kick, add some cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, chilli powder, or cumin to your carrots and parsnips.

Additionally, you can try using different types of salt, such as kosher salt or sea salt, to find the flavour you like best.

Remember, the key to successful seasoning is to experiment and find the combinations that you enjoy the most!

Whether to peel carrots and parsnips before air frying

Whether or not you peel your carrots and parsnips before air frying is a matter of personal preference. Leaving the peel on can add a nice crispy texture to your vegetables, but if you're blending them into a soup, for example, you may want to remove the peel first.

If you do decide to peel your carrots and parsnips, make sure to give them a good wash and scrub beforehand to remove any dirt or impurities. You can then chop them into your desired shape and size. Thinner strips or smaller pieces will generally cook faster than thicker or larger ones.

If you're not a fan of peeling, you can simply give your carrots and parsnips a good scrub and rinse, and then chop and cook them unpeeled. This option may result in a slightly different texture, but it can be a great time-saver and can even add some extra nutrients to your meal, as many vitamins and minerals are found in the skin or just below it.

So, the choice is yours! Experiment with both methods and see which one you prefer in terms of taste, texture, and convenience.

Storing and reheating carrots and parsnips

Storing carrots and parsnips:

Root vegetables, including carrots and parsnips, are best stored in the refrigerator. The ideal temperature is 38-42 degrees Fahrenheit, with 90% humidity. Common places that work well are a basement (away from the furnace), garage, root cellar, or a dark and cool closet or kitchen cupboard close to the floor. Keep them in a plastic bag to retain moisture.

You can also store carrots and parsnips in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.

Reheating carrots and parsnips:

There are several ways to reheat roasted carrots and parsnips, including using a microwave, air fryer, oven, toaster oven, or stovetop.

When reheating in the microwave, simply place the vegetables in a microwave-safe container and heat in 30-second increments until they are hot. This method can make the vegetables soft and soggy, but it is a quick and easy option.

To reheat in the oven, preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and place the vegetables on a baking tray. Bake for about five minutes, or until they are heated through.

If you're using an air fryer, simply place the carrots and parsnips in the air fryer and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for three to four minutes. There is no need to preheat the air fryer beforehand.

For a toaster oven, the settings may vary depending on the model. As a general guideline, keep the toaster oven on the Toast setting, which usually cooks for about one minute.

To reheat on the stovetop, heat a large pan on medium heat and add a little olive oil. Add the vegetables and cook for five to six minutes, or until they are heated through.

It is worth noting that reheating roasted vegetables in the air fryer or oven can help them regain their crispy texture, while the stovetop method may not produce the same level of crispness.

Frequently asked questions