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

Air fryers are a great way to cook parsnips, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender interior. Parsnips are a healthy alternative to french fries and can be cooked in under 15 minutes. They are a great source of fibre, vitamins and minerals and have anti-inflammatory properties. To cook parsnips in an air fryer, simply wash, peel and cut the parsnips into the desired shape, season and coat them in oil, and then cook in the air fryer at around 400° F (200° C) for 10-15 minutes, tossing or shaking the basket halfway through. You can also experiment with different seasonings and sauces to find your perfect combination.

How to cook parsnips in an air fryer

How to cut parsnips for the air fryer

Preparing parsnips for the air fryer is a simple process. First, wash the parsnips under cold water to remove any dirt and impurities. Next, use a vegetable peeler to peel the parsnips. You can skip this step if you don't mind the peel, but peeling will give the parsnips an even texture.

Now it's time to cut the parsnips. For the best results, cut them into sticks that are around 2-3 inches long and about 1/4-inch thick. This will give them a similar shape to French fries, which is ideal for air frying. Try to make the parsnip sticks as uniform in size as possible to ensure even cooking.

Once you have your peeled and cut parsnips, you can season and cook them in the air fryer. Enjoy!

How long to cook parsnips in an air fryer

Cooking parsnips in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare this root vegetable. Parsnips can be cooked in an air fryer in 10 to 18 minutes, depending on the desired texture, the size of the parsnips, and the size of the air fryer.

To cook parsnips in an air fryer, first, wash, peel, and cut the parsnips into sticks or coins. Then, season the parsnips with oil, salt, and pepper, and optionally, honey, garlic powder, or other seasonings. Place the parsnips in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 380 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The parsnips are done when they are golden brown and tender.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and model of the air fryer, as well as the size and thickness of the parsnips. It is recommended to check the parsnips for doneness after 10 minutes and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Additionally, for extra crispy parsnips, it is suggested to use oil spray or cooking spray, which uses even less oil. Also, for a vegan alternative, swap honey with maple syrup.

What temperature to cook parsnips in an air fryer

The ideal temperature for cooking parsnips in an air fryer is between 390–400 °F (190–200 °C).

The cooking time depends on the power of your air fryer, the size of the parsnip pieces, and how full your air fryer is. It's important to preheat the air fryer, especially as the cooking time is relatively short. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat mode, set it to air fry for 3-4 minutes. Check the parsnips after 8–10 minutes and adjust the cooking time as needed. They are done when they are tender and golden brown.

To prepare the parsnips, wash and peel them, then cut them into sticks or 2–3-inch pieces about as thick as your pinky finger. You can also quarter them lengthwise and cut out the core. Place the parsnips in the air fryer basket in a single layer to prevent them from steaming and becoming soggy. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper, and toss to coat.

How to season parsnips for the air fryer

To season parsnips for the air fryer, start by washing them under cold water to remove any dirt and impurities. Next, peel the parsnips with a vegetable peeler and cut them into sticks about 2-3 inches long and 1/4-inch thick, or about as thick as your pinky finger. Try to make the parsnip sticks a similar size and shape to ensure even cooking.

Once your parsnips are prepared, it's time to season them! You can experiment with different seasonings to find your favorite flavor. Here are some seasoning options to try:

• Olive oil, salt, and pepper: Toss the parsnips with extra virgin olive oil, or another oil of your choice, and then sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
• Honey: Drizzle a little honey over the parsnips before cooking for extra sweetness. You can also make it vegan by using vegan honey or maple syrup.
• Smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne: If you're feeling adventurous, try this seasoning blend for a spicy kick.
• Italian seasoning: For an Italian twist, use Italian seasoning instead of paprika. You can also add fresh herbs like oregano after cooking.
• Sweet cinnamon: Toss the parsnips with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet treat.

After seasoning, place the parsnips in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 380-400°F (about 200°C) for 10-18 minutes, or until golden brown and tender. Be sure to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

What to serve with air fryer parsnips

Air fryer parsnips are a delicious and healthy alternative to french fries or an easy side dish. They are much faster to make than oven-roasted parsnips and require less oil. You can serve them as a side dish or even as a main course. Here are some ideas for what to serve with air fryer parsnips:

• Dipping Sauce: Serve your air fryer parsnips with your favourite dipping sauce. Some popular options include ketchup, ranch, or thousand island dressing. You can also get creative and make your own dipping sauce by combining chilli crunch with mayonnaise to make chilli crunch mayo, or try aioli or tahini sauce.
• Veggie Burgers: Air fryer parsnips make a great side dish for veggie burgers. They add a nice crispy and healthy element to the burger meal.
• Hearty Portobello Mushroom Steak: The earthy and slightly sweet flavour of air fryer parsnips can complement a hearty portobello mushroom steak quite well.
• Cabbage Soup: If you have any leftover air fryer parsnips, you can chop them up and throw them into a pot of healthy cabbage soup. This is a great way to add some extra flavour, texture, and nutritional value to your soup.
• Carrot Sticks: For a colourful and nutritious blend, you can serve air fryer parsnips alongside carrot sticks. This combination can be a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals.
• Meat Dishes: Air fryer parsnips can also be a tasty side dish for various meat dishes. They go well with roasted meats, such as chicken or beef, and can add a nice crispy texture to the meal.

Remember, air fryer parsnips are quite versatile, so feel free to get creative with your pairings! You can also experiment with different seasonings and dips to enhance the flavour of your parsnips and create a unique culinary experience.

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