Air Fryer Turnip Fries: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Turnip fries are a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional French fries. They are a great option for those looking for a low-carb, keto-friendly snack or side dish. Turnips have a higher water content and less starch than potatoes, so they won't get as crispy, but air frying gives them delicious caramelised edges. They are also softer in the centre and have a slightly peppery flavour.

To make turnip fries in an air fryer, start by peeling and slicing the turnips into fries. Toss them with olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil, and a mix of seasonings like salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and chilli powder. Arrange the turnip fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at around 400°F for about 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Enjoy your turnip fries with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ketchup, chipotle dip, or Utah Fry Sauce!

Choosing the right turnips

• Size: Look for small turnips that are about 2-3 inches in diameter. Smaller turnips tend to have a sweeter and milder flavour, making them ideal for fries. Avoid large turnips as they can have an unpleasant, sharp taste.
• Freshness: Choose turnips that are firm, with smooth and blemish-free skin. Avoid turnips that have soft spots or wrinkles, as these may be past their prime.
• Taste: Turnips should have a slightly earthy and peppery flavour. Baby turnips tend to be sweeter, so if you're looking for a milder taste, go for the smaller ones.
• Texture: The ideal turnip for fries should feel firm and solid, with a good weight to it. Avoid turnips that are squishy or have any signs of decay.
• Greenery: Look for turnips with their green tops still attached. This is a sign of freshness and also indicates that they have been recently harvested.
• Low Carb Option: If you're following a low-carb or keto diet, turnips are a great choice. They have only 4.6g of net carbs per 100 grams (raw), which is lower than other potato replacements like rutabaga or celeriac.

By selecting the right turnips and preparing them correctly, you can create delicious and crispy air fryer turnip fries that are a healthier alternative to traditional French fries.

Preparing the turnips for the air fryer

Next, cut the turnips into slices about 1/2-inch thick. You can then cut these slices into fries, aiming for a thickness of around 1/2-inch for the fries. It is important to try and cut the turnip fries to a similar size so that they cook evenly.

Once you have your turnip fries, it's a good idea to pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help them crisp up in the air fryer. Then, simply toss the turnip fries in a bowl with your chosen oil and seasonings until they are well coated.

You are now ready to cook your turnip fries in the air fryer!

Making a tasty dip

Now that you've made your turnip fries, it's time to make a tasty dip to go with them. Here are some ideas:

Utah Fry Sauce

This is a basic mixture of about 2 parts mayo to 1 part ketchup. You can adjust the ratio to taste. Some people like to add more mayo than ketchup. You can also add things like dill pickle juice, barbecue sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika. If you're watching your sugar intake, you can make this sauce with sugar-free ketchup.

Sriracha Dipping Sauce

A spicier option that will go well with the mild flavour of the turnip fries.

Remoulade Sauce

A classic French sauce made with mayonnaise, mustard, herbs, and various other ingredients. It's perfect for dipping fries and has a unique, tangy flavour.

Red Pepper Aioli

A creamy, garlicky sauce with a touch of sweetness from the red peppers. It's the perfect dip for fries and will add a beautiful pop of colour to your plate.

Mustard-Herb Sauce

A tangy and herby sauce that will complement the earthiness of the turnip fries. You can use fresh or dried herbs, depending on what you have on hand.

Southwestern Ranch Dip

A creamy dip with a kick of spice. It's the perfect pairing for turnip fries and will add a bit of flavour.

Tzatziki Sauce

A traditional Greek sauce made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and herbs. It's cool, refreshing, and the perfect dip for fries.

Garlic Aioli

A garlic lover's dream, this sauce is perfect for those who want a strong, pungent flavour to complement their turnip fries.

Keto Mayonnaise

A sugar-free and keto-friendly option for those watching their carb intake. It's a great base for adding other herbs and spices to suit your taste.

Chipotle Dip

A smoky and spicy dip that will add a kick of flavour to your turnip fries. It's the perfect way to elevate this simple dish.

Comeback Sauce

This sauce is a favourite in the Southern United States and is perfect for dipping fries. It's a tangy, slightly spicy sauce that will add a burst of flavour to your turnip fries.

Getting the right consistency

Choose the right turnips: Opt for small, firm turnips with the green tops still attached. Baby turnips are sweeter and milder in taste, so go for those if you can. Avoid old or large turnips, as they can have an unpleasant flavour.

Prepare the turnips: Start by cutting off the top and bottom of each turnip so that it sits flat. Then, use a sharp knife to slice off the skin. Cut the turnip into slices about 1/2-inch thick, and then cut those slices into fries about 1/2-inch wide. Try to keep the fries a similar size so that they cook evenly.

Dry the turnips: Turnips have a higher water content than potatoes, so it's important to pat them dry with a paper towel before coating and cooking. This will help to ensure they don't end up soggy.

Coat the turnips: Place the cut turnips into a bowl and toss with olive oil (or avocado/coconut oil) and your chosen seasonings. Make sure they are well coated. You can use a variety of seasonings, but a simple mix of salt, garlic powder and smoked paprika works well. You could also add onion powder, cumin, or a little chilli or chipotle powder for heat.

Arrange in the air fryer: Place the coated turnips in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure they aren't overcrowded. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to cook the turnips in two batches.

Cooking time: At 400F, turnip fries should take around 12 minutes in the air fryer. Flip the fries halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the cooking time, as you don't want them to char.

Serve immediately: Turnip fries are best enjoyed straight away, while the edges are still nice and crisp. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer or oven.

Storing and reheating

Turnip fries are best enjoyed straight after cooking while they are still crispy. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

To reheat, place the turnip fries in the air fryer at 400°F for 2-3 minutes, or spread them out on a baking sheet and heat them in the oven at 200°C/400°F for 5 minutes.

If you want to "refresh" any crispiness, you can reheat them in the air fryer for a couple of minutes.

It is important to note that turnip fries will not stay as crispy as potato fries, especially if they are overcrowded in the air fryer basket or overcooked. They will also soften as they cool down, so it is best to serve them immediately after cooking.

If you are storing leftover dip, it can be kept in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to five days.

Frequently asked questions