Air Fryer Parsnip Chips: A Quick, Crispy Treat

If you're looking for a tasty, healthy snack, parsnip chips are a great option. Parsnips are a root vegetable similar to carrots or parsley root, with a semi-sweet flavour when raw and a hint of sweetness when cooked. You can make parsnip chips in an air fryer by preheating your air fryer to 390-400°F/200°C, washing, peeling and slicing the parsnips, tossing them in olive oil and seasoning, and then air-frying for around 10 minutes until tender and golden.

Choosing the right parsnips

Select Medium-Sized Parsnips: Aim for parsnips that are medium in size, neither too thick nor too thin. This will ensure they cook evenly and result in the perfect chip texture.

Firmness: Go for firm parsnips with no soft spots. Soft spots can indicate that the parsnip is past its prime and may affect the crispness of your chips.

Colour: Look for parsnips with a uniform beige-cream colour. Avoid any discolouration, as it could be a sign of spoilage or over-ripeness.

Fresh Tops: If your parsnips still have their tops attached, choose ones with vibrant, fresh, and green leaves. This indicates that the parsnip is fresh and hasn't started to dry out.

No Discolouration or Bruising: Check the skin of the parsnip for any signs of discolouration or bruising. It should have a smooth, even surface with no cuts or bruises.

Size Consistency: Try to pick parsnips that are similar in size, especially if you're planning to slice them into chips. This will help ensure even cooking and a consistent texture.

Local and Seasonal: If possible, opt for locally sourced and seasonally available parsnips. They are more likely to be fresh and flavourful, enhancing your chip-making experience.

Remember, choosing the right parsnips is the first step to ensuring your parsnip chips turn out perfectly. Look for firm, medium-sized parsnips with fresh, green tops (if attached) and a uniform colour. Avoid any discolouration or soft spots, and you'll be well on your way to delicious air-fried parsnip chips!

Preparing the parsnips

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. You will need around 1 pound of parsnips, or about 4 to 5 pieces.

Next, give the parsnips a good scrub to remove any dirt, and trim the tops and bottoms. At this point, you can choose to peel the parsnips, or leave the skin on. If you do peel them, make sure to give them a thorough wash and dry afterwards.

Now it's time to cut the parsnips. For parsnip chips, use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to cut them into thin slices. For parsnip fries, cut them into sticks or strips of your desired thickness. Aim for fries that are around 2-3 inches long and 3/4-inch thick.

Once your parsnips are cut, place them in a large bowl and coat them with oil and seasoning. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or another cooking oil with a high smoke point. For seasoning, try garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, parsley, or pink salt. You only need a light coating of oil and a sprinkle of seasoning. Use your hands or tongs to toss the parsnips and ensure they are evenly coated.

Your parsnips are now ready to be placed in the air fryer!

Seasoning the parsnips

Firstly, you'll want to wash and dry the parsnips. Then, cut the parsnips into your desired shape and size. Thinner slices will crisp up more easily and quickly, but you can also cut them into sticks or wedges. Once you've cut your parsnips, place them in a large bowl.

Now, it's time to season! You can use a variety of seasonings, such as olive oil, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, parsley, and pink salt. You can also get creative and experiment with other seasonings of your choice. Drizzle the olive oil over the parsnips, then sprinkle on your chosen seasonings. Use tongs or your hands to toss the parsnips until they are evenly coated with the seasoning.

If you're making honey-glazed parsnip chips, you can add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to the bowl and toss the parsnips until they are coated. You can also add the honey or maple syrup after the parsnips are cooked, drizzling it on top of the cooked chips.

And that's it! Your parsnips are now seasoned and ready to be cooked in the air fryer.

Cooking the parsnips

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, set it to air fry for 3-4 minutes.

Wash and scrub the parsnips, removing any dirt. Pat them dry. Cut off the tops and bottoms of the parsnips, and then cut them into your desired shape and size. For chips, use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to cut them into thin slices. For fries, cut them into strips or sticks.

Place the parsnips in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. You can also add other seasonings at this point, such as salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or maple syrup. Toss the parsnips until they are evenly coated.

Place the parsnips in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between them so they don't overlap. If your basket is small, you may need to cook them in batches.

Set your air fryer to 350-400°F/180-200°C and cook for 6-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the parsnips are tender and golden brown. The cooking time will depend on the power of your air fryer, so check on them regularly to avoid overcooking.

Once cooked, remove the parsnips from the air fryer and taste. You can add more salt or seasoning if needed, and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. Serve as a side dish or snack, and enjoy!

Storing the parsnips

Choosing the Right Parsnips:

When selecting parsnips, look for medium-sized ones that are firm with no soft spots or discolouration. If the parsnips have tops, ensure they are fresh and green.

Storing Before Cutting:

The ideal place to store uncut parsnips is in the refrigerator. Keep them unwashed and loosely wrapped in the high-humidity drawer. Make sure to separate the green tops from the roots, leaving only about 2.5 cm of the stem attached. This will help retain moisture in the parsnip. Ensure your fridge is set between 0 and 4°C.

Preparing in Advance:

If you want to cut your parsnips ahead of time, you can scrub, wash, and cut them into your desired shape. Place the cut parsnips in a zip-lock bag and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook.

Storing Cooked Parsnip Chips:

Once you've made your parsnip chips, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should be consumed within 3 days. You can enjoy them cold straight from the fridge or reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes.

Freezing Parsnips:

Both raw and cooked parsnips can be frozen. To freeze raw parsnips, blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes, then cool them in ice water before draining and freezing. For cooked parsnips, roast them in the oven and let them cool before freezing.

By following these storage instructions, you can ensure your parsnips stay fresh and retain their quality, whether you're storing them before or after making your parsnip chips in the air fryer.

Frequently asked questions