Air Fryer Rutabaga Fries: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Rutabaga, also known as swede, is a versatile root vegetable with a sweet, buttery taste and a dense, hard texture. It is packed with nutrients, keeps well, and is a great alternative to potatoes for those on paleo, keto, or whole30 diets. In this article, we will show you how to make delicious, crispy rutabaga fries in an air fryer.

Choosing the right rutabaga

Rutabagas, also known as swedes, are a root vegetable that is a cross between a turnip and a cabbage. They are in season from October to March, but are best enjoyed in the middle of winter. When choosing a rutabaga, there are several things to keep in mind. Firstly, look for one that is firm, about 3-5 inches in diameter, and has a purplish tinge to the skin. A good rutabaga should feel heavy for its size and have no soft spots. Avoid small, immature roots as they can be bitter, and older, larger ones as they can be tough and woody.

Rutabagas can be tricky to peel due to their waxy skin, but this can be tackled by first cutting the vegetable in half and then slicing it. To make the process easier, start by slicing off the stem and root ends with a chef's knife to create a stable base. Then, stand the root upright and remove the skin with the knife, working from top to bottom. Make sure to cut deeper than you would with other vegetables to remove the tough, bitter outer layer.

Once peeled, rutabagas can be sliced into fries and tossed in the air fryer for a tasty, healthy treat.

Preparing the rutabaga for frying

Next, cut off the root and stem ends of the rutabaga, creating a flat surface to work with. Then, cut the rutabaga in half lengthwise. With the cut sides down, slice each half into 1/2-inch strips. From here, you can cut these strips into thin fries, aiming for a thickness of around 1/2 an inch. It is important to cut the fries uniformly so they cook evenly.

Once you have cut your rutabaga into fries, place them into a large bowl and toss with your chosen oil and seasonings. You can use a variety of oils, such as avocado, olive, coconut, or peanut oil, and season with salt and pepper, or spices like Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, or garlic powder.

Oil and seasoning

The oil and seasoning you use for your rutabaga fries are important for ensuring they turn out tasty and crispy.

Oil

Rutabaga fries are best fried in oils with a high smoke point. Avocado oil is a popular choice, but you can also use peanut oil, sunflower oil, olive oil (not extra virgin), or melted coconut oil, butter or ghee.

Seasoning

There are many different seasoning options for rutabaga fries. You can keep it simple with salt and pepper, or try something more complex like Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, Garam Masala, Old Bay, or Ranch seasoning. You could also try a combination of dry spices and herbs, including salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, and oregano.

How to Oil and Season

Once you have peeled and cut your rutabaga into fries, place them in a large bowl and drizzle with your chosen oil. Sprinkle over your chosen seasoning, and toss the fries to ensure they are well coated.

Air frying

Step 1: Prepare the Rutabaga

Select a medium-sized rutabaga that feels heavy for its size, ensuring it is free of blemishes and soft spots. Start by peeling the rutabaga with a sharp vegetable peeler. Then, use a sharp knife to cut off the root and stem ends, creating a flat surface.

Step 2: Cut the Rutabaga into Fries

Cut the rutabaga in half lengthwise, and then cut each half into 1/2-inch thick slices. From there, cut these slices into thin fries, aiming for a uniform size. The thinner the fries, the crispier they will be.

Step 3: Season the Rutabaga Fries

Place the cut rutabaga fries into a large bowl. Drizzle with avocado oil, olive oil, or another oil with a high smoke point. Use your hands or tongs to ensure the fries are well coated. Then, add your chosen seasonings. You can keep it simple with salt and pepper, or try something different like Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, or smoked paprika.

Step 4: Air Fry the Rutabaga Fries

Preheat your air fryer to between 350-400°F. Place the seasoned rutabaga fries into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with minimal overlap. Cook for around 20 minutes, shaking the basket every few minutes to ensure even cooking. For best results, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

For the crispiest rutabaga fries, serve them immediately. They go well with a variety of dips, including ketchup, ranch dressing, or spicy mayo. Enjoy!

Storing and Reheating

Leftover rutabaga fries can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer at 400°F for 5-10 minutes, or until crispy.

There you have it! A delicious and healthy alternative to traditional fries, perfect for those following a low-carb, paleo, or vegan diet.

Serving and storing

Rutabaga fries are best served immediately, straight out of the air fryer. They are a great alternative to traditional French fries and can be served with burgers, sandwiches, chicken nuggets, steaks, or as a snack with your favourite dip.

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F to 400°F for 5 to 10 minutes, or until warm. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they will be soft, like roasted rutabaga, not crisp.

Do not freeze leftover rutabaga fries as the texture will change.

Frequently asked questions