Air-Fryer Sliced Radishes: Quick, Easy, And Healthy

Air fryer radishes are a quick, easy, and healthy side dish. They are also a great low-carb alternative to roasted potatoes. To make them, simply wash, dry, and trim your radishes, then cut them into halves or quarters. Next, add them to a bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt, and, if you like, Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together to coat the radishes, then add them to your air fryer and cook for 12–15 minutes at 400°F, shaking the basket halfway through. Finally, sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley before serving.

Choosing the right radishes

• Look for radishes that are small to medium in size and nice and firm. Avoid radishes that are too large, as they may need to be cut into uneven sizes for air frying.
• Check the radish greens: the leaves should be bright and green, indicating freshness. If the greens are brown or wilting, it's a sign that the radishes are past their prime.
• Aim for radishes that are evenly sized. This will ensure they cook at the same rate in the air fryer, resulting in a more consistent final product.
• When shopping, look for radishes with bright red skin and minimal blemishes or scratches.
• If you can find radishes with their greens still attached, save those for other culinary purposes, such as pesto, salad, curry, quiche, soups, or casseroles. You can also sauté, boil, or blanch the greens, much like you would with chard or kale.
• If you're growing your own radishes, they are typically ready to harvest in just three to five weeks.

By selecting the right radishes and following the preparation and cooking instructions, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious air fryer radishes!

Preparing the radishes

• Start by selecting the right radishes. Look for small to medium-sized radishes that are nice and firm. The leaves should be bright and green, avoiding any with brown or wilting greens as these are past their prime.
• Wash the radishes and pat them dry. Remove any dirt or residue.
• Trim the radishes. Cut off the stems and roots, and either halve or quarter the radishes to get them to a consistent size. For larger radishes, quartering is best, while medium radishes can be halved, and small baby radishes can be left whole. The key is to ensure all pieces are of similar size so they cook evenly.
• Place the cut radishes in a bowl and toss them with your chosen oil and seasonings. You can use extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, sunflower oil, or safflower oil. For seasonings, try garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, parsley, rosemary, thyme, or a combination of these. You can also get creative and add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or even taco seasoning.
• After coating the radishes, it's time to arrange them in the air fryer basket. Place them in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping. This allows the hot air to circulate evenly and crisp up all sides. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Most recipes recommend this step to ensure even cooking and consistent results.
• Now, it's time to air fry! Cook the radishes for around 12-15 minutes at 400°F. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking process to prevent them from sticking and to ensure even cooking. Keep a close eye on them, as air fryer models may vary slightly in their cooking times.
• Once they are crispy and golden, remove them from the air fryer and serve! You can sprinkle them with some grated Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

Your sliced radishes are now ready to be enjoyed as a delicious, healthy, and crispy snack or side dish!

Choosing and preparing seasonings

Choosing Your Seasonings

When selecting seasonings, it's important to consider your personal preferences and the desired level of spiciness or flavour intensity. Here are some popular options:

• Garlic: You can use fresh garlic cloves, crushing them with a pinch of salt to create a paste, or opt for garlic powder if you prefer.
• Salt: A sprinkle of sea salt can enhance the flavour of your radishes.
• Cheese: Parmesan cheese is a popular choice, adding a savoury and umami note. You can also try other varieties like grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast (for a vegan option).
• Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like parsley, cilantro, basil, oregano, or rosemary can add a pop of colour and freshness to your dish.
• Spices: Experiment with red pepper flakes, cayenne, chili powder, or Cajun seasoning to give your radishes an extra kick. You can also try Italian seasoning or other seasoning blends.
• Oils: Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its fruity flavour, but you can also use avocado oil, sunflower oil, or safflower oil.

Preparing Your Seasonings

Once you've gathered your chosen seasonings, it's time to prepare them for coating your radishes:

• If using fresh garlic, crush or mince the cloves and mix them with olive oil, salt, and any other desired seasonings.
• If using dried herbs or spices, simply mix them together in a small bowl.
• If using cheese, grate or shred it finely so it can be easily mixed with the radishes.

Coating the Radishes

Now, it's time to coat your radishes with the seasonings:

• Place your sliced radishes in a large bowl.
• Drizzle your chosen oil over the radishes and toss to coat them evenly.
• Add your desired seasonings to the bowl and toss again to ensure the radishes are well coated.
• You can also sprinkle seasonings over the radishes after air frying, such as parsley or grated cheese, to add a final touch of flavour.

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of seasonings and find the perfect flavour profile for your taste buds!

Cooking the radishes

Now that you've selected and prepared your radishes, it's time to cook them!

First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This step is optional, but it will make your cooking times more consistent and even.

Next, toss your radishes with olive oil and your desired seasonings. You can use a simple mix of garlic, onion, and olive oil, or get creative with spices like rosemary, thyme, or parsley. If you're looking for a keto-friendly option, try using garlic powder, salt, and Parmesan cheese.

Once your radishes are seasoned, place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This will allow the hot air to circulate evenly and ensure a consistent crispness on all sides. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.

Now, it's time to air fry! Cook your radishes for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Keep a close eye on them, especially after the halfway point, as cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model.

Your radishes are ready when they are tender, crispy, and golden. Serve them hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley, or a squeeze of lemon juice. Enjoy!

Serving the radishes

Once your radishes are cooked, it's time to serve them! You can enjoy them as a snack or a side dish. They are great on their own, or you can dip them in keto mayonnaise, sour cream, or a spicy jalapeno popper dip. They also go well with proteins like air fryer chicken or meatloaf, or other side dishes like mashed potatoes or fried rice.

If you want to get creative, you can also try adding other ingredients to your radishes. For example, you could make a salad with radishes, a squeeze of lemon juice, chives, and a dollop of sour cream. Or, for a vegetarian option, pair them with tofu "chicken" nuggets.

Radishes can also be used as a low-carb substitute for potatoes. They take on a similar taste and texture when roasted, so they are a great option if you're following a keto diet or just looking for a healthier alternative.

Finally, don't forget that you can also eat radishes raw! They are crunchy and spicy, and go well with a sprinkle of sea salt or a smear of butter.

Frequently asked questions