Turnip Chips: Air Fryer Magic In 15 Minutes

Turnips are a great low-carb, keto-friendly alternative to potatoes, and can be cooked in an air fryer to make a tasty snack. They have a similar texture to potatoes and can be seasoned in a variety of ways to make delicious turnip chips.

Choosing the right turnips

Size: Opt for smaller turnips as they tend to be less bitter than their larger counterparts. Smaller turnips will also result in a sweeter and more mild flavour.

Appearance: Choose turnips with a blemish-free skin. Look for turnips that have the green tops attached. The skin should feel firm, with no soft spots.

Age: Turnips that are older tend to have a stronger flavour and are more bitter. Go for younger turnips if you want a milder taste.

Storage: Fresh turnips are typically harvested in the fall and winter, but you can usually find them at the grocery store year-round. When storing turnips at home, they can last for a few days to a week, depending on how fresh they are when purchased.

Variety: There are different varieties of turnips available, such as the purple-top turnip, which is known for its mild flavour, or the rutabaga, which is larger and sweeter. You can also use Swedish turnips (also known as neeps or rutabagas) for a rustic flavour.

By following these guidelines, you'll be able to select the best turnips for making crispy and delicious turnip chips in your air fryer!

Preparing the turnips

Firstly, select the right turnips. Smaller turnips are generally preferable as they tend to be less bitter. Look for turnips with the green tops attached and blemish-free skin. They should feel firm and have no soft spots.

Once you have chosen your turnips, it's time to start cutting. Use a sharp knife to cut off the bottom and top of the turnip. Place the turnip on a cut side up and use a paring knife to carefully peel away the skin. Try to get rid of any green stems as well.

Now, you can start slicing the turnip. Cut the peeled turnip in half, and then slice each half into thin pieces. The thinner the slices, the crispier the turnip chips will be. If you want to make fries, cut the turnip into planks and then slice those into fry shapes. Try to make the slices as even as possible so they cook evenly later.

At this stage, you can also opt to soak the turnip slices in water for about 30 minutes to remove some of the bitterness and make them even crispier. After soaking, be sure to dry the slices thoroughly before proceeding.

After slicing, it's time to season. Place the turnip slices in a bowl and drizzle with your chosen oil. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil. Toss the turnip slices to ensure they are evenly coated with oil.

Now, it's time to add your chosen seasonings. You can use a simple mix of salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper. For a spicy kick, try chili and lime powder. Mix the spices with the oil-coated turnip slices until they are evenly coated.

And that's it! Your turnips are now prepared and ready for the air fryer. Remember, the key to crispy turnip chips is thin and even slicing, and ensuring the slices don't overlap in the air fryer. Enjoy your healthy, homemade snack!

Seasoning the turnips

Seasoning is key when it comes to turnips. The root vegetable has a bitter taste when raw, but when cooked, it makes a good substitute for potatoes.

Turnips have a mild bitter flavour, almost like cabbage or radish. When cooked, the bitterness fades into the background and the turnips become slightly sweet.

To season your turnip chips, toss the slices in a mixture of oil and spices. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil. For the spices, you can try:

• Chilli and lime powder
• Garlic and onion powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper
• Oregano
• Basil
• Chili powder
• Chipotle powder

If you're making a dip to go with your turnip chips, you can add some spice there, too. Try a low-fat chipotle salsa dip with cottage cheese, garlic powder, and chipotle chilli powder.

Cooking the turnips

Now that you have your turnips peeled and sliced, it's time to cook them! There are two main ways to cook your turnip chips: in the oven or in an air fryer. Here's a step-by-step guide for both methods:

Oven-baked turnip chips:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Place the turnip slices on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping.
• Drizzle olive oil (or another oil of your choice) over the turnip slices and toss to coat evenly.
• Sprinkle your desired seasonings over the turnip slices. You can use a simple mix of salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper.
• Bake the turnip slices in the oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn.
• Remove from the oven when they are golden brown and crispy.

Air-fried turnip chips:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• Place the turnip slices in the air fryer basket, again ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded.
• Drizzle olive oil (or another oil of your choice) over the turnip slices and toss to coat.
• Add your desired seasonings to the turnip slices and toss again to coat evenly.
• Air fry the turnip slices for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
• The turnip chips are ready when they are golden brown and crispy.

Remember, the thinner you slice your turnips, the crispier your chips will be. Enjoy your healthy, homemade turnip chips!

Storing leftovers

Turnip greens are also edible and can be stored in sealable plastic bags in the fridge for up to 5 days.

If you have a large number of turnips, you can store them in a cool, well-ventilated area for up to 6 months. First, cut off the greens, as they will make the turnips rot faster. Then, fill a large plastic container halfway with damp sand or sawdust and place the turnips upside-down into the insulating material so they don't touch. Leave a couple of inches of the packing material on top of the turnips. Loosely cover with a lid and store in a cool place where they won't freeze, like a garage or garden shed.

Frequently asked questions