Turnip Fries: Air Fryer Magic In 15 Minutes Or Less

Turnip fries are a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional French fries. They are lower in fat, low carb, keto-friendly, and diabetic-friendly. They are also a great way to use turnips, which are usually harvested in the fall and winter but can be found at the grocery store year-round.

While they won't get as crispy as potato fries due to turnips' higher water content, air frying gives them delicious caramelized edges. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to make your own batch of turnip fries in an air fryer, with tips on choosing the right turnips, the best spices to use, and how to get the most out of your air fryer.

Choosing and preparing the turnips

Selecting the Right Turnips:

• Size: Opt for small to medium-sized turnips. Smaller turnips tend to have a milder and sweeter flavour, while larger ones can be slightly sharp and unpleasant.
• Freshness: Choose turnips with green tops attached, smooth and blemish-free skin, and a firm texture without any soft spots.
• Taste: Turnips have a slightly earthy and peppery flavour when raw, which disappears when cooked. Baby turnips tend to be sweeter and milder, so they are a good choice if you prefer a less pungent taste.

Preparing the Turnips:

• Wash and peel the turnips: Give the turnips a good rinse under running water to remove any dirt. Use a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife to remove the outer purple skin of the turnips.
• Trim the ends: Cut off both ends of the turnips to create a flat surface, making it easier to slice them into fries.
• Cut into fries: Cut the turnips into 1/2-inch thick slices or rounds, and then slice each piece into 1/4-inch thick fries. Try to keep the fries uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
• Pat dry (optional): Turnips have a higher water content, so you can pat them dry with a paper towel before coating and air frying to promote crispiness.
• Seasoning (optional): You can season the turnips with a variety of spices and herbs. Mix your chosen spices with olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil in a bowl, and then toss the turnip fries in this mixture until they are fully coated. Some popular seasoning options include garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Remember, the key to choosing turnips is to select smaller, fresher ones for better flavour and texture. As for preparation, ensure uniform cutting and proper seasoning to create delicious turnip fries in your air fryer!

Seasoning and coating the turnips

First, trim both ends of the turnips and peel them. The number of turnips you need will depend on their size—most recipes call for small turnips, and you'll need about two cups' worth of turnip fries. You can use a sharp knife to cut off the ends and peel the turnips, or use a pairing knife for a more precise peel.

Next, cut the turnips into fries. For even cooking, it's important that the fries are roughly the same size. Cut the turnips into 1/2-inch thick rounds, and then slice each round into 1/4-inch thick slices. You can also use a mandolin to get evenly sliced turnips.

Once your turnips are cut into fries, it's time to season them. Place the turnip fries in a bowl and drizzle with oil. You can use extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil. Use your hands to toss the turnips with the oil until they are well coated.

Now it's time to add the spices and seasonings. There are a variety of spice mixtures you can use, depending on your taste preferences. Here are some options:

• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Chili powder
• Chipotle powder
• Onion powder
• Dried herbs (oregano, basil)
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Curry powder
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper
• Onion powder
• Sweet paprika
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Simply choose the spices you like and sprinkle them over the oiled turnips. You can also mix the spices with the oil first and then toss the turnips in the mixture to ensure an even coating.

Make sure your turnips are well coated with oil and spices, and then you're ready to arrange them in the air fryer!

Air fryer settings and cooking times

Air-frying turnip fries is a quick and easy process. The first step is to preheat your air fryer. The ideal temperature for this is a matter of some debate. Some sources recommend preheating to 375F/190C, while others suggest 400F or 350F/180C.

Once preheated, the turnip fries can be added to the air fryer basket. It is important to ensure that the fries are arranged in a single layer to prevent them from becoming soggy and to allow them to cook evenly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the fries in batches.

The cooking time will depend on the temperature of your air fryer and the thickness of your fries. For thinner fries, 15 minutes should be sufficient, but thicker fries may need a few minutes longer. It is important to keep an eye on the fries to ensure that they do not burn.

Once the fries are golden brown and cooked through, they are ready to be served.

Dips and sauces

Turnip fries are a great low-carb alternative to traditional French fries, but what about dips and sauces? Here are some ideas for dips and sauces to serve with your air fryer turnip fries:

• Utah Fry Sauce: A mixture of about 2 parts mayonnaise to 1 part ketchup. You can adjust the ratio to taste and add ingredients like dill pickle juice, barbecue sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.
• Sriracha Dipping Sauce
• Remoulade Sauce
• Red Pepper Aioli
• Mustard-Herb Sauce
• Southwestern Ranch Dip
• Tzatziki Sauce
• Garlic Aioli
• Ketchup
• Hot Sauce
• Cilantro Chimichurri
• Chipotle Sauce
• Sweet Potato Fries Dipping Sauce

Turnip fries are a delicious and healthy snack, and with these dips and sauces, you can take them to the next level! Experiment with different combinations to find your favourite.

Storing and reheating leftovers

Storing and reheating leftover turnip fries is simple. If you have any leftover turnip fries, place them in a covered container and store them in the fridge, where they will last 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. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 200°C/400°F for 5 minutes.

Frequently asked questions