Air Fryer Parsnips (Crispy and Easy Side Dish)

Name: Air Fryer Parsnips (Crispy and Easy Side Dish)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 medium parsnips; 2 Tablespoons avocado oil; ¼ teaspoon salt (add more to taste after cooking); ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 Tablespoons (optional) grated Parmesan

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These air fryer parsnips are my go-to when time is short for busy weeknights - just peel, slice, season, and let the air fryer do the rest. These are crispy, flavorful, and make a great snack or side dish with your favorite dipping sauce.

Air fried parsnips sprinkled with chopped green parsley, served on a white plate with a side of a dipping sauce.

Recipe ingredients

Recipe ingredient are placed on a grey ceramic bowl: two fresh parsnips, a small bowls with seasonings, a small bowl with oi and grated Parmesan cheese. There is also a small bunch of fresh parsley.

You will need parsnips, avocado oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. You can use other oils, such as light olive oil, ghee butter, or vegetable oil.

Make it your own

Make it your own by switching up the spices and more! You can add some smoked paprika for a smoky twist or chili powder for heat. And if I have some on hand, I love to sprinkle them with some grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley or other fresh herbs after air frying - so good.

You can also make them sweet and savory by sprinkling a little cinnamon and maple syrup before air frying.

Serving them with pasta? A sprinkle of Italian seasoning works great for extra flavor!

Do I need to peel parsnips?

Yes, I always recommend peeling parsnips, especially if serving them for the kids. The skin is often woody and can taste bitter. I like to use a veggie peeler, but you can also carefully scrub it off with a knife.

How to cook parsnips in air fryer

Please see the ingredient quantities in the recipe card at the end of this post.

Wash and peel parsnips. Scrub the parsnips under cold water. Use a veggie peeler to remove the skin. Pat them dry with paper towels.

Cut them into thin sticks. Cut each parsnip in half crosswise, then cut each part in half lengthwise. Depending on the thickness, cut each part into thin sticks.

Peeled parsnips being cut in half, and then into thin sticks on a wooden cutting board.

Season them. Add cut parsnips to a large bowl. Drizzle them with oil, salt, and spices. Toss them gently until well-coated.

Cut parsnips are added to a large glass bowl, then tossed in oil and seasonings.

Air fry until golden and crispy. Arrange seasoned parsnips in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry parsnips for 15-20 minutes at 400°F or until golden brown and fork tender, tossing them halfway. Transfer fries into a bowl or a basket for serving.

Note: The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the parsnips and the type of air fryer.

Crispy parsnip fries in a air fryer basket.

Tips for perfectly crispy parsnips

Always peel parsnips before cooking.
Remove the core if it feels tough - larger parsnips often have a woody center.
Each parsnip fry should be evenly coated in oil and seasonings.
Do not overfill the air fryer; cook in batches if needed.
You can place cooked parsnips on paper towels to soak up any excess oil.

Storage instructions

To store: store leftover parsnips in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days/
To freeze: You can freeze cooked parsnips for up to 3 months. Freeze cooked parsnips in a single layer on a sheet pan for a few hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
To reheat: Reheat from the fridge or freezer in the air fryer or oven. A little bit of cooking spray helps bring back the crisp!

Make-ahead tips

If you plan to make this dish on one of the busy holidays, you can steam or parboil parsnips ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. On the day you plan to serve it, toss already precooked parsnips in oil and seasonings, then air fry them for about 3-5 minutes at 400°F or until crispy.

Serving suggestions

We serve these air fryer parsnip fries as a side dish with crispy chicken tenders, baked chicken wings, or meatloaf. They're a fun and tasty swap for traditional French fries. We also like them as a snack with ketchup, blue cheese, ranch, or any other sauce.

Recipe variations

Spicy - you can make spicy parsnip fries by adding 1 Tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and skipping the salt.
Sweet and Spicy - add ¼ teaspoon of chili powder (or more) and 1 Tablespoon of maple syrup or honey.
Curry - add 1 teaspoon of your favorite curry seasoning to make curry parsnip fries.
Loaded - add your favorite toppings (shredded cheese, sliced jalapenos, chicken, avocado, sour cream, etc) to make an easy main course dish.

Frequently asked questions

What do parsnips taste like?

Parsnips taste similar to carrots, but they have a deeper, earthier flavor. When cooked, they're slightly sweet with a hint of nuttiness, spice, and mild peppery notes. Some people even compare their sweetness to mango, not because they taste the same, but because of the way the sweetness lingers.

How to avoid parsnips taste bitter?

Parsnips can taste bitter if the skin or the core is left on. To avoid this, peel them and remove the tough center if it's present. I also recommend choosing smaller parsnips at the grocery store-they're younger, more tender, and naturally sweeter.

Can I make these air-fried parsnips in the oven?

Yes, you can cook them in the oven at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes or until they are fork tender and develop crispy edges.

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