Air fryer parsnip fries are an easy side dish you can make in 20 minutes. Serve it with any side dish or with your favorite dipping sauce.
I love using my air fryer for a variety of recipes that require frying or baking. You can cook any kind of vegetable by using just a bit of oil.
An air fryer can come in handy while you use the oven to make other dishes.
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What are parsnips
Parsnips are root vegetables related to carrots and parsley. This root vegetable has a sweet flavor and earthy taste. Its flavor is more complicated than carrots. Fresh parsnips are available at grocery stores at any time of year, but their peak season is winter.
Lots of people pass by the parsnips in the produce section because they are not sure if they taste good and how to cook them. This air fryer parsnip fries recipe can be a great recipe if you have never tried them.
I have also included the recipe for a tasty dipping sauce to go with the fries.
Parsnip fries ingredients
- Parsnips - I used medium parsnips. When picking parsnips make sure they look fresh and the ends are not wilted. Older parsnips might be stringy.
- Olive Oil - I used a small amount of oil to air fry parsnip fries. Extra virgin olive or avocado oil works great.
- Sea Salt - you will need a little salt to make these fries when serving with a savory dipping sauce.
- Garlic Powder - we are adding only this one spice not to ruin parsnip's natural flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese (optional) - I like to sprinkle Parmesan cheese on cooked Parmesan fries for some cheese flavor. You can skip the cheese.
- Fresh Parsley (optional) - add chopped parsley on top of cooked fries for extra flavors and a festive look.
Step-by-step-directions
Wash and Peel Parsnips - first, rinse the parsnips under cold water to get rid of any dirt. Trim tops and bottoms. Use a knife or a veggie peeler to remove the thin skin. Same as you would peel the carrots. You should always peel parsnips, especially if eating in large quantities. More details about it at the "tips for success" section.
Cut Parsnips - now, cut parsnips into fries or chips. You can make them thinner or thicker - up to your liking. I keep them thicker, it prevents fries from being too dry and still leaves parsnips with crispy edges to enjoy. First, I cut the vegetable in half. This way helps us to divide a vegetable into wide and narrow chunks. Now, cut each part in half lengthwise. You will basically quarter the vegetable. Slice each quarter into chips. The wide half will have a wider chip, so you may need to slice them in half (see the picture below).
Season - place parsnip fries in a large mixing bowl. Now, add salt, garlic powder, and olive oil. Mix to coat each fries with oil and seasoning. Set seasoned parsnips aside for 10 minutes. They will marinate a little bit and absorb seasoning better.
Air Fry - preheat the air fryer for 3 minutes at 390°F. Now, add parsnip fries distributing them evenly at the bottom of the air fryer basket. Air fry parsnips for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown and soft inside, tossing them halfway, at 390°F. Transfer fries into a bowl or a basket for serving.
Sprinkle with Parmesan and Parsley - this step is optional but grated Parmesan and fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or cilantro) are a good way to dress your cooked parsnip chips when serving for your family or friends. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Dipping sauce instructions
In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, dill pickle brine, Worcestershire sauce, paprika and onion powder.
Serve it with the fries and store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for about one week.
Serving suggestions
- Parsnip fries pair well with many main dishes, such as air fried chicken breasts, meatloaf, lamb chops or pork chops.
- You can serve these parsnip chips with so many dipping sauces: ketchup, honey mustard, blue cheese, BBQ sauce, garlic aioli, or my favorite Utah fry sauce.
Tips for success
- Do not skip peeling your parsnips.
- Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your fries and on your air fryer type.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer.
How to store and reheat
It is best to eat parsnip fries (like any other fries) right away. But if you have some leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat the fries in your air fryer for about 5 minutes at 400°F.
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
If you do not have air fryer, bake seasoned parsnip fries on parchment paper at 400°F for about 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Parsnips are winter root vegetables that go well with pork and poultry. The best spices and herbs to cook with are rosemary, black pepper, garlic, parsley, and sage. Maple syrup and honey pair well with this root vegetable.
More air fryer vegetable recipes
- Air fryer baby potatoes
- Air fryer cubed sweet potatoes
- Air fryer Brussels sprouts
- Air fryer okra
- Air fryer portobello mushrooms
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Parsnip Fries
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer (I used Ninja Brand)
- 1 set of measuring spoons
- 1 large bowl
- 1 Measuring Cup for the sauce
- 1 small bowl for the sauce
Ingredients
Air Fryer Parsnips
- 2 medium parsnips
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 Tablespoon grated Parmesan (optional)
- 1 Tablespoon chipped fresh parsley (optional)
Utah Fries Sauce
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Ketchup
- 2 teaspoons Dill pickle brine or apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon Paprika powder
- ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon Onion Powder
Instructions
Air Fryer Parsnip Fries
- Wash and peel parsnips. Cut them into fries sticks (thin or thick).
- Add salt, garlic powder and olive oil. Mix well to coat. Let them marinate at room temperature for 10 minutes if you are not in a rush. Or cook them right away.
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F for about 5 minutes. Add parsnip fries to the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10-15 minutes at 390°F until parsnip fries are golden brown on top and soft inside. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley on top. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Utah Fries Sauce
- Add all ingredients to the small bowl. Whisk everything with a fork until one creamy consistency. Enjoy with your parsnip fries!
Notes
- you can cut them thin ( french fries) or thick (chips).
- adjust cooking time depending on the fries size and air fryer brand.
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