Air Fryer Parsnips
These Air Fryer Parsnips are a tasty and nutritious substitute for fries since they are crispy, have a hint of caramel, and are naturally sweet. They use very little oil, which makes them a guilt-free snack or side dish. Air Fryer Parsnips are a delicious and healthy side dish that turns this often-overlooked root vegetable into a crispy, golden treat. Parsnips are naturally sweet and pair wonderfully with a variety of seasonings.
Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
4 medium parsnips, peeled and cut into even-sized sticks or wedges
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried thyme or dried rosemary
½ tsp paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
¼ tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Parsnips: Peel the parsnips and cut them into sticks or wedges of similar size to ensure even cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps them crisp up better.
Season the Parsnips: In a large bowl, toss the parsnip sticks with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme (or rosemary), paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Make sure the parsnips are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3 minutes. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, simply let it run at the cooking temperature for a few minutes.
Air Fry the Parsnips: Place the seasoned parsnips in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket—cook in batches if necessary to ensure they cook evenly.
Cook: Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the parsnips are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the parsnip sticks and your air fryer model.
Serve: Remove the parsnips from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
As a Side: Serve with roasted meats, fish, or a hearty main course for a nutritious side dish.
With Dips: Pair with a dipping sauce such as garlic aioli, ranch, or a spicy ketchup.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Parsnips:
Uniform Size: Cut the parsnips into even-sized pieces to ensure they cook uniformly.
Avoid Overcrowding: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper air circulation and crispiness.
Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with other seasonings like cumin, curry powder, or chili powder for different flavor profiles
Nutrition Facts: (Per serving, approximately 1 cup of air-fried parsnips, based on 4 servings per recipe)
Calories: ~120 kcal Macronutrients: Carbohydrates: ~25g Dietary fiber: ~5g (supports digestion and gut health) Natural sugars: ~6g Protein: ~2g Fats: ~3.5g (from light oil coating, if used), Healthy unsaturated fats
Additional Nutritious Highlights:
Low in cholesterol and saturated fat
High in fiber, which supports gut health and fullness
Sweet by nature, but less caloric than potatoes
A healthy, lower-calorie substitute for fries, air-fried parsnips provide a tasty crunch with less oil while preserving vital vitamins and minerals. Ideal as a nutritious side dish or snack!