These Air Fryer Parsnips are a revelation! Whether you want Skinny Parsnip Fries (my favourite) , Chunkier Parsnip Chips or Roasted Parsnips, the method is super simple and very delicious. Using the air fryer is faster than using the oven, plus you need less oil than if you are roasting or deep frying.
Root vegetables like parsnips abound in autumn and winter, and usually I like to roast them, however now instead of turning the oven on every time my veggie box people send me a bunch of parsnips, I pop them into the air fryer. They make excellent chips, great skinny fries and of course, you can make chunkier glazed parsnips too.
I've really been going to town with my air fryer recently, so why not also try my Rutabaga/ Spicy Swede Chips that are made in it. Or these excellent Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes. I promise you'll soon be as obsessed as I am.
I find that making veggies in the air fryer is great when you want to have them as a side to a Veggie Sunday Lunch, so why not try this same air fryer method with these ?
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🥕Ingredients
Depending on how you would like to season your parsnips, you only need a few simple ingredients.
- Basic Roasted Parsnips
- Fresh Parsnips: Parsnips are a really sturdy root vegetable that are related to carrots. They last well throughout winter so will often pop up in CSA or other Veg Box schemes in the colder months. They're also a great vegetable to try if you want fresh veggies that keep well. I love how parsnips have a sweet, slightly earthy flavour that roasts (or air fries) beautifully.
- Olive Oil: Choose light olive oil, or regular, or actually, any oil you prefer. You only need a few drops with the air fryer. The oil helps to caramelize the edges, which I assure you is the best part of the air-fried parsnip experience!
- A little Flakey Sea Salt: To offset the sweetness of the parsnips. Use a small sprinkle of regular or kosher salt if you prefer.
- Spicy Parsnip Fries or Chips
- Fresh Parsnips
- Olive Oil
- A little Flakey Sea Salt
- Your choice of spices: Oregano, chilli flakes, smoked paprika are my favourite.
- Glazed Maple 'Honey' Parsnips (See this recipe for further ideas 'Honey' Maple Roasted Carrots and Parsnips)
- Fresh Parsnips
- Olive Oil
- A little Flakey Sea Salt
- Maple Syrup : a little maple syrup, date syrup or brown sugar will help the parsnips 'glaze' and become even more caramelised.
- Thyme : a perfect Parsnip partner.
See recipe card for quantities.
👩🍳Instructions
The instructions are very similar for whichever way you are choosing to prepare the parsnips:
- Roasted parsnips: Peel and chop the parsnips. Halve any huge ones.
- Chunkier roasted parsnip chips: Peel and chop the parsnips. Chop into larger long chip shapes.
- Parsnip 'fries' : peel and chop the parsnips into long skinny 'fry' shapes.
1.Peel the parsnips and chop off their tops.
2. Chop the parsnips into their desired shape. (Chunky, halved or fries)
3. Lightly sprinkle oil and the seasonings over the parsnips. Massage in so they are all covered.
4. Place into the air fryer basket. All need around 15-18 minutes at 190C/375F. Shake occasssionally. Check and cook for 2-3 minutes more depending on how crispy you like them!
Hint: The cooking time will vary according to the air fryer you have and how crispy you want the parsnips.
Substitutions & Variations
- Oven Baked: You can choose to use your oven instead of the air fryer. Pre-heat to 200C and cook for 25-30 minutes on an oven proof tray. Check and cook longer as needed.
- Frozen Parsnips: If you buy your parsnips frozen, you can cook them directly in the air fryer. Adjust the timing to suit you.
- Baharat- a spice mix used throughout the Middle East. I like it because it's savoury and fragrant with a subtle kick. Made with paprika, cardamom, cumin, and nutmeg amongst other spices.
- Fajita Spice- For some reason I always have a jar of something called Fajita spice in my spice cupboard, and I'm not sure how it gets there. It is great for sprinkling on chips though!
- Curry Spices- A little sprinkle of garam masala is delicious with parsnips.
- Cheesy Vegan 'Parmesan' - Add garlic powder and nutritional yeast and toss with the hot parsnips chips as they leave the air fryer.
🔪Equipment
This recipe is designed to be made in an air fryer. I love my Ninja Foodie Grill and Air fryer, so can personally recommend that! Otherwise you can just use your oven. Either method will create great results.
🥫Storage
Eat the parsnips straight away for the best bite. If you have leftovers, you can store them in the fridges for up to 3 days. They are fine to eat cold (standing at the fridge. I won't judge) Or you can reheat for a few minutes in the air fryer. (they will get crispier, but that's ok!)
I do not suggest freezing this recipe.
❗Top tip
How chunky and how crunchy you want to serve these parsnips, is up to you! Adjust the timing in the air fryer by 2 minutes at a time and check as you go the first time you make these so you can have them exactly how you like them to be.
❓FAQ
No, you do not need to par boil the parsnips first. Just chop and roast or air fry.
Yes they are absolutely delicious! Not only that it is speedier than oven roasting.
You need to cook them for longer if they are not crispy. Remember to shake or toss the parsnips in the basket, and add extra time until they are crispy to your liking.
Small or baby parsnips do not need peeling, however I like to peel larger ones as the peel can be tough and dirty.
Other Air Fryer Recipes
Looking for other recipes made in the air fryer? You should check these out!
What to eat with...
If you're making fries, you should pair them with a burger!
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Parsnips (Fries, Chips or Roasted)
Equipment
Ingredients Note:
For accuracy, I measure all ingredients in metric as standard, then convert and test the recipe for American cup measurements etc.
(Heads up Aussie and UK readers- your measurements in cups are sometimes different, so please use metric or check you have the correct cup and spoon type!!)
Ingredients
- 500 g (1 lb) Parsnips (3-4 parsnips )
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon flakey sea salt
- 1 teaspoon chilli
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- other optional spices
Instructions
- Peel the parsnips and chop into chip sized pieces. (or smaller skinny fries)500 g Parsnips
- Toss the parsnips in the oil, salt and spices of choice so it is evenly coated.1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon flakey sea salt, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, other optional spices, 1 teaspoon chilli
- Put in the air fryer basket then cook in the air fryer at 190°C/ 375°F for 15 - 18 minutes.
- Alternatively put onto lined oven sheet and roast for 30-35 minutes, turning once at 200°C/ 380°F,
- Serve with your favourite dip or as part of a bigger meal.
Notes
- Oven Baked: You can choose to use your oven instead of the air fryer. Pre-heat to 200C and cook for 25-30 minutes on an oven proof tray. Check and cook longer as needed.
- Frozen Parsnips: If you buy your parsnips frozen, you can cook them directly in the air fryer. Adjust the timing to suit you.
- Baharat- a spice mix used throughout the Middle East. I like it because it's savoury and fragrant with a subtle kick. Made with paprika, cardamom, cumin, and nutmeg amongst other spices.
- Fajita Spice- For some reason I always have a jar of something called Fajita spice in my spice cupboard, and I'm not sure how it gets there. It is great for sprinkling on chips though!
- Curry Spices- A little sprinkle of garam masala is delicious with parsnips.
- Cheesy Vegan 'Parmesan' - Add garlic powder and nutritional yeast and toss with the hot parsnips chips as they leave the air fryer.
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