This recipe yields parsnips that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside with an incredible sweet and nutty flavour. I have dressed my parsnips with orange and mustard for a festive touch, but you can absolutely make plain parsnips by following the method below and omitting the dressing. Included are some seasoning alternatives so you can mix it up every time you prepare air fryer parsnip chips! I love the winter season in the UK, humble vegetables like carrots, potato and cauliflower are available in abundance and also cheaply! The air fryer is used in full swing to make Air Fryer Potato Slices, Air Fryer Indian Potatoes, Air Fryer Cheesy Potatoes and Air Fryer Garlic Fries, Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries.
Why you should make these:
Easy air fryer recipe – this is a great recipe for air fryer beginners as there are minimal steps involved
Perfectly crispy all over – the Air Fryer is my favourite way to cook vegetables – no need to worry about turning baking trays halfway through cooking as in the air fryer, hot air circulates all around the food equally. Because the air fryer cooks fast, the vegetables do not dry out and overcook.
Healthier than potato chips/fries – these parsnips are a great way to increase nutrition to your meal and make for a delicious vegetable side dish
Less oil – the air fryer is a great option compared with deep frying as only a bit of oil is required
Fibre – this great side dish is an easy way to increase more fibre in the diet
Great for the whole family – kids will love these sweet air fryer parsnips as a healthy alternative. Parsnips contain less carbohydrates than potatoes.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Parsnips with Honey and Mustard
Full list with measurements available in the recipe card below. You can jazz up these parsnips with the dressing or use simple ingredients, either way, the end product is absolutely delicious!
Parsnips
Parsnips are a root vegetable. They have a sweet flavor and are closely linked to carrots. They have a long taproot which is cream-coloured. The best Parsnip season in the UK is winter although they are available throughout the year. Use the freshest parsnips where possible as they have the best flavour. Look for parsnips that are firm, the skin is not bruised or discoloured, and they shouldn’t smell off. I love to roast parsnips but they’re also great added to sups like this Roasted Cauliflower, Parsnip and Walnut Soup
Oil – I have used olive oil but you can also use avocado oil, sunflower oil or cooking oil spray
Dressing:
Wholegrain mustard – alternatively, use the creamy mustard such as English mustard or Dijon mustard.
Maple syrup – Maple syrup enhances the sweetness of the parsnips and makes them so irresistible! You can use maple syrup, agave or honey.
Orange juice and zest – as an alternative, you can use lemon juice
Garnish: (optional)
Toasted almond flakes
Pomegranate Arils or dried Cranberries
Thyme
Variations of seasoned parsnips: Garlic powder Onion powder Taco seasoning Italian seasoning Fresh rosemary
How to make Parsnips in the Air Fryer
I have used the Instant Pot Vortex Air Fryer Firstly, prepare the dressing for later: Whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, orange zest and juice, wholegrain mustard, a little salt and pepper in a jar or small bowl. Prepare the parsnip chips: Wash the parsnips under cold water to remove the dirt. Peel parsnips and cut into fries or chips using a sharp knife. Ensure all chips are roughly the same size for even cooking. You can choose whether to keep the parsnips chunky or thin. The thinner the cut, the more caramelised and crunchier the end product will be. In a large bowl, toss the cut parsnips with the dressing until well coated. Arrange the parsnips in the bottom of the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air Fry at 200 Celsius or 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time is approximately 7-15 minutes depending on the size of your parsnips. Essentially, what you are looking for is crispy edges and the parsnips are golden brown all over. Mine took 7-8 minutes so I would check on the parsnips at half time and give them a little shake. Note that the second batch may cook faster as the air fryer will be hot by the time the first batch has finished cooking. Do not leave the veggies in the air fryer closed as the heat will continue cooking.
Tips
Do not overcrowd the basket as this will steam the parsnips rather than air fry them Thinner slices will give you crispy fries whereas thick chunks of parsnip will give you softer chips.
Serving Suggestions:
Parsnips are great served alongside a main course such as cauliflower cheese, nut roast or a hearty pie. You can also enjoy them as a snack with your favorite dipping sauce such as: Bread Sauce Hummus – I love this festive Chestnut Hummus Garlic aioli Thousand Island dressing
Storage
Parsnip fries are best eaten fresh but they can be stored away for later. Once cool, place in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in the air fryer, oven or microwave until hot through. I do not recommend freezing as the parsnips will loose their texture on defrosting.
Other Thanksgiving and Christmas Recipes
Air fryer Donut Holes (for a quick and easy breakfast) Air fryer Chestnut Instant Pot Baby Potatoes (Garlic and Thyme) Easy Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce Egg-free Nog Homemade Billionaire’s Hot Chocolate Homemade Billionaire’s Latte Loaded Cauliflower Cheese Balls Creamy Broccoli and Pear Soup Vegan Thyme Oatcakes As always if you make this recipe, be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe and tag me on Instagram @jcookingodyssey or #jcookingodyssey. I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations! Don’t forget to follow me on social media using the buttons below – I can’t wait to see you all there!
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