Quick & Easy Air Fryer Parsnips with Parmesan Cheese

These easy Air Fryer Parsnips are the perfect blend of crispy and tender. They're roasted to perfection in just 12 minutes, then finished with grated parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. Enjoy this guilt-free root vegetable as a side dish with your dinner or in place of traditional fresh fries. 

Incorporating root vegetables into your diet is a great way to add extra fiber, vitamins, and minerals. I was inspired to make these because I was looking for a healthy side dish for a roast dinner I was hosting for some family.

These air fryer parsnip fries ended up being the first thing to go, I wish I would have made a double batch. They remind me of traditional french fries but with way less oil than deep frying and more of a sweet flavor. It was such an easy side dish and I'm so excited to share it with you. 

Looking for more healthy air fryer recipes like this one? Try these healthy sides that are the perfect addition to any meal: Air fryer roast potatoes and carrots, air fryer broccoli and cauliflower, air fryer Greek potatoes, and air fryer cauliflower parmesan. 

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Parsnips Recipe
• What Are Parsnips? 
• Ingredient Notes and Substitutions 
• How to Make Air Fryer Parsnips 
• Recipe Tips 
• Air Fryer Parsnips Go Well With... 
• Flavor Variations 
• Storing and Reheating 
• Frequently Asked Questions 
• More Sides
• Quick & Easy Air Fryer Parsnips with Parmesan Cheese

Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Parsnips Recipe

Crispy Perfection: The air fryer gives the parsnips perfect crispy edges while maintaining a tender center. The contrast in textures makes this healthy snack so addicting. 

Quick and Easy: You only need a few simple ingredients and a few steps. It's the perfect side dish if you want something healthy but don't want to spend a lot of time preparing it. The air fryer roast parsnips cook for just 12 minutes! 

Versatile: There are so many ways to enjoy these. They're great on their own with fresh herbs and grated parmesan cheese or can be served with a variety of dipping sauces. Try it with garlic aioli, maple syrup, and mustard to make a homemade honey mustard sauce or even a spicy sriracha ketchup. 

Healthier Option: Skip pan frying or deep frying, you'll only need light olive oil, and a little salt and black pepper to achieve the perfect flavor. By cutting out all the oil, you can expect the calories to be way less and you'll feel a lot better after eating the crispy air fryer parsnips. 

What Are Parsnips? 

Parsnips are a root vegetable closely related to carrots and parsley. They have a creamy-white color and look just like a white carrot. Parsnips have a natural sweetness and earthy flavor, especially when cooked, and their texture becomes tender and satisfying.

They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber making them a great option for a well-balanced diet. This healthy vegetable can be enjoyed with any main course. 

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions 

Parsnips - Choose firm parsnips without soft spots for the best results. Be sure to peel and slice long ways each in a similar size to promote even cooking. Can't find fresh parsnips in the produce area of your grocery store? Try using carrots to make air fryer carrots instead. 

Olive oil - Any cooking oil such as avocado oil or vegetable oil can be used. Only a little oil is used to make the crispy parsnips. 

Seasoned salt and black pepper - To enhance the flavors in the air fryer parsnip recipe. Looking to take things to the next level? A great alternative is cajun seasoning. 

Garlic powder - To enhance flavor. I recommend using garlic powder instead of fresh garlic because the fresh garlic will burn in the air fryer. Onion powder can be substituted or added in addition to the garlic powder. 

Parmesan cheese - Freshly grated is best for these air fry parsnips. 

Fresh Herbs - Choose your favorite herbs. I love to use parsley and dill for air-fried parsnips. You can also use dried herbs like Italian seasoning which would make a great addition to the air fryer parsnips. 

How to Make Air Fryer Parsnips 

Step 1. In a large bowl add parsnips and olive oil. Stir until all the parsnips are evenly coated with the oil. 

Step 2. Add salt and pepper to taste and garlic powder. Stir until well combined. 

Step 3. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. 

Step 4. Add the seasoned parsnips to the air fryer basket in a single layer and air fry at 400 degrees for 12 minutes or until golden brown on the ends. Shake the basket a few times while the parsnips are cooking. 

Step 5. Return the cooked parsnips to the bowl and top with parmesan cheese and your favorite fresh herbs. Toss until well combined. Serve immediately. 

Note: If you have a smaller air fryer you may need to cook the parsnips in batches. If you're not able to lay the parsnips in a single layer at the bottom of the air fryer basket, you may end up with more of a tender texture during the cooking process. This is still a perfect way to enjoy the parsnips. It's worth noting that this recipe will only require one batch if using larger models of air fryers. 

Recipe Tips 

Evenly Cut Pieces: To ensure uniform cooking, cut the parsnips into similar-sized pieces. This helps achieve consistent crispiness and tenderness across all the air-fried parsnips. I find that the best way to achieve this is by slicing long ways but you're welcome to slice into coins to make air fryer parsnip chips instead. Keep in mind how large you cut the parsnips will affect how long they cook. Expect to spend around 10-15 minutes depending on the size of the parsnips. 

Use Spray Oil: Lightly coat the air fryer pan with spray oil to prevent the parsnip pieces from sticking. An important part of cooking vegetables in an air fryer is shaking the basket periodically to promote even cooking and to prevent sticking. 

Preheat the Air Fryer: Just as you would preheat an oven, preheat your air fryer for a few minutes. This helps the parsnips start cooking immediately and contributes to a more consistent result.

Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the parsnips as they cook to prevent overcooking. Air fryers vary, so start checking a couple of minutes before the suggested cooking time to ensure they reach the desired level of crispiness without becoming too browned.

Serve Immediately: Air-fried parsnips are best enjoyed immediately after cooking to maintain their crispiness. If you need to keep them warm before serving, consider placing them in a low-temperature oven. 

Air Fryer Parsnips Go Well With... 

Flavor Variations 

Honey-Roasted Parsnips: Create a sweet and savory combination by coating parsnip pieces with a mix of honey, and a pinch of salt before air frying. When they're done cooking, garnish with fresh orange zest for a delicious zesty finish. 

Spicy Paprika: Add some heat with a mixture of smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and a touch of garlic powder for a spicy kick to your air-fried parsnips.

Curry Turmeric: Infuse an exotic twist by seasoning parsnips with curry powder, ground turmeric, and a bit of coconut oil for a flavorful and mildly spicy option.

Rosemary Lemon Zest: Combine fresh rosemary, lemon zest, and a drizzle of olive oil for a zesty and refreshing twist on your air-fried parsnips.

Parmesan Truffle: Elevate the richness by tossing air-fried parsnips in truffle oil instead of olive oil, grated Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of black pepper for a luxurious and savory treat.

Storing and Reheating 

The great thing about leftover parsnips is that they store and reheat very well. To store air-fried parsnips, allow them to cool to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Allowing them to cool will prevent excess moisture build up which can cause them to become soggy. You can also store in the freezer for 2-3 months. 

For reheating, options include using the oven or toaster oven for around 10-15 minutes at 350°F to maintain crispiness, the air fryer for a few minutes at the same temperature while monitoring for browning, or the microwave for a quick but less crispy option. Adding a drizzle of oil or melted butter before reheating can help restore moisture. Adjust seasoning as needed after reheating for a delightful and convenient snack or side dish.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Do I need to peel parsnips before cooking? 

I recommend peeling the parsnips. While the skin is edible and contains nutrients, it may have a slightly tougher texture compared to the flesh. Fresh, young parsnips can often be enjoyed with the skin on after a thorough wash in cold water, providing added texture and nutritional benefits. However, for larger or older parsnips, or if you prefer a smoother texture, peeling is recommended. 

Why are my parsnips bitter after air frying? 

There are a few reasons this could happen. The most common reason is that you're using older parsnips. If you're using older parsnips, I recommend thorough peeling and removing the fibrous outer layer completely. 

How do you know when the parsnips are done cooking? 

Ideally, the parsnips should have golden brown edges and can easily be pierced with a fork. 

When is the best time to enjoy parsnips? 

Parsnips are typically in season during the fall and winter months, with their peak harvest period spanning from late fall to early spring. The cooler temperatures enhance their natural sweetness and improve their flavor. T

o get the best flavor and nutrients from your parsnips, enjoy them during the winter months when they are at their freshest and most abundant. Consuming parsnips during their peak season ensures that you're getting the highest quality and most flavorful produce. 

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