Air Fryer Parsnips

Name: Air Fryer Parsnips
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 500g/ 1 lb parsnips; 1 tablespoon olive oil or olive oil spray; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; Fresh parsley, to garnish; 1 tablespoon tahini; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; Pinch of garlic powder; Salt + pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons cold water, to thin

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These air fryer parsnips are crispy on the outside, tender inside, and use minimal oil. A healthy alternative to french fries and easy side dish.

Air fried parsnips on a plate with tahini sauce and parsley.

Have you roasting parsnips in the air fryer? They are a fantastic healthy alternative to French fries using a fraction of the oil you’d normally use! They get crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making delicious and wholesome side dish that your family will enjoy.

While they are delicious on their own, I love drizzling them with lemon tahini sauce and herbs. It’s a such great way to elevate a simple dish. Whether for busy weeknights or a satisfying snack, feel free to customise the seasoning with whatever you have in your pantry!

Cooked parsnips on a plate with tahini sauce and parsley.

Ingredients you’ll need

You’ll need 3 key ingredients to make these air fryer parsnips recipe plus some seasonings for flavour.

Parsnips - Choose medium-sized, firm parsnips with smooth skin, avoiding large ones or those with soft spots and discolouration.. If your parsnips still have tops, make sure they are green and fresh.
Oil: I prefer extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil spray to evenly coat the veggies.
Seasonings: I used a simple blend of garlic powder, salt and pepper to season my parsnips but you can really use any spices that you like.
Optional: I love serving them with a drizzle of tahini sauce and parsley. It’s so yum!

Complete list of ingredients and amounts is located on the recipe card below.

How to make air fryer parsnips

Peel the parsnips and slice them into 3-4 long diagonal pieces, depending on size.

Toss the parsnips with oil and seasonings in a large bowl.

Place them in the air fryer basket and cook for 12-15 minutes at 200°C/ 400°F. Shake the basket occasionally for even cooking.

Meanwhile, combine tahini sauce ingredients in a small jar, shake well until creamy.

Arrange the cooked parsnips on a plate, drizzle with tahini, and sprinkle with parsley. Serve and enjoy!

Tips and tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks for making this recipe:

Size: How you cut your parsnips will depend on how big they are. You might be able to just slice them lengthways in to 4 pieces, but if that is too big then half the whole parsnips so you have a top and bottom and then cut each of those into 4.
Uniformity: Cut the parsnips into similar-sized pieces so that they cook evenly.
Thorough Mixing:Make sure everything is well mixed in the bowl so all the parsnips are fully coated.
Peeling Preference: I like to peel the parsnips, but you can really leave the skins on if you prefer. Just make sure to wash them well first.
Oil: I like to use olive or avocado oil spray for this recipe because it evenly coats all the veggies. But you can drizzle with oil if you prefer.
Seasonings: Instead of garlic powder + dried mixed herbs you can also use paprika, cumin, coriander powder or your favourite spice blend.

How to store

Leftover air fryer parsnips can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place them in the air fryer basket and cook for a few minutes until they are warmed through. However they won’t be crispy so we prefer to re-purpose them and use them in a different meal.

Recipe FAQ

Do I need to par boil the parsnips?

No, there is no need to par-boil them. While par-boiling could reduce the cooking time, we skip this step to keep the air fryer parsnips simple and easy.

Can I make air fryer parsnips in advance?

Absolutely, you can cut the parsnips, coat them in oil and seasonings, and store them in a bowl in the fridge for a few hours until you're ready to cook.

Do I need to peel parsnips before cooking?

Peeling parsnips is optional and depends on personal preference. The skin is edible but may have a slightly tougher texture. Peel for a smoother finish or leave the skins on for a more rustic feel, ensuring they are well-washed.

What is the best way to reheat air fryer parsnips?

The best way to reheat them is in the air fryer. Just place them in the air fryer basket and cook for a few minutes until they are warmed through. You may need to add a little bit more oil before reheating.

Other air fryer recipes to try

Air Fryer Frozen Brussels Sprouts

Air Fryer Frozen Cauliflower

Air Fryer Cucumbers

Air Fryer Broccoli & Cauliflower Parmesan

If you try this air fryer parsnips recipe or have a question, please let me know! Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think, or any changes you make.