Caramelized and crispy air fryer parsnips, roasted plain or honey-glazed, make a delicious and easy side dish. Parsnips roast up tender and caramelize in minutes in the air fryer for a naturally sweet side dish that beats the oven every time.
Why you’ll love air fryer parsnips
- They’re ready in a flash. Forget messing with the oven. These air fryer parsnips cook up lightning fast for a fuss-free side on your busiest nights.
- Crispy outside, tender inside. Tender, creamy centers are balanced out with an irresistible crispy shell that adds the ultimate tempting texture. Even veggie-phobes go back for seconds!
- Sweetest parsnips ever. Get that candied sweetness parsnips are known for without any added sugar – the air fryer caramelizes their natural sugars to absolute perfection.
Roasting parsnips in the air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious side dish. Seasoned with a little salt, pepper, and thyme, these air fryer roasted parsnips are a perfect accompaniment to any meal.
Roasted vegetables are delicious at any time of the year, but especially in fall! Here are some other tasty fall vegetable recipes to try: air fryer roasted carrots, air fryer pumpkin, air fryer sweet potato wedges and air fryer roast potatoes.
Scroll down for the printable card for this air fryer parsnip recipe, or read on for all the details.
What do you need?
Parsnips
Choose medium-sized parsnips, that are firm, with no discoloration or soft spots. If the parsnips have tops, make sure they are still fresh and green.
Oil
The recipe below uses light olive oil, but you can substitute another liquid cooking oil with a high smoke point. Try vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil.
Choose a cooking oil with a high smoke point to reduce the chance of your air fryer smoking.
Salt
A sprinkle of salt helps to bring out the natural flavor of the parsnips.
Optional liquid honey
Honey roasted parsnips sounds (and tastes) quite gourmet, but it is actually the easiest recipe to make!
All you need is a little liquid honey. As the parsnips roast in the air fryer, the honey melts down and forms a beautiful sweet brown glaze.
How to roast parsnips in the air fryer
This recipe is very simple to make, but there are a few key steps to get it just right:
- Prepare the parsnips. Peel the parsnips if preferred (this is optional). Trim the tops and bottoms, then you will need to cut them into 2-3 inch long pieces. You can also just cut them lengthwise down the middle into quarters if you prefer.
- Season the parsnips. Toss the parsnip pieces with oil and salt in a large bowl.
- Place parsnips in the air fryer basket. To make honey-roasted parsnips, drizzle a little honey over them before air frying.
- Air fry parsnips. Air fry the parsnips for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket 2-3 times during cooking to redistribute the parsnip chunks, ensuring they cook evenly.
The parsnips are done when they are golden brown and tender. Continue to air-fry for 2-3 minute intervals, if required, until they are cooked to your liking.
Serving ideas
I like to serve air fried parsnips as a side dish to a holiday feast. they go really well with mains like air fryer roast beef, air fryer roast pork, air fryer ham, or air fryer roast lamb.
This is an ideal recipe if you want to cook the main course and the parsnips in the air fryer. Because the cooking time is only 10-15 minutes you can cook them while the meat is resting.
Prepare the parsnips while the meat is cooking in the air fryer, then remove the meat, cover with foil to rest for ten minutes, and air fry parsnips so they will be done just as you are ready to serve the meat.
Leftovers
Store any leftover parsnips in an air-tight container in the refrigerator, and use them within 3 days.
You can reheat them in the air fryer (2-3 minutes @ 360°F/180°C), or just eat them cold as a snack!
Air Fryer Parsnips
Ingredients
- 1 lb / 450 g parsnips
- 2 tablespoons light olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon liquid honey (optional)
Directions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F/ 200°C.
- Cut parsnips into 2-3 inch pieces, and place in a large bowl with the oil and salt. Toss to coat.
- Place parsnips in air fryer basket.
- Optional: drizzle honey over the parsnips.
- Air fry parsnips 10-15 minutes [Note 1] until tender and golden brown.
Notes
- The exact time will depend on how efficient your air fryer is. Check after 10 minutes, and air fry parsnips for longer if they need it.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate and provided for informational purposes only.
