Crispy Air Fryer Parsnip Fries
If you’re looking for an easy way to make perfectly roasted parsnips in less time, you’re in the right place. Air fryer parsnips turn out golden and caramelized on the outside, soft and slightly sweet on the inside; all in about 20 minutes. They make a quick, flavorful side dish or a fun alternative to French fries, and all you need are a few simple ingredients.
As a recipe developer and former meal prep business owner, I’ve tested just about every way to cook vegetables, and the air fryer wins every time for speed and texture. I’ve been making parsnip fries for years (they’re one of my favorite fall sides), and this air fryer version is hands-down the easiest way to get that perfect crispy edge without any fuss.
If you love how easy it is to make crispy, caramelized vegetables in the air fryer, you’ll definitely want to try my Air Fryer Carrot Fries, Air Fryer Butternut Squash, and Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges next. Each recipe uses simple ingredients, cooks up quickly, and makes the perfect side dish for any meal, from weeknight dinners to weekend meal prep.
Ingredient spotlight
Here are a few things to know about parsnips before you get started. You’ll find the full ingredient list and measurements in the recipe card below.
- Parsnips – These look like white carrots and have a naturally nutty, slightly sweet flavor that becomes caramelized and tender when roasted. Look for firm parsnips without soft spots.
How to make air fryer parsnips
Start by peeling and cutting the parsnips into fries. Typically, I can get 8-12 fries from one parsnip (depending on the size and thickness). Check out the steps below on how to cut a parsnip into fries for more details.
Put the peeled and cut parsnips in a large bowl. Drizzle the parsnips with oil and add the spices. Stir well.
Once the parsnips are coated in the spice blend, put them in the air fryer basket. It is ok if they overlap a bit, as you will shake the basket a few times while roasting.
Turn the air fryer on 390F for 13-16 minutes (depending on how thick your fries are).
After 8 minutes, pause the air fryer and shake the basket well. Resume cooking, pausing again 1-2 times to shake the basket again.
Around 13 minutes of cooking time, keep a close eye on the parsnips. If you cut thin fries, they are likely done, if you cut thicker fries, they may need the entire 16 minutes.
Once done cooking, eat immediately, as the air fryer parsnips do start to get soft the longer they sit out.
Tips for success
- Parsnips are sweetest in winter, so if you can, buy them during the colder months for the best flavor.
- Use whatever spices you love! This recipe is very versatile and can be customized to match your meal or mood (try cumin for smoky flavor, curry powder for warmth, or cinnamon for a touch of sweetness).
- If doubling the recipe, use the oven instead of the air fryer, since overcrowding the basket will cause uneven cooking.
- If cooking in batches, remember the second batch will cook faster since the air fryer is already hot.
Crispy Air Fryer Parsnips – Ready in 15 Minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound parsnips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Start by peeling the parsnips. Then cut them into fries. To do this you will want to cut the parsnip in half where it starts to thicken. Cut the bottom piece in half lenghtwise, then in half again, you will get 4 pieces out of the bottom.Cut the top piece in half lenghtwise, then in 3-4 fries per half. You will get 6-8 fries out of the top.1 pound parsnips
- Add the parsnip fries to a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and the spices.1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Stir well, ensuring all pieces are coated in olive oil and spices.
- Put the parsnips in the air fryer basket. Cook at 390F for 13-16 minutes (depending on how thick your parsnips are).
- After 8 minutes of cooking, pause the air fryer and shake the basket. Resume cooking. Pause the air fryer again 1-2 more times during the last 5-8 minutes.
- Around the 13 minute mark of cooking, check the parsnips. They may be done (the ends are browning and crsipy) or they may need 2-3 more minutes.
- Serve hot.
Equipment
Recipe Notes
- Cut the parsnips into even pieces so they cook evenly and finish at the same time.
- Cook 13–16 minutes at 390°F, adjusting based on your air fryer and the thickness of the fries.
- Coat with oil, don’t spray. Tossing the parsnips with olive oil or avocado oil helps the spices stick and gives that caramelized, golden finish.
- Fridge: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. T
- Air fryer: Reheat parsnips in the air fryer at 375F for 3-5 minutes to heat them through and crisp up the exterior.
Nutrition Information
How to serve parsnip fries
Air fryer parsnip fries make the perfect side dish for just about any meal. I love serving them with buffalo grilled shrimp, shredded Cajun chicken lettuce wraps, or black bean burgers for a balanced and flavorful dinner. They’re also great on their own as a snack — I almost always pair them with ketchup or a creamy homemade vegan chipotle mayo for dipping.
Other spices to use
These spice blends are an easy way to change the flavor so you are guaranteed to never get bored of these air fryer parsnips:
- Taco seasoning – Omit the smoked paprika and add 2 teaspoons of taco seasoning.
- Cajun Seasoning – omit the smoked paprika and add 2 teaspoons of cajun seasoning.
- Italian Seasoning – Omit the smoked paprika and add 2 teaspoons of italian seasoning.
- Ranch Seasoning – omit the smoked paprika and add 2 teaspoons dried chives, ¾ teaspoon dried parsley and ½ teaspoon dried dill.
- Salt + Fresh Rosemary + Hot Honey (or Maple Syrup) – omit the smoked paprika and add 1 tablespoon fresh chopped rosemary, and 1-2 tablespoons of hot honey or maple syrup.
Common question
Can you make parsnip fries in the oven?
Yes. This is the method I recommend if you are making a large batch.
To cook parsnip fries in the oven, cut the parsnips into fries, coat with oil and spices and bake in a 450F oven for 25 minutes. Turning them with about 10 minutes left of cooking.
Check out all my tips and tricks on how to make the perfect roasted parsnips in the oven.
