With a smokey and garlicky seasoning, you won't be able to stop eating these Air Fryer Turnip Fries! They're coated in a simple seasoning of salt, garlic powder and smoked paprika and air fried until golden brown. They only require 5 basic ingredients and take just 12 minutes in the air fryer. If you're looking for an alternative to classic french fries, you'll want to give them try. They're not crispy like traditional fries, but they get the most delicious caramelized edges in the air fryer. I usually can't stop eating them straight out of the air fryer basket! Serve them with ketchup or chipotle dip for a delicious snack, appetizer or side dish!
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Table of Contents
Once you give them a try, be sure to check out these butternut squash home fries and these air fryer pumpkin fries. They're both seasonal favorites that we love to prepare in the air fryer!
What's the difference between a turnip and a rutabaga?
Turnip and rutabaga are often used interchangeably in recipes. (In fact, when I was growing up, we only ever ate rutabaga but we called it turnip).
Both are root vegetables but they differ in size, color and taste.
Turnips are smaller than rutabagas with white flesh and white and purple skin. They also have a peppery flavor, similar to radishes.
Rutabagas, on the other hand, are larger than turnips with yellow flesh and yellow and purplish skin. They also have a sweeter taste.
Details on the ingredients
- Turnip - You'll need two small turnips for this recipe (or about 2 cups of turnip fries).
- Oil - You can use avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil.
- Seasonings - You just need a mix of salt, garlic powder and smoked paprika. (For the smoky flavor, make sure you're using smoked paprika and not regular paprika).
How to make turnip fries in the air fryer
Trim both ends off the turnips and peel them.
Cut the turnips into ½-inch thick rounds and slice each round into ¼-inch thick slices.
Add the fries to a bowl and toss with oil and seasonings until well coated.
Arrange in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd the fries.
Air fry at 400F for 8 minutes. Flip the fries over and air fry for another 3-4 minutes, or until the fries are golden brown and tender.
Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
Turnips contain more moisture than potatoes, so they won't get crispy like french fries but you will get some caramelized edges. If your turnip fries are too soft or even soggy, it could mean that they were crowded in the air fryer basket or they were overcooked. For the best results, air fry them in a single layer and remove them once they're tender in the middle.
I think these turnip fries are best enjoyed right away. If you have leftovers, just store them in a covered container in the fridge. They should last for 2-3 days. To reheat them, you can place them in the air fryer on 400F for 2-3 minutes, or spread them out on a baking sheet and heat them in the oven.
Absolutely! To keep the smokey flavor and add a little heat, try using chili powder or chipotle powder. If you enjoy more savory seasonings, you can use more garlic powder or onion powder, or even dried herbs like oregano and basil.
Key recipe tips
- Even cooking. Be sure to cut your turnip fries into roughly the same size slices. If you cut them into different sizes, they will cook unevenly. You'll also want to flip the fries after about 8 minutes to ensure they brown evenly on both sides.
- Avoid soggy fries. Be sure to air fry them in a single layer so air can circulate around the fries more evenly. If they're too close together, they will generate steam and will not caramelize around the edges. You should also be careful not to overcook the fries. They will not get crispy the longer you air fry them, but they will get mushy.
- Size of air fryer. I used a Cosori 5.8 quart air fryer for this recipe, which is large enough to air fry the entire batch of fries in a single layer. If your air fryer is smaller, you will need to air fry the fries in two batches.
- Type of air fryer. If you have a different brand or model of air fryer, you may need to adjust the temperature and/or air frying time slightly.
- Preheating air fryer. I preheated my air fryer for 5 minutes at 400F before adding the fries. If your air fryer requires preheating, make sure you do that first.
- Double batch. This recipe makes enough for 1-2 servings. You can double the recipe, but you'll want to air fry the fries in two batches. You can air fry them all at once, but they will take a few minutes longer and will not caramelize around the edges. (They may even end up soggy).
Other air fryer vegatable recipes
- Air Fryer Kale Chips
- Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
- Air Fryer Carrots
- Air Fryer Beets
- Air Fryer Radishes
- Air Fryer Peppers and Onions
If you make this recipe, I'd love to hear what you think in the comments below!
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📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Turnip Fries
Ingredients
- 2 small turnips, ends trimmed and peeled
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, (or avocado oil)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer at 400F for 5 minutes.
- Trim both ends off the turnips and peel them.
- Cut the turnips into ½-inch rounds and slice each round into ¼-inch slices. (You should get about 2 cups of fries).
- Add the fries to a bowl and toss with oil and seasonings.
- Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them.
- Air fry at 400F for 8 minutes. Flip the fries and air fry for another 3-4 minutes, or until the fries are golden brown and tender with caramelized edges.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Be sure to cut your turnip fries into roughly the same size slices so they air fry evenly.
- If you cut the fries into larger slices, they will take longer to air fry.
- To prevent your fries from getting soggy, be sure to air fry them in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to air fry them in two batches.
- This recipe was made in a Cosori 5.8 quart air fryer. If you have a different brand or model air fryer, you may need to adjust the temperature and/or air frying time slightly.
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Nutrition Facts per Serving
Disclaimer
Nutrition information is an estimate only and will vary depending on the substitutions made and the brands used.
Did you make this recipe or have any questions?
I love reading your comments and addressing your questions, so please leave your comments and ratings or questions below!
Coral says
These were absolutely amazing! I honestly don’t mind that they’re not super crispy. The flavor is great and it’s nice to find another low carb alternative to regular fries. I’ve been making Jicama fries for a while but finding this recipe for Turnip fries has changed my life. It’s so much easier and tastes delicious 😋 Thanks for the recipe!
Leanne says
Hi Coral! I'm so glad you're enjoying the recipe. Thanks for letting me know!
Shalisha Alston says
I made this. But it took at least 30 minutes to air fry. But they were delicious. I put ketchup on them.
Leanne says
Thanks Shalisha. I'm glad you enjoyed them!
Leane says
I am glad to have found your air fryer recipes. My name is Leane, surprise! I only have one N in my name.😃 any ideas. On how to make the fries more crispy?
Leanne says
Hi Leane! I'm glad you found my air fryer recipes too! In my experience, the turnip fries won't get as crispy as regular fries. I find spacing them out in the air fryer helps achieve slightly crispy edges. You could try lightly dusting them with cornstarch before air frying them. While I haven't tried it with turnip fries, I use this trick with my air fryer potato slices recipe. It might help get the turnip fries a little crispier. Let me know if you give it a try!
Ben | Havocinthekitchen says
I love turnips, but I often struggle with ideas what to make with it. Well, you've just solved one of my culinary questions) Needless to say, they look terrific!
Leanne says
I'm glad you think so! Thanks Ben.
Terry says
I have been loving your air fryer recipes! Keep them coming. A simple and delicious dish perfect for fall meals. These would definitely pair well with that chipotle dip.
Leanne says
Thanks so much Terry! Definitely works well with the chipotle dip!
Shay says
They're squishy, but they're yummy! I just ate them with a fork. Perfect for a low carb dinner!