Air Fryer Turnip Fries

Name: Air Fryer Turnip Fries
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 small turnips, ends trimmed and peeled; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (or avocado oil); 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

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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 and air fried until golden brown. Serve them with ketchup or chipotle dip for a delicious snack, appetizer or side dish!

Turnip fries served on a tray with some dips.

If you’re looking for an alternative to classic french fries, you’ll want to give these turnip fries a try. They’re not crispy like traditional fries, but they get the most delicious caramelized edges in the air fryer.

They’re so good, I’ve been eating them straight out of the air fryer basket!

Once you give them a try, be sure to check out these butternut squash home fries and these pumpkin fries. They’re both seasonal favourites that we love to prepare in the air fryer!

Why you’ll love this recipe

These fries only require 5 basic ingredients and take just 12 minutes in the air fryer.
You can enjoy them for a snack with your favourite dip, or pair them with a turkey burger or air fried cod for some healthier fish and chips.
Turnips are not too pricey and they’re readily available. While they’re normally harvested in the fall and winter, you can usually find them at the grocery store year round.

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, colour and taste.

Turnips are smaller than rutabagas with white flesh and white and purple skin. They also have a peppery flavour, 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.

Raw turnip fries on a wooden cutting board with dishes of oil and seasonings on the side.

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 flavour, 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 1/2-inch thick rounds and slice each round into 1/4-inch thick slices.

Add the fries to a bowl and toss with oil and seasonings until well coated.

Raw turnip fries in a glass bowl with oil and seasonings on top.

Arrange in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd the fries.

Seasoned raw turnip fries arranged in a single layer in an air fryer basket.

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.

Air fried turnip fries in an air fryer basket.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best temperature to air fry turnip fries?

Turnip fries cook quickly, so you’ll want to set your air fryer to 400F so they’re browned on the outside and not overcooked in the middle.

How long does it take to air fry turnip fries?

At 400F degrees, these turnip fries should only take about 12 minutes in the air fryer, especially if they’re arranged in a single layer. If you overlap or crowd the fries, they will take a few minutes longer to cook. If you cut the fries into thicker slices, they’ll also need a few extra minutes to cook.

Why are my turnip fries not crispy?

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.

How do you store and reheat leftover turnip fries?

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.

Can you use different seasonings for this recipe?

Absolutely! To keep the smokey flavour and add a little heat, try using chili powder or chipotle powder. If you enjoy more savoury seasonings, you can use more garlic powder or onion powder, or even dried herbs like oregano and basil.

What pairs well with turnip fries?

For snacking, try these fries with ketchup, chipotle dip or jalapeño dip. For meals, serve them on the side with air fryer burgers, salmon patties or butternut squash quiche!

Close up of air fryer turnip fries with chopped parsley sprinkled on top.

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 recipes

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below!

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