Air-Fryer Turnip Fries Recipe (2024)

Alisa InfantiPublished:Updated:

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Turnip Fries – a healthier twist on a traditional french fry made with nutrient-rich and lower-carb turnips roasted in an air-fryer or convection oven. Plus, I have added a low-fat high protein chipotle dip to make it even tastier!

Air-Fryer Turnip Fries Recipe (1)

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I don’t know about you but I love french fries! I mean I really love them! But they aren’t exactly the best thing to be eating when you are trying to lose weight. And let’s face it fried food isn’t the best thing to be eating ever really.

Losing weight for me has never been easy so I have recently gone back to my roots and started tracking my calories. Not something I plan to do forever but every once in a while it is good to reset and see where I have fallen off track. When Culinary Tools asked me to partner with them to review their new Weight Loss Calculator I jumped at the chance. I found this tool to be full of great information.

Under the Nutrition Tab, is where you will find your calories per day suggestions by carbs, fat, and proteins. It then clearly breaks out how many calories and the macro split to eat per meal, not just per day which if find super helpful and you can adjust this by how many meals you plan to eat per day. I eat only 4 meals because I usually fast in the morning until about 11:00 so this feature is fantastic!

Air-Fryer Turnip Fries Recipe (2)

I learned to love turnip fries first by eating sweet potato fries but they are still quite high in carbohydrates. Then a friend told me that she had fallen in love with turnip fries. At first, I was like hell no. Turnips? To be honest, at the time I had no idea what a turnip tasted like. I just know that most people turn their noses up at them so I went right there. No way!

So What Do Turnips Taste like?

Turnips are actually very similar in my opinion to the flavor and texture of sweet potatoes. When air-fried or baked they become soft and sweet with crispy edges. They do have a slightly spicier taste to them than a sweet potato though which I really like.

When eaten raw they taste like a cross between a cabbage and a radish with a slightly bitter flavor and a texture much like a potato. Eaten this way you can add them to salads or as a crunchy veggie to munch on.

Are turnips lower-Carb than potatoes?

Turnips are much lower-carb than potatoes. One cup of cubed turnip is about 4.2 g of carbohydrates whereas the same size serving of russet potatoes is 13.5 g of carbs. That is about 1/3 less! Click here for a more in-depth comparison of turnips vs. potatoes.

Air-Fryer Turnip Fries Recipe (3)

Ingredients you will need for Turnip fries:

  • 2 lbs turnips
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Low-Fat Chipotle Salsa Dip ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup smooth cottage cheese
  • 1/4 cup salsa
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp chipotle chilli powder

How To make French Fried Turnips

To make the chipotle salsa dip simply add all the ingredients to a small bowl and mix well until combined. Serve alongside the air-fried turnips.

Now I am not going to profess that this turnip fries recipe is as good as actual french fries straight out of a fryer. But as a low-carb substitute or healthy snack idea, they hit the spot. Turnips have higher water content and are much less starchy than an actual potato so they will never get as crispy but the sweet flavor and crispy edges when air-fried are really good.

Some of my other favorite healthy snacks with a twist are:

  • Air-Fryer Korean BBQ Cauliflower Wings
  • Snickerdoodle Dessert Hummus
  • Warm Cherry Greek Yogurt Parfait
Air-Fryer Turnip Fries Recipe (7)

Air-Fryer Turnip Fries Recipe (8)

Air Fryer Turnip Fries

Alisa Infanti | The Delicious Spoon

Turnip – Fries are a healthier twist on a traditional french fry made with nutrient-rich, low-carb turnips and roasted in an air fryer or convection oven.

4.44 from 32 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine 21 Day Fix, American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 192 kcal

Equipment

  • Air-Fryer or Convection Oven

  • Air-fryer basket and baking sheet

  • Large Bowl

  • Knife

  • Measuring Cups

  • Measuring Spoons

  • Small Bowl (2)

  • Spoon

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs turnips peeled and sliced to 1/2 inch sticks
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Low-Fat Chipotle Salsa Dip

  • ½ cup smooth cottage cheese
  • ¼ cup salsa
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp chipotle chilli powder

Instructions

  • Preheat air-fryer or convection oven to 450F.

  • Peel and slice turnips to 1/2. Add them to a large bowl and toss with 2 tbsp of cornstarch to lightly coat.

  • In a small bowl add 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix to combine and pour over turnip sticks. Mix well to evenly coat the turnips.

  • Place the turnip pieces in the air-fryer basket and then on top of the baking sheet or likewise in the oven. Air-fry or bake for 20-25 minutes. Turn halfway through and continue cooking until turnip fries are softened and crispy on the edges. Remove from the air-fryer or oven.

  • While the turnip fries are cooking in a small bowl add 1/2 cup of smooth cottage cheese, 1/4 cup salsa, 1/2 tsp garlic powder and 1/4 tsp chipotle chilli powder. Mix well. Serve as a dip for turnip fries.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 192kcalCarbohydrates: 18.2gProtein: 10.3gFat: 8.9gSaturated Fat: 1.6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5.2gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 546mgPotassium: 598mgFiber: 7.8gSugar: 3.9gVitamin A: 19931IUVitamin C: 41.7mgCalcium: 322mgIron: 4.3mg

Notes

Tips:

  • If using a convection oven you may need to increase the cooking time by about another 5 minutes.
  • Can’t find smooth cottage cheese? Just add the dip ingredients to a small blender and blend until smooth.
  • Turnip fries should be consumed right away so they remain as crispy as possible and any unused dip can be stored in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Please Note:

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Air-Fryer Turnip Fries Recipe (9)
Air-Fryer Turnip Fries Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why didn t my fries get crispy in air fryer? ›

While it may seem like a pain, soaking the potatoes in hot water for 10 minutes prior to cooking them in the air fryer is essential. The water removes excess starch, allowing the fries to be their crispiest. Instead of soaking them in large bowl of cold water, I like to use hot water to cook the potatoes slightly.

What happens if you don t soak potatoes before air frying? ›

I wouldn't bother doing potatoes from the raw state, without soaking. It will take about a half an hour and the texture won't be nearly as rewarding. They just don't get very crispy without that cold soak.

How long to air fry cooked fries? ›

Simply set your air fryer to 350 degrees, then place your leftover fries in a single layer in the fryer basket. Heat them for three to five minutes or until they reach your desired crispiness. Just like with the oven method, make sure you don't crowd the air fryer basket so the fries get nice and crispy.

Why are my vegetables not crispy from the air fryer? ›

Overcrowding the basket will cause the vegetables to steam, not brown. Only add as many as will fit in a single layer. Then, air fry the vegetables at 375°F for 10 to 15 minutes, or until tender and browned. Toss halfway through the cooking time so that they brown evenly.

Why are my homemade fries never crispy? ›

If they are still not crispy you might have skipped a step or you might not have let them cool down sufficiently. Make sure to cool them in a single even layer and also make sure that the oil has the right temperature. Or maybe you've used the wrong potatoes to make them.

Do I need oil to cook fries in an air fryer? ›

In a lot of ways, they're just like regular fries. They're crispy on the outside, creamy in the middle, and dusted with an irresistible coating of salt. But there is one key difference between deep frying and air frying: you only need a light drizzle of oil to make crispy French fries in the air fryer.

What happens if you don't soak potatoes for fries? ›

The main reasons to cut the potatoes and pre-soak in water are: To allow the excess starches and sugars to be removed from the outer surface of the fry strips AND to keep the potatoes from browning prematurely from exposure to air. Covering in water helps the potato from turning a dark color.

How long do potatoes need to sit in water before frying? ›

Place them in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Allow them to soak, 2 to 3 hours. (You can also stick them in the fridge and let them soak overnight.) When you're ready to make the fries, drain off the water and lay the potatoes on 2 baking sheets lined with paper towels.

Why are people getting rid of air fryers? ›

Summary. In conclusion, while air fryers offer certain benefits such as reduced calorie intake and faster cooking times, they are not without their limitations. Size constraints, limited cooking options, and concerns about crispiness are driving some people to look for alternatives.

What is the common problem of an air fryer? ›

Issue: One of the most common problems with air fryers is the unit not heating up as it should, which results in undercooked or unevenly cooked food. Solution: Ensure that the air fryer is placed on a flat, stable surface. Also, make sure the basket is securely inserted and that the food is not overcrowded.

What cannot be cooked in an air fryer? ›

7 Foods You Should Never Cook In Your Air Fryer
  1. Wet Batters. Those beer-battered onion rings, fries, fish cutlets, plus tempura veggies and more are not well suited for a crisp in the air fryer. ...
  2. Cheesy Items. ...
  3. Large, Bone-In Meat Cuts. ...
  4. Baked Goods. ...
  5. Greens. ...
  6. Raw Rice and Other Grains. ...
  7. Too Much of Anything.
Apr 14, 2023

How do you know when fries are done in air fryer? ›

Working in batches if necessary, put the fries in an even layer in the air fryer basket with no overlapping and cook, turning them halfway through, until golden brown and crisp, 14 to 16 minutes.

Can you put aluminum foil in an air fryer? ›

Foil is safe to use in an air fryer so long as you follow three basic rules: never let foil touch the heating element; make sure the foil is weighted so it doesn't blow around the basket; and avoid contact with acidic ingredients, which can cause the foil to leach onto your food.

Do you season fries before or after air frying? ›

Rinse the fries in cold water and thoroughly pat dry. Add the fries into a large bowl and drizzle with the oil and toss. Sprinkle seasonings over the fries and toss again. Transfer the fries into the air fryer basket* and cook at 380 for 10 minutes.

Why are my potatoes not crispy in the air fryer? ›

Arrange the potato pieces in a single layer to allow proper air circulation, promoting even cooking and crispiness. While the air fryer uses less oil than deep frying, using a bit of oil is still essential for achieving crispy results. Toss the potatoes in a small amount of olive oil or vegetable oil before air frying.

Why are my air fryer potato chips not crispy? ›

To ensure your chips are crispy, be sure to completely dry your potatoes before you start cooking. Also, make sure you rinse them long enough for crispy air fryer potato chips.

Why are my frozen french fries soggy in the air fryer? ›

Place the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket, which can cause uneven cooking and less crispiness. You may need to cook in batches for best results. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure the fries are evenly cooked and crisp on all sides.

Why are my frozen french fries not crispy? ›

For best results, keep your frozen fries frozen until you're ready to cook them. Bake two bags or less per tray. Remember, fries are full of water. The more fries you add to a tray, the more steam they'll be releasing in your oven, reducing crispness.

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