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.

4.45 from 34 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 do you soak potatoes in water before air frying? ›

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.

Why are my fries not crispy in air fryer? ›

If the air is not hot enough, or if you overcrowd the basket, your food will not come out crispy. Preheat the air fryer for at least 3 minutes, and work in batches if you need to. How do you keep air fried french fries warm and crispy? Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet in a 250°F oven until ready to eat.

How to make crispy in air fryer? ›

However, a small amount of oil is usually necessary to achieve a crispy texture. A drizzle or a quick oil spray is all you need for restaurant-quality fries and golden brown fried chicken, while other foods don't need any oil, like pizza or leftovers you might reheat.

Do you season fries before or after air frying? ›

The Crispiest Air Fryer French Fries

Both the prep and cooking for this recipe are so simple. Thinly sliced potatoes lightly tossed in oil and seasoning, then cooked until crispy and crunchy.

What happens if you don't soak potatoes before frying? ›

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.

Should I dry potatoes before air frying? ›

Just pat them completely dry before you prep them for the fryer. You can soak them in the fridge, in a bowl of water, all day while you are working. 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.

Should I add oil when air frying fries? ›

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.

Do you put foil in air fryer for fries? ›

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.

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

What is the common problem of an air fryer? ›

In this blog, we'll explore some common air fryer problems and provide practical solutions to resolve them. 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.

How do you crisp french fries in an air fryer? ›

Using an air fryer is an excellent and easy way to give your fries that fresh-from-the-fryer crunch. 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.

Why soak potatoes in ice water before air frying? ›

Soaking the potatoes after they're cut draws out some of the starch which is naturally present in potatoes. This will result in a crispier fry. A thirty minute soak in cold water does the trick but you may soak them longer if you want. After soaking, be sure to dry the potatoes before you fry them.

Is it better to bake or air fry fries? ›

Which is better between air frying vs. oven baking? Air-frying is a healthier alternative to deep-fried foods, but oven-baking often preserves good nutrients while filtering out the bad ones, making oven-baked foods even healthier than most air-fried foods.

What is the purpose of soaking potatoes in water? ›

Soaking potatoes in water helps remove excess starch. Excess starch can inhibit the potatoes from cooking evenly as well as creating a gummy or sticky texture on the outside of your potatoes. Cold water is used because hot water would react with the starch activating it, making it harder to separate from the potatoes.

Why do restaurants soak potatoes before frying? ›

The soaking, Mr. Nasr said, is the secret to the crisp texture of the fries. It draws out the starch, making them more rigid and less likely to stick together. The cooks fry them twice, first blanching them until slightly limp in peanut oil heated to 325 degrees, and again in 375-degree oil to crisp and brown them.

How long should I soak potatoes before frying? ›

In our homemade french fries recipe, we suggest soaking your potatoes for at least 15 minutes, but if you'd like to do this step ahead of time, they can soak overnight. Avoid excess water on the potatoes: make sure to pat them dry after removing them from the water bath otherwise you'll end up with limp fries.

Why do soaking potatoes make them crispier? ›

It makes the water alkaline which helps break down the surface of the potato and helps make your potatoes crispy!

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