Air Fryer Parsnips with Orange & Mustard

These Air Fryer Parsnips with wholegrain mustard, orange and maple syrup is an easy side dish for your Thanksgiving or Christmas roast dinner. Ready within 15 minutes.

My recipe yields parsnips that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside with an incredible sweet and nutty flavour.

I have dressed my parsnips with orange and mustard for a festive touch, but you can absolutely make plain parsnips by following the method below and omitting the dressing.

I love the winter season in the UK, humble vegetables like carrots, potato and cauliflower are available in abundance and also cheaply! The air fryer is used in full swing to make Air Fryer Potato Slices, Air Fryer Indian Potatoes, Air Fryer Cheesy Potatoes and Air Fryer Garlic Fries, Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries.

Ingredients notes & substitutions

Full list with measurements available in the recipe card below.

You can jazz up these parsnips with the dressing or use simple ingredients, either way, the end product is absolutely delicious!

• Parsnips

The best Parsnip season in the UK is winter although they are available throughout the year.

Use the freshest parsnips where possible as they have the best flavour. Look for parsnips that are firm, the skin is not bruised or discoloured, and they shouldn't smell off.

I love to roast parsnips but they're also great added to sups like this Roasted Cauliflower, Parsnip and Walnut Soup

• Oil - I have used a neutral flavoured oil so it doesn't interfere with the flavour of the other ingredients

Dressing:

• Wholegrain mustard - alternatively, use creamy mustard such as English mustard or Dijon mustard.

• Maple syrup - Maple syrup enhances the sweetness of the parsnips and makes them so irresistible! You can use maple syrup, agave or honey.

• Orange juice and zest - as an alternative, you can use lemon juice

Garnish: (optional)

• Toasted almond flakes

• Pomegranate Arils or dried Cranberries

• Thyme

How to make Parsnips in the Air Fryer

I have used the Instant Pot Vortex Air Fryer

Firstly, prepare the dressing for later:

Whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, orange zest and juice, wholegrain mustard, a little salt and pepper in a jar or small bowl.

Prepare the parsnip chips:

Wash the parsnips under cold water to remove the dirt. Peel parsnips and cut into fries or chips using a sharp knife. Ensure all chips are roughly the same size for even cooking.

You can choose whether to keep the parsnips chunky or thin. The thinner the cut, the more caramelised and crunchier the end product will be.

In a large bowl, toss the cut parsnips with the dressing until well coated.

Arrange the parsnips in the bottom of the air fryer basket in a single layer.

Air Fry at 200 Celsius or 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

The cooking time is approximately 7-15 minutes depending on the size of your parsnips. Essentially, what you are looking for is crispy edges and the parsnips are golden brown all over.

Mine took 7-8 minutes so I would check on the parsnips at half time and give them a little shake.

Note that the second batch may cook faster as the air fryer will be hot by the time the first batch has finished cooking.

Do not leave the veggies in the air fryer closed as the heat will continue cooking.

Tips

• Do not overcrowd the basket as this will steam the parsnips rather than air fry them
• Thinner slices will give you crispy fries whereas thick chunks of parsnip will give you softer chips.

Serving Suggestions

Parsnips are great served alongside a main course such as cauliflower cheese, nut roast or a hearty pie with oven roasted potatoes. You can also enjoy them as a snack with bread Sauce or chestnut hummus.

Storage

Parsnip fries are best eaten fresh but they can be stored away for later. Once cool, place in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in the air fryer, oven or microwave until hot through.

I do not recommend freezing as the parsnips will loose their texture on defrosting.

Other Thanksgiving and Christmas Recipes

• Air fryer Donut Holes (for a quick and easy breakfast)
• Air fryer Chestnut
• Instant Pot Baby Potatoes (Garlic and Thyme)
• Easy Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce
• Egg-free Nog
• Homemade Billionaire’s Hot Chocolate
• Homemade Billionaire’s Latte
• Loaded Cauliflower Cheese Balls
• Creamy Broccoli and Pear Soup
• Vegan Thyme Oatcakes

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