When it comes to cooking root vegetables, the air fryer is a game-changer!
This countertop appliance revolutionizes traditional cooking methods by using hot air circulation to create a satisfyingly crisp exterior while maintaining the natural sweetness and tenderness of root vegetables.
From classic favorites like red beets and carrots to lesser-known gems like parsnips and turnips, air fryers offer a hassle-free way to elevate these humble vegetables into mouthwatering delights!
Air frying not only yields a delightful texture but also helps to retain the vegetables’ natural nutrients and flavors. Let’s explore the wonders of air fryer root vegetables with a tantalizing recipe that is sure to make your taste buds dance.
Root vegetables are naturally Weight Watchers-friendly food, and these Air Fryer Root Vegetables have 5 WW points!
Why You Should Try Air Fryer Root Vegetables
- Healthier cooking option. Air frying uses significantly less oil compared to traditional frying methods, making it a healthier alternative. Root vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, and celery, are already nutritious choices, and air frying them preserves their natural flavors and nutrients without adding excessive fat.
- Time-saving. Air fryers cook food faster than conventional ovens, reducing cooking time significantly. Root vegetables can take a while to roast in the oven, but in an air fryer, they cook more quickly due to the hot circulating air. This makes air fryers a convenient option for busy individuals or those looking for quick and easy meal preparation. Plus, air fryers are generally more energy-efficient than traditional ovens, as they require less time to preheat and cook food. This can lead to reduced energy consumption and lower utility bills. Additionally, since air frying uses less oil, there’s less grease and mess to deal with compared to deep-frying.
- Versatility. Air fryers can handle a variety of root vegetables, allowing you to experiment with different flavors and combinations. You can season the vegetables with various herbs, spices, or marinades to create unique and delicious dishes. From crispy potato wedges to roasted carrots and parsnips, the possibilities are endless.
Air Fryer Root Vegetables Recipe Overview
Prep time: 10 min
Cooking time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 1 large red beet, peeled and cut into bite-sized chinks
- 2 medium parsnips, peeled and cut into bite-sized chinks
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into bite-sized chinks
- 1 tsp vegetable seasoning mix of choice
- Himalayan salt, to taste
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Fresh cilantro or parsley leaves, to garnish (optional)
- Horseradish Sauce:
- 1/2 cup low-calorie vegan mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp prepared horseradish
- 1 garlic clove, peeled and minced
How to Make Air Fryer Root Vegetables (step by step)
- Toss your veggies with vegetable spice mix, salt, and olive oil. Arrange them in the air fryer cooking basket.
- Cook your veggies at 390 degrees F for about 20 minutes. At the halfway point, shake the cooking basket to promote even cooking. Work in batches.
- In the meantime, make the sauce: mix all the ingredients and place the sauce in your refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Serve warm vegetables with horseradish sauce on the side; garnish them with fresh herbs and enjoy!
Nutrition facts:
Serving: 137g | Calories: 132kcal | Carbohydrates: 17.9g | Protein: 1.3g | Fat: 6.8g | Saturated Fat: 1.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2.1g | Sodium: 113mg | Potassium: 362mg | Fiber: 3.7g | Sugar: 6.9g | Vitamin A: 7650IU | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 0.6-mg
Air Fryer Root Vegetables Variations/Substitutions
- Depending on the season, you can switch up your root vegetables to incorporate seasonal produce. For example, in the fall, you can use butternut squash, pumpkin, and beets for a hearty and festive dish.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to add extra flavor to your root vegetables. Try tossing them with fresh rosemary, thyme, or sage before air frying. Alternatively, you can sprinkle dried herbs like oregano, paprika, or cumin for a unique taste. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle some chili powder or cayenne pepper over your root vegetables before air frying. This will give them a spicy kick and add an exciting twist to your dish!
- If you prefer a hint of sweetness in your dish, add some sliced apples or pears to your root vegetable mix. The combination of sweet and savory flavors creates a delicious contrast.
- Enhance the flavors of your root vegetables by grating some lemon or orange zest over them before air frying. The citrusy aroma will uplift the dish and provide a refreshing taste.
- For a touch of sweetness, drizzle a little maple syrup over your root vegetables before air frying. The maple glaze will caramelize during the cooking process, resulting in a delightful flavor. You can also create a tangy and slightly sweet glaze by reducing balsamic vinegar in a saucepan until it thickens. Toss your air-fried root vegetables in the balsamic reduction for a rich and savory twist.
Tips and Tricks for Making Air Fryer Root Vegetables
- Place the seasoned veggies in the air fryer cooking basket in a single layer. Crowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking, so if necessary, cook them in batches. Cut vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking, too.
- Drizzle the vegetables with a small amount of oil (such as olive oil) to help them crisp up. You can also add your preferred seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or herbs. Toss the vegetables until they are evenly coated.
- Test the vegetables for doneness by inserting a fork or toothpick. They should be tender on the inside and golden brown on the outside. If needed, you can continue cooking for a few more minutes. If you prefer softer vegetables, you can reduce the cooking temperature slightly and increase the cooking time. On the other hand, if you like a crispier texture, you can increase the temperature or cook them for a bit longer.
- Serve immediately! Air-fried root vegetables are best enjoyed right after cooking while they are still hot and crispy. Serve them as a side dish, in salads, or as a tasty snack.
Related Recipes:
Air Fryer Root Vegetables
Ingredients
- 1 beet
- 2 parsnips
- 3 carrots
- 1 tsp vegetable seasoning mix, use favorite mix from store or make own
- himalayan salt , to taste
- 1 tsp olive oil
- fresh cilantro or parsley leaves, optional garnish
Horseradish Sauce (Optional)
- 1/2 cup low calorie vegan mayo
- 2 tbsp prepared horseradish
- 1 garlic clove, peeled and minced
Instructions
- Toss your veggies with vegetable spice mix, salt, and olive oil. Arrange them in the air fryer cooking basket.
- Cook your veggies at 390 degrees F for about 20 minutes. At the halfway point, shake the cooking basket to promote even cooking. Work in batches.
- In the meantime, make the sauce: mix all the ingredients and place the sauce in your refrigerator until ready to serve.
- erve warm vegetables with horseradish sauce on the side; garnish them with fresh herbs and enjoy!
Nutrition
Serving: 137gCarbohydrates: 17.9gProtein: 1.3gFat: 6.8gSaturated Fat: 1.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3.1gSodium: 113mgPotassium: 362mgFiber: 3.7gSugar: 6.9gVitamin A: 7650IUCalcium: 36mgIron: 0.6mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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