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
As always if you make this recipe, be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe and tag me on Instagram @jcookingodyssey or #jcookingodyssey. I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations!
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Air Fryer Parsnips
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer
Ingredients
- 1 kilogram parsnips
- 4 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 tablespoon whole grain mustard
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 3 tablespoon orange juice
- salt
- pepper
Garnish (optional)
- 3 tablespoon almond flakes lightly toasted
- 3 tablespoon pomegranate arils
- 2 tablespoon thyme
Instructions
- Throughly wash parsnips in running water, then peel the skin. 1 kilogram parsnips
- Cut in to halves or quaters (if too thick) using a sharp knife.
- Pat dry using a clean kitchen towel.
- In a big mixing bowl combine all these ingredients. 4 tablespoon maple syrup, 2 tablespoon whole grain mustard, 1 tablespoon orange zest, 3 tablespoon orange juice, salt, pepper
- Add parsnips and mix, make sure all the parsnips are well coated all over.
- Preheat air fryer for 5 minutes at 200C/400F.
- Arrange parsnips in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry them for 8 minutes, keep checking after 5 minutes.
- Once light golden and tender, remove in to a serving dish.
- Sprinkle remaining maple-mustard dressing (optional) and garnish. 3 tablespoon almond flakes, 3 tablespoon pomegranate, 2 tablespoon thyme
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Air Fryer Parsnips
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer
Ingredients
- 1 kilogram parsnips
- 4 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 tablespoon whole grain mustard
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 3 tablespoon orange juice
- salt
- pepper
Garnish (optional)
- 3 tablespoon almond flakes lightly toasted
- 3 tablespoon pomegranate arils
- 2 tablespoon thyme
Instructions
- Throughly wash parsnips in running water, then peel the skin. 1 kilogram parsnips
- Cut in to halves or quaters (if too thick) using a sharp knife.
- Pat dry using a clean kitchen towel.
- In a big mixing bowl combine all these ingredients. 4 tablespoon maple syrup, 2 tablespoon whole grain mustard, 1 tablespoon orange zest, 3 tablespoon orange juice, salt, pepper
- Add parsnips and mix, make sure all the parsnips are well coated all over.
- Preheat air fryer for 5 minutes at 200C/400F.
- Arrange parsnips in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry them for 8 minutes, keep checking after 5 minutes.
- Once light golden and tender, remove in to a serving dish.
- Sprinkle remaining maple-mustard dressing (optional) and garnish. 3 tablespoon almond flakes, 3 tablespoon pomegranate, 2 tablespoon thyme
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
These incredibly crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries are actually vegan! With minimal effort, you can make homemade garlic parmesan fries that are full of flavour. Included is a recipe using store bought frozen French fries for a quick and easy side dish.

If you haven’t already tried garlic parmesan French fries, then you are seriously missing out. I don’t even know how I went so long without trying them myself!
The first time I tried them, I made a small batch with leftover hard cheese and since I’ve been craving them! This time round, I’ve made a bigger batch and used some dried rosemary and parsley!
Homemade French fries are coated in an irresistible vegan garlic, rosemary and parmesan topping for the best air fryer fries recipe you’ll ever try! Its big on flavour and texture!
If you want to simply make Air Fryer French Fries, then you can also use this recipe. Simply omit the seasoning and stick to the oil and salt only for crispy french fries.
The Air Fryer is hands down my favourite way to cook potatoes, whether it is Air Fryer Potato Slices , Air Fryer Indian Potatoes or Air Fryer Cheesy Mexican Potatoes .
These garlic air fryer smashed potatoes are so crispy and easy to make!
Why you should make Air Fryer Garlic Fries
A super tasty side dish for burgers, pies, BBQ and more!
Made with simple ingredients – all ingredients are easily available from a quick trip to the supermarket
Naturally vegan – the ingredients used are plant based. If you are not vegan or vegetarian, simply use normal parmesan or other hard cheese.

Ingredients:
Full measurements and method can also be found in the recipe card below.
- Potatoes
The type of potatoes used are very important for the best fries. Floury potatoes are best and waxy potatoes should be avoided.
In the UK, the best potatoes are Maris Piper or King Edwards. In the US, you can use russet potatoes
All-rounder potatoes work well enough too!
I’ve used strachy potatoes in this Triple Cooked Chips in Air fryer
Garlic Seasoning:
Garlic powder – I prefer to use garlic powder compared with fresh garlic as it is much quicker and requires less equipment. Fresh garlic needs to be well minced or pureed and also, the garlic flavour is a bit more mellow with the powder.
Vegan/Vegetarian hard cheese – a vegetarian friendly replacement to parmesan cheese
Dried Parsley and dried rosemary – you can use fresh also! These herbs can be changed to whichever flavour you fancy.
Salt
Black pepper
Cooking oil spray – you can use an olive oil cooking spray or any other kind of oil that does not have a strong flavour of its own.
Optional
Fresh parsley
Truffle oil – add a drizzle of truffle oil to make these classic french fries extra fancy!
Soaking the potatoes
Soaking your sliced potatoes is a crucial step for this french fry recipe. This is the best way to get a crispy outside like traditional French fries.
You want to soak the cut potatoes in cold water for around 30 minutes or 1 hour. This process helps to remove starch from the potatoes.
Of course, if you are pushed for time then leave this step out.
How to make Air Fryer Garlic Fries
Thoroughly wash your potatoes in running water. Peel the skin and remove any eyes from the potato
Slice the potato into thin strips. Firstly, slice the potatoes lengthways into layers and then cut into each layer to make thin fries.
Soak fries for around 30 minutes.
Drain the water and pat dry each fry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to absorb the excess moisture.

Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil.
Arrange the fries into a single layer in the air fryer basket and generously spray more cooking oil. Try not to overlap the fries otherwise they will remain soft.
Instead of cooking oil, you can add the potatoes and oil to a large bowl and toss to coat evenly.
Air Fry the freshly cut fries at 200C or 400 degrees F for 10-15 minutes to get crispy fries that are beginning to brown.
The cooking time will vary based on the thickness of the slices and air fryer used.
At this stage, you can use frozen fries if you wish. Frozen Fries may cook faster so keep an eye on them at the halfway point.

Meanwhile, you can prepare the seasoning – mix together garlic powder, dried parsley and rosemary, vegan hard cheese, salt and pepper in a small bowl

Coat the cooked fries in the seasoning and place back into the air fryer.
Squirt on a little oil as extra.
Air Fry for a further 1-2 minutes. Serve immediately.
Before serving, you can sprinkle a little extra hard cheese if you want

How to make Air Fryer Garlic French Fries from frozen
The recipe remains almost the same except you do not need to prep the potatoes.
Air Fryer frozen french fries at 200C for 10 minutes or until crispy and golden brown. Coat with the garlic parmesan seasoning and air fryer for an extra minute to melt the cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these crispy garlic fries with your favourite dipping sauce. Some examples include tomato ketchup, garlic aioli or ranch dressing.
I love hot fries alongside veggie burgers , Sundried tomato chickpea cakes , pies, or vegetable stews!
Pizza and fries make for a comforting meal! Try these Air Fryer French Bread Pizzas
Storage
These fries are best eaten straight away but can definitely be stored for later
Store in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Reheating in the air fryer is a great way to summon magical crispy crunchy fries all over again!
You can freeze these fries – place on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer into a freezer bag. You can then cook the garlic fries directly from frozen whenever you want. You may need to use a lower temperature like 180C when re-cooking.

Yes, you can. Bake in a preheated oven at 200C for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. You can follow the same steps as above.
Reheat french fries in the air fryer, oven or microwave. The latter will lead to soft fries.
You can certainly prepare the ingredients ahead of time, but I recommend air frying just before serving. You can mix the seasoning in advance and also cut and soak the potatoes in advance.
Other Air Fryer Recipes
Air Fryer Parsnips
Frozen Spring Rolls in Air Fryer
Donut Holes
Air Fryer Chestnuts
Frozen empanadas in air fryer
Chinese Salt and Pepper Halloumi Fries
Air Fryer Frozen Samosas
Breaded Mushrooms in Air Fryer
Air fryer Baked Potatoes Microwave
Pasta Bake in Air Fryer
Air fryer Cauliflower
As always if you make this recipe, be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe and tag me on Instagram @jcookingodyssey or #jcookingodyssey. I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations!
Don’t forget to follow me on social media using the buttons below – I can’t wait to see you all there!
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Air Fryer Garlic Fries (So Crispy)
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer
- 1 Sharp knife
- 1 Vegetable Peeler
- 1 Chopping board
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes
- 5 tablespoon parmesan cheese vegan hard cheese
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon parsley dried
- 1 tablespoon rosemary dried
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder/granules
- 1 tablespoon oil spray
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash your potatoes in running water. Peel the skin and remove any eyes from the potato 4 large potatoes
- Slice the potato into thin strips.
- Soak fries for around 30 minutes.
- Drain the water and pat dry each fry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to absorb the excess moisture
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. 1 tablespoon oil
- Arrange the fries into a single layer in the air fryer basket and generously spray more cooking oil. Try not to overlap the fries otherwise they will remain soft.
- Instead of cooking oil, you can add the potatoes and oil to a large bowl and toss to coat evenly.
- Air Fry the freshly cut fries at 200C or 400 degrees F for 10-15 minutes to get crispy fries that are beginning to brown.
- The cooking time will vary based on the thickness of the slices and air fryer used.
- At this stage, you can use frozen fries if you wish.
- Meanwhile, you can prepare the seasoning – mix together garlic powder, dried parsley and rosemary, vegan hard cheese, salt and pepper in a small bowl 5 tablespoon parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon salt, 1 tablespoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon parsley, 1 tablespoon rosemary, 1 tablespoon garlic
- Coat the cooked fries in the seasoning and place back into the air fryer.
- Squirt on a little oil as extra.
- Air Fry for a further 1-2 minutes. Serve immediately.
- Before serving, you can sprinkle a little extra hard cheese if you want.
Notes
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.