Healthy Turnip Fries
Crispy, flavorful turnip fries seasoned with aromatic spices, perfect baked or air-fried for a healthy, low-carb side dish ready in 30 minutes.
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer or 1–2 baking sheets
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Chef’s Knife
- 1 Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 8 turnips
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 ½ tsp garlic salt
- 1 ½ tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven or Air Fryer: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) for conventional baking or 400°F (200°C) for convection baking, ensuring it reaches an even temperature before cooking. If using an air fryer, preheat to 400°F (200°C) to guarantee crisp, golden fries with minimal oil. Proper preheating ensures consistent cooking and optimal texture.
- Prepare the Turnips: Peel 8 medium to large turnips and slice them into uniform sticks approximately 1/3 inch wide, 1/3 inch tall, and the length of the turnip. Consistency in size allows the fries to cook evenly, preventing some pieces from becoming undercooked while others over-brown.
- Season the Turnip Fries: Place the cut turnip sticks into a large mixing bowl and drizzle with 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle 1 ½ teaspoons garlic salt, 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper. Toss thoroughly to coat each fry evenly with oil and seasonings for maximum flavor.
- Arrange for Cooking: Spread the seasoned fries in a single layer on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket. Ensure they are not touching, allowing hot air to circulate freely around each piece, which is key to achieving crispiness. If necessary, cook in batches for even results.
- Bake or Air Fry to Perfection: For oven baking, place the fries on the baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, then flip and spread out again, baking for another 10 minutes until crispy and golden. For the air fryer, cook in small single-layer batches for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning.
- Serve Warm and Enjoy: Transfer the cooked turnip fries to a serving plate and enjoy immediately for optimal crispiness and flavor. Pair with dipping sauces, burgers, sandwiches, or enjoy as a healthy snack for a nutritious, low-carb alternative to traditional French fries.
Notes
- Slice turnips into uniform sticks to ensure even cooking and consistent crispiness.
- Toss fries thoroughly with oil and spices to coat each piece evenly.
- Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet or air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation.
- Serve immediately for maximum crispiness; reheating may slightly soften fries.
- Experiment with seasonings like smoked paprika, garlic powder, or fresh herbs for extra flavor.
