Air Fryer Parsnips with Honey

Air fryer parsnips are where sweet, golden-tasting goodness meets simple, no-fuss cooking.

The Perfect Parsnip for Special Feasts

A quick toss in oil, a drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of herbs – that’s all it takes to get these crisp-edged, soft-in-the-middle air fryer parsnips on the table. They’re the kind of side dish that just belongs with a roast beef dinner – Thanksgiving turkey, Sunday chicken, Christmas ham – you name it. And with the air fryer doing the heavy lifting, you’re saving oven space and fast-tracking your way to caramelized, flavor-packed parsnip bliss.

Why I Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

Parsnips have been a staple in my kitchen for years. They’re the kind of veg that works with pretty much everything. I love them because they’re budget-friendly and need almost no effort to make. It just takes drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of fresh herbs to give you a side dish that feels extra special. Sweet, savory, and caramelized at the edges - this is the kind of veg that every roast dinner needs. Serve with other classic veg like Brussels sprouts and roasted carrots for the ultimate feast.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Parsnips?

Sure, you can roast parsnips in the oven, but when the air fryer is sitting there ready to go, why wouldn’t you? Air frying parsnips means:

• Quicker cooking: You’ll save time compared to roasting in the oven.
• Less oil, same golden results: Crisp edges without a heavy coating of oil.
• Oven space freed up: A big win on those holiday dinner days when every inch of oven space is already taken up by turkey, stuffing.

It’s one of those small kitchen hacks that makes life easier – and dinner tastier.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Roasted Parsnips

Check the recipe card for a full list of ingredients and quantities.

You only need a few things to put this tasty side dish together:

• Parsnips
• Olive oil (or any mild cooking oil)
• Salt and pepper - brings out the flavor of the parsnips
• Honey (adds that gorgeous golden sweetness)
• Fresh herbs like thyme, sage, or parsley – nutmeg works beautifully, too, for a little warmth

How to Make Parsnips in an Air Fryer

How Long to Air Fry Parsnips

This recipe cooks parsnips in about 30 minutes total – 20 minutes first, then 10 more after adding the honey and herbs. Depending on how thickly you cut them, you might need an extra few minutes for perfect tenderness.

Swaps and Substitutions

• Vegan option: Use maple syrup instead of honey – equally delicious, slightly deeper flavor.
• Oil choice: Olive oil is classic, but avocado or sunflower oil works well too.
• Fresh vs dried herbs: Dried thyme or sage is fine, just use a lighter sprinkle.

Other Flavors to Try – Make It Your Own

Once you’ve nailed the basics, you can play around:

• A pinch of smoked paprika for a little warmth.
• Garlic powder or crushed garlic for a savory twist.
• A sprinkle of parmesan cheese right at the end for an extra treat.

How to Prepare Parsnips

Quick prep tips for best results:

• Scrub well under running water.
• Peel only if the skin looks tough or the parsnip is older.
• Cut off both ends, then slice lengthwise or into thick sticks – even sizes mean even cooking.

What to Serve with Parsnips

These go with everything roast dinner-related: chicken, turkey, pork, beef, or even alongside vegetarian mains like a nut roast. They’re also great with gravy, cranberry sauce, or just a dollop of butter on the side. Honestly, I’d serve them with anything - even weeknight sausages and mash.

How to Store/Reheat Air Fried Parsnips

If you somehow end up with leftovers (rare in my house), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for 5–6 minutes at 350°F to bring back that crisp edge.

Air Fryer Parsnips with Honey

With crisp edges, soft centers, and a drizzle of honey for that irresistible caramelized finish, these air fryer parsnips are perfect for roast dinners, Thanksgiving spreads, or Christmas dinner plates

5 from 2 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: British

Keyword: Christmas, easy,, thanksgiving, vegetarian

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Makes: 4 servings

Calories: 100kcal

Ingredients

• 450 g parsnips
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil or vegetable oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon Honey or maple syrup for vegan option
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or use sage, parsley, or a pinch of nutmeg

Instructions

• Prep the parsnips: Wash and scrub well. Peel if the skin looks thick or rough. Trim both ends and cut off very skinny tips so they cook evenly. Slice lengthwise or into chunky sticks.
• Season: Toss the parsnips with oil, salt, and pepper until coated.
• Air fry: Place in the basket and cook at 350°F (180°C) for 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
• Finish with honey and herbs: After 20 minutes, drizzle with honey and scatter over herbs. Return to the air fryer for another 10 minutes, or until tender inside and caramelized outside.
• Serve hot: Pair with your favorite roast dinner or holiday feast.

Notes

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and for guidance only

Make sure your parsnip pieces are similar in size so that they cook evenly.

For a vegan version, substitute the honey for maple syrup.

 

Nutrition

Serving: 112g | Calories: 100kcal

Have you tried making these air fryer parsnips? I'd love to hear from you if you have! Leave me a comment below to let me know. Thank you and happy air frying!