Air Fryer Frozen Root Vegetable Fries – Easy Healthy Side Dish!
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Air Fryer Frozen Root Vegetable Fries are the perfect healthy alternative to regular fries, combining roasted sweet potatoes, carrots, beets, and parsnips into one tasty side dish or snack. This quick and easy air fryer recipe brings out the natural flavors of each vegetable, giving you a crispy, colorful plate without any hassle. Ideal for any meal or a light snack, these vegetable fries are ready in minutes, making healthy eating simple and delicious!
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Frozen Root Vegetable Fries
- Healthy and Delicious: Made with a blend of sweet potatoes, carrots, beets, and parsnips, these fries are packed with natural flavors and nutrients. They’re a wholesome alternative to regular fries, perfect for health-conscious eaters.
- Quick and Easy: Straight from frozen to the air fryer, this recipe requires minimal prep and is ready in just 13 minutes. Perfect for busy days or when you want a fast snack without the wait.
- No Added Oil Needed: Air frying brings out a wonderful crispy texture in the fries without needing extra oil. You’ll enjoy the light, natural taste of root vegetables with every bite.
- Customizable Texture: If you love soft fries, cook them as-is. For a crunchier texture, simply toss the fries in a bit of olive oil before cooking. It’s easy to adjust to your personal preference!
- Vibrant and Flavorful: The combination of beets, carrots, sweet potatoes, and parsnips gives these fries a natural sweetness and eye-catching color, making them as appealing to look at as they are to eat!
Ingredients For Air Fryer Frozen Root Vegetable Fries
- Frozen Root Vegetable Fries – A convenient and nutritious mix of root vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, beets, and parsnips. Perfect for a colorful, healthful side dish straight from the freezer. I used Trader Joe’s Root Vegetable Fries, but you can use any brand!
For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Air Fryer Frozen Root Vegetable Fries
- Air Fryer – Ensures the fries cook quickly and evenly, giving a perfectly crispy texture.
- Spatula – Helps transfer the fries from the air fryer basket to your serving plate.
- Plate – Ideal for serving the hot and crispy fries once they’re cooked.
- Scissors – Useful for easily opening the package of frozen root vegetable fries.
How To Make Air Fryer Frozen Root Vegetable Fries
- Place the frozen root vegetable fries directly in the air fryer basket. No need to thaw them beforehand.
- Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook the fries for about 13 minutes.
- Halfway through cooking, take out the basket and give it a good shake to help the fries cook evenly.
- Return the basket to the air fryer and continue cooking until the fries are perfectly done.
- Once finished, use a spatula to transfer the fries to a plate and enjoy them as a healthy, delicious alternative to regular fries.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with grilled boneless chicken, roasted burgers, or a peach burrata salad for a balanced meal.
- Serve with favorite dipping sauces like classic creamy horseradish, easy green onion dip recipe, or a homemade sriracha mayo sauce for added flavor.
- Arrange fries in a small basket or bowl for a fun presentation.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives to add a pop of color.
Tips For Success
- Even Spacing in the Air Fryer: When placing the fries in the air fryer basket, try not to overcrowd them. Giving each fry a bit of space helps air circulate better, ensuring even cooking and crispier results.
- Shake for Even Cooking: Shaking the basket halfway through cooking allows the fries to cook uniformly. This step is especially important since it helps any fries on the bottom get exposed to the hot air.
- Customize Crispiness: If you like your fries softer, skip the oil. For an extra crispy result, tossing them in a small amount of olive oil before cooking can make all the difference. Experiment with the cooking time, adding an extra minute or two if you prefer them very crunchy.
- Adjust to Your Air Fryer Model: Air fryers can vary slightly in temperature, so keep an eye on the fries the first time you make them. If they’re browning too quickly, lower the temperature slightly.
- Serve Immediately for Best Texture: These fries are best enjoyed hot and fresh from the air fryer. If you need to make a batch ahead, consider keeping them in a warm oven to maintain their crispiness until serving.
Variations and Substitutions
- Try Different Root Vegetables: If you can’t find a pre-packaged mix, create your own by combining sweet potatoes, carrots, beets, and parsnips. You could also add other root veggies like turnips or rutabagas for unique flavors.
- Add Seasonings: Enhance the flavor by tossing the fries in your favorite spices. Garlic powder, smoked paprika, or a sprinkle of rosemary or thyme can add a delicious twist to the natural taste of the root vegetables.
- Make Them Spicy: For those who love heat, add a dash of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the fries before cooking. A touch of hot sauce on the side makes for a great dipping option too.
- Go Oil-Free: If you prefer a fully oil-free recipe, cook the fries without any added oil. They’ll still turn out flavorful and soft, though not as crispy as the oil-tossed version.
- Serve with Different Dips: Experiment with sauces beyond ketchup. Try hummus, guacamole, or a lemony tahini dip for variety.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Place any leftover fries in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture and taste, it’s recommended to consume them as soon as possible, as fries tend to lose their crispiness over time.
- Reheating in the Air Fryer: To bring back the fries’ crispy texture, reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F for about 3-5 minutes. This will restore much of their crunch without drying them out.
- Reheating in the Oven: If you don’t have access to an air fryer, the oven works well too. Preheat to 375°F and spread the fries on a baking sheet. Bake for 5-7 minutes or until they’re warmed and slightly crispy.
- Avoid Microwave Reheating: The microwave will heat the fries but leave them soggy. For the best texture, use the air fryer or oven methods above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add seasoning to the frozen root vegetable fries before cooking?
Yes, you can! Adding seasonings like garlic powder, smoked paprika, or a bit of salt and pepper before cooking can enhance the flavor. Just sprinkle your desired seasonings over the fries and toss gently in the air fryer basket.
How do I make the fries extra crispy?
For an extra crispy texture, toss the fries in 1 tablespoon of olive oil before cooking. You can also cook them a bit longer or increase the temperature slightly, keeping an eye on them to prevent burning.
What can I serve with root vegetable fries?
These fries pair well with grilled meats, veggie burgers, or a fresh salad. They also make a great snack on their own with a variety of dipping sauces like ketchup, garlic aioli, or a tangy yogurt dip.
Can I cook these fries in a regular oven instead of an air fryer?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 425°F, spread the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through for even cooking.
Are root vegetable fries healthier than regular potato fries?
Yes, root vegetable fries are often considered a healthier option as they are packed with nutrients from sweet potatoes, beets, carrots, and parsnips. They offer a range of vitamins and minerals not typically found in regular potatoes, adding variety to your diet.
Other Easy Frozen Vegetable Fries Recipes
Air Fryer Crispy Frozen Zucchini Sticks: Enjoy a quick and easy snack with perfectly crispy zucchini sticks straight from the air fryer, ready in minutes without the mess.
McCain Smiley Face Fries in Air Fryer: These fun and tasty McCain Smiley Face Fries come out golden and crispy from the air fryer, perfect for a quick, cheerful side dish.
Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Waffle Cut Fries: These frozen sweet potato waffle fries cook up crisp and delicious in the air fryer, making a healthy and tasty snack or side in no time.
Air Fryer Roasted Acorn Squash Sticks: Roasted to perfection in the air fryer, these acorn squash sticks are a savory and wholesome alternative to traditional fries.
Air Fryer Healthy Sweet Potato Slices: These air fryer sweet potato slices turn out beautifully tender and naturally sweet, ideal for a nutritious side or snack.
Air Fryer Frozen Root Vegetable Fries
Recipe Video
Ingredients
- 1 pack root vegetable fries frozen (found at Trader Joe’s or similar stores)
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Scissor
Instructions
- Place the frozen root vegetable fries directly into the air fryer basket. No need to thaw.
- Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 13 minutes.
- At the halfway mark, remove the basket and shake it to ensure even cooking.
- Return the basket to the air fryer and continue cooking until done.
- Use a spatula to transfer the fries onto a plate, and enjoy as a delicious, healthy alternative to regular fries!
Notes
- For softer fries, cook as-is. For a crispier texture, toss the fries in 1 tablespoon of olive oil before cooking.
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