Air Fryer Rutabaga Fries

Rutabaga is a versatile root vegetable with a pale yellow, sweet tasting flesh. It's packed with nutrition and keeps for a long time.

Rutabagas are called swedes in England, Australia and New Zealand. The are also called Swedish turnips, neeps, yellow turnips and turnips depending on which region of the world.

Rutabaga or Turnip; What's the Difference?

As I mentioned above, rutabagas are often called turnips, especially in certain countries (like Canada). However, the two vegetables are not the same. They are both members of the brassica family, which also includes cabbage, brussels sprouts, and cauliflower.

Rutabagas are larger and sweeter than turnips, and they have yellow flesh while turnips are white fleshed. The two vegetables can usually be used interchangeably in recipes.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• This is a very easy recipe to make.
• These delicious gluten-free fries, air fryer or oven method, come out crisp and are perfect for dipping.
• Rutabagas are healthy and delicious, a perfect alternative to potatoes for making fries.
• Low carb rutabaga is paleo and keto diet friendly.
• Budget friendly swede is an economical vegetable option.
• Tasty crispy rutabaga fries (swede chips in the UK) are a healthy snack or side dish.

Ingredient Notes

• Rutabaga. Choose rutabaga that feel heavy for their size and have no soft spots.
• Vegetable Oil Use an oil with a high smoke point. I like avocado oil, but other good choices are peanut oil, sunflower oil or regular olive oil (not extra virgin)
• Seasoning I am using Cajun Seasoning here, but you can use Italian seasoning, Garam Masala, Old Bay, or even simply salt and pepper.

Instructions

Start with slicing the rutabaga into fries. Here's how to peel and slice this vegetable:

1. Use a sharp knife to slice off the root and stem ends, then slice the rutabaga in half lengthwise.
2. With cut sides down, cut each half into ½" slices.
3. Using a paring knife, peel each slice. (easier than using a potato peeler)
4. Lay the pieces flat, and slice them into ½" rutabaga sticks.

Next, toss the rutabaga fries with oil and seasoning in a large bowl.

Add the fries to the air fryer basket. Cook at 400° for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket frequently.

Recipe Tips

• More surface area means maximum crispness. Cut the rutabaga fairly thin and in a uniform size. The fries should be around ½ inch.
• Depending on the size of your air fryer, you will probably need to cook the fries in two batches. Overcrowding the basket will result in soggy fries.
• Shake the air fryer basket several times during the cook time to ensure even cooking.
• Rutabaga fries are at their best when served immediately. However, if you do have leftovers, you can store them in the fridge in an airtight container and reheat them in the air fryer at 400° for 5-10 minutes. They will not be as crisp when reheated, but will still be tasty!

FAQ's

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer rutabaga fries can go with any dishes you would enjoy traditional French fries with. Just like regular fries, they are perfect with burgers, like these Chipotle BLT Cheeseburgers, steaks: Air Fryer Flank Steaks are perfect. They're also great with chicken, especially grilled as in these Grilled Jerk Chicken Drumsticks, even fish, (Check out Air Fryer Salmon). And ribs of course Air Fryer Country Style Ribs.

Of course, you can certainly just snack on these fries by themselves, but don't forget the ketchup! Or try something a little different for dipping, like this Moroccan Hot Sauce, or a Roasted Red Pepper Dip. We also love dipping rutabaga fries in our homemade Barbecue or Tartar sauces.