I’ll let you in on a little secret—my obsession with crispy fries doesn’t have to end just because I’m trying to eat healthier. That’s where these Air Fryer Celery Root Fries come in! Celeriac, that knobby, underrated root veggie, transforms into golden, crunchy perfection in the air fryer with just a handful of pantry staples. The first time I made these, I couldn’t believe how addictive they were—lightly spiced, with a hint of earthiness and none of the guilt. Plus, they’re vegan and ready in under 30 minutes. Trust me, even the pickiest eaters won’t miss regular fries after one bite of these.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Celery Root Fries
Let me count the ways these fries will become your new go-to snack:
- Crispy magic: That perfect golden crunch without deep-frying? Yes, please!
- Healthy swap: All the satisfaction of fries with way fewer calories than potatoes
- Effortless: Just chop, toss, and air fry—no fancy techniques needed
- Vegan-friendly: Naturally plant-based and packed with fiber
- Flavor bomb: The garlic-paprika combo makes them irresistible
Seriously, these might just ruin regular fries for you—they’re that good.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Celery Root Fries
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to fry perfection. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 medium celery root (celeriac) – about the size of a grapefruit, peeled and cut into even 1/4-inch fries (don’t confuse this with regular celery stalks!)
- 1 tbsp olive oil – just enough to coat without making them greasy
- 1/2 tsp salt – I use kosher for even distribution
- 1/2 tsp black pepper – freshly ground if you’ve got it
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder – my secret weapon for that savory kick
- 1/2 tsp paprika – smoked or sweet, depending on your mood
Pro tip: That tough celery root skin needs a good vegetable peeler – don’t skimp or you’ll get chewy bits!
How to Make Air Fryer Celery Root Fries
Making these crispy delights is easier than you think! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have golden fries ready in no time. Don’t skip preheating – it makes all the difference for that perfect crunch.
Step 1: Prep the Celery Root
First, tackle that gnarly celery root. Use a sharp peeler (or a knife if the skin’s really stubborn) to remove every bit of the tough outer layer. Then cut it into matchsticks – aim for ¼-inch thickness so they cook evenly. Too thick, and they’ll stay chewy; too thin, and they might burn. I like to quarter the root first for easier slicing.
Step 2: Season and Toss
Now for the fun part! Dump your fries into a big mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle all those glorious spices over the top – salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika. Get your hands in there and massage everything together until each fry is perfectly coated. This step is why my fries always turn out so flavorful!
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Here’s where the magic happens. Spread your seasoned fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket – no stacking! Crowding leads to sad, soggy fries. Cook at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, giving the basket a good shake halfway through. Keep an eye on them near the end – when they’re golden brown with crispy edges, they’re done. The smell will drive you crazy!
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Celery Root Fries
After making these dozens of times (yes, I’m obsessed), here are my hard-earned tips:
- Size matters: Keep fries uniformly 1/4-inch thick – I use a mandoline for perfect matchsticks every time
- Give them space: Overcrowding = steamed fries. Cook in batches if needed – patience pays off!
- Season liberally: Celery root loves salt! Taste a fry before cooking and adjust seasoning
- Serve immediately: They’re at their crispiest right out of the air fryer basket
P.S. If your fries stick, your basket might need a quick spritz of oil first!
Common Questions About Air Fryer Celery Root Fries
I get asked about these fries all the time – here are answers to the questions that pop up most often:
Can I use frozen celery root? Honestly, fresh is best. Frozen tends to release too much moisture, making soggy fries. If you must use frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning.
How do I store leftovers? They’ll keep in an airtight container for 2 days, but here’s my trick: reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes to bring back the crispiness.
Can I change up the spices? Absolutely! Try Cajun seasoning, rosemary, or even curry powder. The base recipe is super flexible.
Why aren’t my fries crispy? Usually means they were cut unevenly or the air fryer was overcrowded. Stick to single layers!
Can I make these oil-free? You can, but a tiny bit of oil helps them crisp up beautifully. Fiber intake is important, but a little fat aids in crisping root vegetables.
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Celery Root Fries
These crispy fries are fantastic on their own, but let me tell you how I love to serve them up! Dunk them in cool, creamy vegan ranch or spicy sriracha mayo for an irresistible combo. They’re also perfect alongside veggie burgers or piled high next to a fresh kale salad. For a fun twist, I sometimes toss them with fresh parsley and lemon zest right after cooking—it brightens up their earthy flavor beautifully. However you serve them, just make sure napkins are nearby—they disappear fast!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Here’s the deal – these fries are best fresh, but if you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready for round two, skip the microwave – it’ll make them soggy. Instead, pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes. That blast of hot air works magic, bringing back that irresistible crunch almost like they’re fresh out of the fryer!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads up—these numbers are estimates and can change based on your specific ingredients. But here’s the best part: these fries pack way more fiber and nutrients than regular potato fries while keeping things light. Now go enjoy that crispiness guilt-free! If you are interested in learning more about the nutritional benefits of root vegetables, you can check out resources on healthy eating guidelines.
Share Your Creation
Did you make these crispy delights? I’d love to see your masterpiece! Snap a photo, tag me on social media, or leave a comment below telling me how they turned out. Your feedback makes my day—and helps other fry lovers too! If you enjoy making fun side dishes like this, you might also enjoy this recipe for an Air Fryer Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl.
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Crispy Air Fryer Celery Root Fries in 20 Minutes
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Crispy and flavorful celery root fries made in the air fryer. A healthy alternative to traditional fries.
Ingredients
- 1 medium celery root (celeriac), peeled and cut into fries
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, toss celery root fries with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Place the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Cut the fries evenly for uniform cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American