On Friday night, I treat the boys to steak and fries.
It’s their favorite meal of the week, and for once I don’t have to negotiate with them (they should both be lawyers!). The steak is grass fed from Trader Joe’s, and while I’m there, I grab a bag of fries too.
Yes! The Clever Carrot doesn’t make her own fries!
You heard that right. In my defense, the correct way to make fries is to double fry the potatoes for a super crispy outside and fluffy middle. Tell me something: who in their right mind would double fry anything in raging hot oil at the end of the week?
I’d rather eat out.
Plus, I found an easier and healthier way to do it without the fat.
Phillips reached out asking if I’d like to try their new Airfryer.
Yes, please.
Interestingly enough, my dad told me about this Airfryer so I was somewhat familiar with the concept. He made Chinese spareribs and they were beyond delicious. Oprah even put the Airfryer on her Favorites Things List (2016). So, how could I not want to learn more?!
After watching this demo video, all I could think about were crispy fries for the rest of the day. I think my thighs got smaller.
So, here’s how it works:
Its unique shape allows hot air to circulate all around the food, for even cooking without the fat. All you need is 1 tablespoon of olive oil! Any residual oil drains away as it cooks so you’re not left with a soggy mess. The food is crispy on the outside and perfectly cooked on the inside.
You can use the Airfryer to cook all sorts of things too, including veggies, steak, desserts, even bread!
For the recipe, I created a medley of veggie fries.
The lineup included sweet potatoes, parsnips, and heirloom carrots. I tossed the veggies in olive oil, garlic powder, and rosemary, and dusted them with cornmeal for a crunchy texture on the finish.
Each vegetable takes a different amount of time to cook, so I air-fried everything in batches. The parsnips cooked the fastest, followed by the sweet potatoes and carrots. Because carrots don’t have as much starch as the other veggies, they didn’t fully crisp as per a typical french fry, but cooked nicely and had great flavor.
And guess what else?!
**GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED! 12/27/16**
I have a FANTASTIC giveaway for YOU!
One lucky winner is going to receive the following, courtesy of Phillips:
- Philips Airfryer ($350-400 in value)
- Williams-Sonoma Airfryer Cookbook
- $100 AmEx gift card
- Gordon Ramsay’s Home Cooking cookbook
Plus, you get a 20% off coupon code for all purchases: OPRAH.
To enter: leave a comment below and tell me what YOU would like to make in the Airfryer! Contest open to US residents only. You are going to love this one! Good luck to all!
*This post was in partnership with Philips. All opinions are my own!
PrintVeggie Fries
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 4 large parsnips
- 4 carrots, assorted colors
- 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1–2 tablespoons of chopped rosemary
- garlic powder, to taste
- cornmeal
- salt
* For best results, make sure to cut the vegetables roughly the same size, for even cooking.
Instructions
- Set your Airfryer to 350 F.
- Peel and trim all of the vegetables. Cut into 1/2-inch sticks. The best way to do this, is to cut the vegetables into slices first, lengthwise, and then across to create ‘fries’. Place the vegetables into 3 bowls, respectively.
- Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil, rosemary, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of cornmeal. Toss well to combine.
- To air-fry, place half of the sweet potatoes into the fry basket, making sure not to go over the max line. Cook for 6-9 minutes or until crispy. Transfer to a wire rack and sprinkle with salt while still hot.
- For the parsnips, cook for 3-4 minutes. For the carrots, cook for 10-15 minutes.
- Serve directly on the cooling rack, family-style, or on a large platter. Veggie fries are best enjoyed warm, fresh out of the Airfryer.
Comments
Susan says
Wow lots of comments today! I’d make Friday night “Fry-day” night and try making whatever the family wants!
Jan says
I would love to demonstrate to my husband, our chef, that there is a healthy alternative to deep fried chicken.
Jane says
Olie Bollen (Dutch doughnuts). My uncle made them (when he was alive)…..cooked in a huge pot of hot oil. Mmmmmmmm; however, as we reinvent and try new things I’m sure they would be excellent cooked in an airfryer….Infinity more crunchy on the outside and soft and doughy on the inside….as they should be :)
Jill says
I would love to make some healthy, vegetable based sides (similar to this post) for my dad when I am home for the holidays. As a nutrition student, finding alternatives to less healthy food options is important. Also, I love reading your blog for inspiration – it’s so great! Happy Holidays.
Pam Clark says
I would like to try fried cauliflower. I’ve never tried it, but I’ve heard that it has a whole different taste than boiled. French fries and fried sweet potatoes would also be high on my list. Thanks for the opportunity to enter this contest.
Anne Weber-Falk says
Ooo! “Fried” chicken! My most favorite food!
Scott E says
Fried sunchokes and meyer lemon! Thank you.
Shari Berkowitz says
I would love to fry those lovely long string beans.or even cauliflower florets. A nice crunchy veggie treat!
Thoma Murphy says
I would make fries.
Priscilla says
Yum! I would love to make egg rolls and fries!
Allyson says
This is so cool! I don’t mind the fat from frying (as long as you’re using good quality fat) but I can leave the mess ANY day of the week. I would love, love, love to make chicken wings in this! I am obsessed with that crispy skin and I’m always trying to get it in the oven, without too much luck. :)
Aimee Holladay says
These looks so delish!! I would try so many different roots/veggies- carrots, sweet potato, ect. But the first thing I would try is beets! I love roasted beets so I think they might turn out well. Plus, beets have so many benefits for you it’s a great way to serve them to those that may not like them steam, roasted, or raw!
Jessica G says
Doughnuts!
Kelly D says
I would make cauliflower bites in this airfryer. This would be a great way to have my family eat more vegetables.
Gin K. says
Oh, I would fry lots of veggies, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, squash rounds, potatoes, and so much more! I hate all the grease associated with normal deep frying, and this type sounds so much better.
Thanks for the chance to win it!
~Gin K.~
Laura | Tutti Dolci says
Yes please, fries have never looked better! :)
susanna moraldi says
I would love to try jerusalem artichoke chip or fries. I usually roast them or eat them raw, but I bet nice crispy chips would be delish!!! I would also try fried artichoke hearts when the little ones are in season!
Lara says
I would love to make some sweet potato fries, or garlic fries, yum!
Emily says
I never fry but this sounds interesting. Your vegetables and you father’s ribs sound wonderful.
Kimberley Melander says
I had incredible polenta fries at a fab restaurant and would love to try those…thanks!
Landen says
Probably donuts… Or sweet potato fries
Jo says
These fries look awesome! I would definitely try to airfry falafel. I usually bake them, and while they’re delicious there is aaaalways something slightly missing!
Sidney Leonard says
I used to make my own potato chips but hate the mess and calories in oil, I also LOVE shrimp tempura. Those wold be my very first trials in an Air Fryer!
Thanks!
Kathleen Cozad says
Wings recipe please! One of my fried weaknesses! That and southern fried chicken. If there is a healthier way to make either of these that gives me the flavor and crunch of real artery clogging fried goodness, I’m game to try it. Baked doesn’t cut it for me, I’d rather go without.
Jenny Simpson says
I’d make fried tofu ! OOOH or Zucchini Chips. I finally figured out how to use my mandolin and have been making those like crazy.
Tammy Godfrey says
These are delicious. I love the zucchini,, sweet potato & carrot fries. I also add some squash and broccoli.
Amy Tischler says
Okay, so I’d probably would fry everything with this, but if i had to narrow it down to a few things I’d make, fried yogurt/ice cream, fries of all kind, avocado tempura, crispy chicken (the list goes on and on). I also love how versatile this fryer is because it also has other cooking capabilities as well!
Sarah Leitner says
I would love to try purple, orange and white sweet potatoes fries in the Airfryer
Sandra Trinidad says
I would love to guve some sweet potato and beet check chips a whirl
debbie riccio says
French fries for me and my grandson!!!
Jill says
I would love to fry up some chicken cutlets since I haven’t made them for my family in a very long time because of how unhealthy the traditional frying pan seems to to be.My husband would be a very happy man to eat those again!
Nydia Armendia Sanchez says
Thank you for hosting such an amazing giveaway. I would try to make ‘croquetas’ or croquettes with Jamon serrano…they typically require a lot of oil for frying so this would be fantastic!
amanda paa says
your fam is quite lucky to get steak and fries every friday night! i’m so glad you posted your thoughts on the air fryer because it was a topic of discussion at thanksgiving. kind of amazes me that you can do it with so little oil! i feel like it’s something i’d use often. and i think the first thing i’d try is spiralized sweet potato fries. xo!
Berry says
Mmmmm sweet potato fries! I also deep fry latkes and veggie fritters. I’d even branch out into onion rings and fried mushrooms too.
Laura Griese says
I’d love to make healthy zucchini fries. The Airfryer sounds like the perfect appliance! I second the tempura comment above.
Robin Palmer says
I was going to say brussel sprouts, but when I read Spring Rolls, I think that’s even better. I loved reading all the suggestions!
Kati says
Sweet potato fries all the way! What a super fun giveaway. Thanks for the opportunity!
Aubrey M. says
I want to try crispy carrots chips and dip in a honey mustard sauce!
sharon says
Fried chicken, fried fresh-caught bass fish, and fries!
Mary McCabe says
I would first try your recipe because it sounds great. Then I would try fried chicken so I could make chicken and waffles at home.
Cari says
I love the idea of making my own veggie fries, and to complete the meal … fried chicken to go with. Thanks for the opportunity at a chance to win this great package of goodies.
Car
Ckamin57@aol.com
Mary says
WHY. I’m hungry and those fries look delicious.
Amy says
Veggie fries and include green beans and zucchini.
Jessie Snyder says
What a friday night line up! Love those freezer fries ;) especially the crinkly ones (our vice!) but man does this air fryer sound so unique. I love the sound of it here, and your crispy home-fries sell it Emilie <3. I hope you and your two little lawyers (and hubs) are having the merriest start to your holiday season. lots of xs and os.
Rachel Sharp says
I’d make any root vegetable! Potato, sweet potato, rutabaga… :)
Teresa M says
Fried zucchini. My family will eat it as fast as I can fry it.
manda says
Fries, of course.
Joyce says
Wow! I’d love to fry chicken. Also thin frys. And oh, tempura veggies would be awesome.
Karen jordan says
I would love to make these with the sweet potatoes I buy from an Amish farmer. The are fabulous and would be great as healthy fries.
Andrew Gordon says
I would make fries out of purple potatoes! Things are just more fun when they’re a weird color…