Rutabaga Fries

Let’s be honest, the hardest part of sticking to a low-carb diet is saying goodbye to potatoes. I used to miss that salty crunch, but these Air Fryer Rutabaga Fries have completely changed the game for me! They are the ultimate healthy alternative to french fries, giving you all the flavor and crispiness you crave without the guilt. If you’re looking for a quick and easy keto-friendly side dish, trust me—you are going to want to make a double batch of these.

Preparation Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 15 ounces (425.2 grams) rutabaga, cut into fries

• 4 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp chili powder

• A pinch of salt and black pepper

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cut rutabaga fries with the olive oil, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss well until the fries are evenly coated.
2. Transfer the seasoned fries into the air fryer basket in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding).
3. Cook at 400 degrees F (204 degrees C) for 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
4. Remove from the air fryer, divide evenly between plates, and serve immediately as a side dish.

Nutrition Per Serving

Calories: 160.0 kcal Total Fat: 13.9 g Saturated Fat: 1.9 g Cholesterol: 0.0 mg Sodium: 75.0 mg Total Carbohydrates: 9.5 g Dietary Fiber: 2.6 g Sugars: 4.9 g Protein: 1.2 g

Pro Tips for the Crispiest Rutabaga Fries

Here are a few insider secrets to make sure your fries turn out golden and crunchy every time, rather than soggy:

• Peel it Deep: Store-bought rutabagas often come covered in a thick layer of paraffin wax to keep them fresh. You need to peel deeper than you think—use a sharp chef’s knife or a sturdy Y-peeler to get past the wax and the greenish skin underneath until you see the yellow flesh.

• Size Matters: Try to cut your fries into uniform sizes (about 0.5 inches thick). If they are different sizes, the small ones will burn before the thick ones are tender inside.

• The “Space” Rule: It is tempting to dump everything in at once, but air fryers need airflow to create that crunch. If you crowd the basket, the fries will steam instead of roast. Cook in two batches if you need to!

• Dry Before You Fry: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. After you cut the rutabaga, pat the sticks completely dry with a paper towel before tossing them in the oil and spices.

• Shake It Up: Don’t just set the timer and walk away. Shake the basket halfway through (at the 10-minute mark) to ensure all sides get that nice brown char.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Are rutabaga fries keto-friendly? Answer: Yes, rutabaga is an excellent keto-friendly alternative to potatoes. A medium rutabaga has significantly fewer carbohydrates than a potato (about 9g net carbs per cup), making these fries perfect for low-carb and ketogenic diets.

Question: What does a rutabaga taste like? Answer: Rutabaga has a mild, earthy flavor that is essentially a cross between a turnip and a cabbage. However, when you roast or air fry it with olive oil and spices, it becomes sweeter and savory, tasting very similar to a sweet potato but with a slightly firmer texture.

Question: Do I have to peel the skin off the rutabaga? Answer: Yes, you absolutely need to peel it. Most rutabagas sold in grocery stores are coated in a thick, food-grade paraffin wax to preserve freshness. You should use a sharp peeler or knife to remove both the waxy coating and the outer skin before cutting it into fries.

Question: Why are my air fryer rutabaga fries soggy? Answer: Soggy fries usually happen for two reasons: overcrowding the basket or excess moisture. Make sure to pat your rutabaga sticks completely dry with a paper towel before seasoning. Also, cook them in a single layer; if you stack them, they will steam instead of roast.

Question: Can I bake these if I don’t have an air fryer? Answer: Yes! To bake them in an oven, spread the seasoned fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 30 to 40 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and tender.

Question: How do I store and reheat leftover rutabaga fries? Answer: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes to crisp them up again. Microwaving is not recommended as it will make them soft.

There you have it—a guilt-free way to satisfy those salty cravings without wrecking your carb count! These Air Fryer Rutabaga Fries are proof that eating low-carb doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite comfort foods. Whether you serve them as a crunchy snack or a savory side dish for your next steak night, they are sure to be a hit with the whole family. Give this recipe a try this week, and don’t forget to drop a comment below and rate the recipe to let me know how they turned out!