Turnip Fries
by Sommer Collier — last updated on Mar 23, 2026 My turnip fries are the crispy, better-for-you alternative I love making when I’m craving fries. I slice fresh turnips, toss them with oil and a bold blend of spices, then roast or air fry them until perfectly crispy and golden. This easy side dish is crunchy, flavorful, and totally addictive.
I have to admit, there is nothing quite like a really good, crispy, salty, and greasy french fry. For the longest time, I thought that nothing was good enough to act as a substitute for the real thing… and then I tried these baked turnip fries coated in my french fry seasoning recipe. Not only are these fries SO GOOD, they also have about one-third the carbs and a fraction of the calories of traditional fries. They’re perfectly crisp and golden brown on the outside, and tender on the inside, with a delicious earthy flavor.
I love to pair them with a variety of dipping sauces, especially my favorite southern comeback sauce, which is perfectly tangy and creamy.
Trang – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I’ve never thought of turning turnips into fries! Great way for kids to eat their veggies!
Table of Contents
Sommer’s Recipe Highlights
Better for You – These baked turnip fries have all the flavor of the classic French fry with half the calories and a fraction of the carbs. Finally, a fry you don’t have to feel guilty about!
Quick and Easy to Make – I love how fast it is to make these fries. All you have to do is cut them into even pieces, toss them in a flavor-packed spice mixture, and pop them in the oven to bake.
Simple Ingredients – The simple seasoning blend adds so much flavor to the turnips. Once I start eating these, I just can’t stop!
Key Ingredients and Tips
- Turnips – The star of the recipe! Once baked, these turn into incredibly tender and crispy fries that taste just like, if not better than, the real thing.
- Olive oil – I always use a good quality olive oil. It helps crisp up the fries, and it also acts as a glue for the herb and spice seasoning to stick onto the turnips. I suggest picking a flavorful olive oil, like cold-pressed extra virgin.
- Garlic salt – This adds the perfect amount of savory and pungent garlicky flavor to this dish.
- Dried oregano – Just a little bit of dried oregano adds a ton of herbiness.
- Smoked paprika – For that subtle reddish color and smokiness, I love to add smoked paprika to the seasoning mix. You can use sweet paprika if you prefer.
- Onion powder – I’m a huge fan of onions, and I love how onion powder brings a bright pop of flavor to the mix.
- Cayenne pepper – And finally, for a slight kick, add just a pinch of cayenne pepper.
How to Make
Find the full recipe with ingredient proportions, detailed instructions, and a video tutorial in the printable form at the bottom of the post.
Make the seasoning – The first step is to preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, I grab a bowl, and I throw in all the spices and herbs I need for my seasoning mix.
Peel and slice – Next, I carefully peel the turnips and cut them into equal slices so that they look like fries. They should be about a third of an inch thick. It’s important to cut them as consistently as you can, so they cook evenly.
Season the fries – Now, I place the fries on a baking sheet, and I cover them with some olive oil before I season them with the mixture I made earlier. Toss well so they are coated evenly.
Bake – And finally, it’s time to bake these fries! I always make sure to space them out so that they don’t touch. Then, I bake them for 20 minutes, flip them, and bake for another 10 minutes until they’re crispy.
Recipe Variations
- Parmesan – For a cheesy twist to these fries, add some grated parmesan into the spice mixture.
- Honey – I love a good sweet n’ spicy combo, and that means drizzling some honey over these fries once they’re fresh out of the oven.
- Loaded version – Top these off with some sour cream, crumbled cooked bacon, and shredded cheddar for a loaded, decadent version.
Serving Suggestions
These crispy turnip fries make the perfect side dish to any grilled meat, burger, or salad. Plus, they’re incredible paired with some of my favorite dips. Here are some delicious ways to serve these up:
- Serve them with these spicy cowboy burgers or this flap meat steak.
- Dip them in this burger sauce.
- Pair them with this french fry dipping sauce or this garlic parmesan sauce.
Storing
Place any leftover fries in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven, they get very soggy in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they’re a bit more earthy in taste. Both are incredibly tasty!
It’s possible you overcrowded the oven with too many turnip fries, or that your oven isn’t hot enough! Space them out evenly on the baking sheets, leaving a little room for air circulation.
Yes, but I think the flavor is milder and easier on the taste buds if the skin is peeled off.
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More French Fry Recipes
Turnip Fries
Ingredients
- 8 turnips
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F conventional, or 400 degrees F convection if possible. Set out 1-2 large baking sheets, and a small bowl. Measure the garlic salt, oregano, paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper into the bowl and mix well.
- Peel the turnips and cut them into strips the length of each turnip, and 1/3 X 1/3 inch in width and height. Try to cut them as evenly as possible.
- Place the fries on the baking sheet and drizzle with oil. Toss to coat. Then sprinkle the seasoning mix over the fries and toss them to coat again.
- Spread the fries out evenly on the baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch. Bake for 20 minutes. Flip the fries. Spread them out again, and bake for another 10 minutes, or until crispy. Serve warm.
Well, I tried this with jicama because I thought high fiber what’s to lose. It was OK, but not great so if you really want the fiber go ahead, but otherwise I suspect the turnip or sweet potato is much tastier. I will say the comeback sauce is always phenomenal. (I lived in Jackson Mississippi for two years and could bathe in that stuff)
These are fantastic and delicious. Better than sweet potato fries. I overcooked them a bit, but the texture was perfect. Will make again and share with friends.
Do you have a recipe for the dip or the fries?
Hi Lindsey,
Absolutely! Here you go… https://www.aspicyperspective.com/southern-comeback-sauce/
Have not made it yet. Sounds so easy and good. Love turnips. Hey that was where I was born. I will use my air fryer.
Thanks
Wayne
Nakusp, British Columbia
Canada
One of my favorite recipes!
I’m always looking for a healthier twist on things. I cannot wait to try these.
It was so good!! My kids loved it!
I’ve never thought of turning turnips into fries! Great way for kids to eat their veggies!
Love this alternative to french fries. Still the same crunch and texture so it makes me feel like I’m eating fries, but definitely feel better eating them with the lower calories!
I’ve never had these but they sure do look amazing. I’ll be trying them soon.
This has everything and more that I’m looking for in a recipe! It’s made in the air fryer and it’s low carb! Win win!
Love root veggies in the winter! I don’t really have any experience with turnips, but love parsnips in the colder months. Do they taste similar?
Hi Viana,
Parsnips tend to have a slightly sweeter flavor than turnips. Turnips have a mild bitter quality, that I personally love!