Air Fryer Celery Root: 7 Delicious Reasons to Try It

Name: Air Fryer Celery Root: 7 Delicious Reasons to Try It
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium celery root (celeriac), peeled and cubed; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder

By:

Christina R. Jones

July 2, 2025

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Let me tell you, air frying celery root, or celeriac as some call it, is an absolute game-changer! If you’ve never cooked with this quirky root vegetable, you’re in for a delightful surprise. Air frying not only cuts down on cooking time but also keeps the flavors vibrant while giving you that lovely crispy texture you crave. I remember the first time I tossed some cubed celery root into my air fryer—it was like discovering a hidden gem in my kitchen! The result? Tender on the inside, crispy on the outside, and oh-so-flavorful!

This recipe is super simple and perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining guests. You’ll find that the combination of olive oil, garlic powder, and just the right amount of seasoning elevates this humble veggie into something extraordinary. Plus, it’s a healthy side dish that pairs beautifully with just about anything! Believe me, once you try air fryer celery root, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation. So, let’s dive in and explore how to make this delicious dish that’s bound to impress!

Air Fryer Celery Root (Celeriac) - detail 1

Ingredients for Air Fryer Celery Root (Celeriac)

To whip up this scrumptious air fryer celery root, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:

1 medium celery root (celeriac) – Make sure to peel it and cut it into even cubes for consistent cooking.
2 tablespoons olive oil – This will help achieve that wonderful crispy texture.
1 teaspoon salt – A must for enhancing all the flavors.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Just enough kick to elevate the dish.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a lovely aromatic element that pairs so well with the earthy celery root.

These ingredients are not only easy to find but also work together to create a truly delightful side dish that everyone will love!

How to Prepare Air Fryer Celery Root (Celeriac)

Preparing air fryer celery root is a breeze, and I promise you’ll love how straightforward it is! Let’s break it down step by step so you can achieve that perfect crispy texture while keeping all the flavor intact.

Preheating the Air Fryer

First things first, preheating your air fryer is crucial! It ensures that the celery root cooks evenly and achieves that golden-brown crispiness we all adore. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it heat up for about 5 minutes. This short wait is totally worth it!

Preparing the Celery Root

Now, onto the star of the show: the celery root! Start by peeling it with a sharp vegetable peeler. Don’t be shy—it has a rough exterior that can be a bit tricky, but once you get through that first layer, it’s smooth sailing! After peeling, cut it into even cubes—about 1-inch pieces work great. This uniformity helps them cook at the same rate, ensuring each bite is tender and delicious. Trust me, the effort is so worth it!

Seasoning and Cooking

With your celery root ready, toss those lovely cubes in a bowl with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Make sure every piece gets coated evenly—this is where the magic happens! Once seasoned, place the cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook them for about 20-25 minutes, giving the basket a good shake halfway through to promote even cooking. You’ll want to check for tenderness around the 20-minute mark; they should be fork-tender and beautifully golden. If they need a little more time, don’t hesitate to pop them back in for a few extra minutes. Once done, serve them warm and enjoy this delightful dish!

Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Celery Root (Celeriac)

Before diving into this delicious dish, it’s good to know what you’re putting on your plate! Keep in mind that the nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes. Here’s a typical breakdown per serving:

Calories: 120
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 300mg
Cholesterol: 0mg

This air fryer celery root is not only tasty but also a healthy addition to your meals, delivering a good amount of fiber and vitamins while being low in calories. Enjoy guilt-free!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a delicious side dish in no time!
Healthier Option: Air frying means less oil and fewer calories, making this celery root a guilt-free treat.
Flavor Packed: The combination of garlic powder, olive oil, and seasoning brings out the natural sweetness of the celery root.
Versatile Side Dish: Perfectly pairs with a variety of main courses, from roasted meats to vegetarian dishes.
Crispy & Tender: Achieve that delightful crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and flavorful!

Tips for Success with Air Fryer Celery Root (Celeriac)

To make sure your air fryer celery root turns out perfectly every time, here are some pro tips that I swear by:

Cut Evenly: Always cube the celery root into uniform pieces, about 1-inch in size. This helps them cook evenly, so you won’t have some pieces mushy and others still crunchy!
Don’t Overcrowd: When placing the seasoned cubes in the air fryer, make sure they’re in a single layer. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispiness. If you have more, just cook in batches!
Shake It Up: Halfway through the cooking time, give the basket a good shake. This redistributes the cubes and helps them crisp up all around, preventing any sticking.
Adjust to Your Taste: Feel free to tweak the seasoning! If you love a bit of spice, try adding some paprika or cayenne. Experimenting can lead to your new favorite flavor!
Serve Immediately: Air-fried celery root tastes best right out of the fryer while it’s still hot and crispy. If you need to hold them for a bit, keep them in a warm oven, but don’t let them sit too long!

With these handy tips, you’re well on your way to impressing everyone with your delicious air fryer celery root!

Variations of Air Fryer Celery Root (Celeriac)

Once you’ve mastered the basic air fryer celery root recipe, the fun really begins! There are so many ways to jazz it up and make it your own. Here are a few delicious variations to consider:

Herb Infusion: Instead of just garlic powder, try adding fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley for an aromatic twist. A sprinkle of Italian seasoning can also bring a delightful flavor profile!
Spicy Kick: If you’re in the mood for some heat, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder. You can also toss in some crushed red pepper flakes for an extra layer of spice.
Lemon Zest: For a refreshing brightness, add some lemon zest before cooking. The citrus aroma will elevate the earthy flavor of the celery root beautifully!
Cheesy Goodness: After air frying, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast on top for a cheesy finish. It adds a wonderful umami flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Alternative Cooking Methods: If you want to mix it up, you can roast the celery root in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for a similar crispy texture or even steam it for a softer, healthier option.

Feel free to experiment with these variations, and don’t hesitate to create your own signature flavor! Each twist adds a unique touch to this already fantastic dish.

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Celery Root (Celeriac)

Air fryer celery root makes a fantastic side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses! I love serving it alongside roasted chicken or grilled steak, as the earthy flavors complement the richness of the meat perfectly. It also works wonders with vegetarian dishes—think hearty lentil stew or stuffed bell peppers. For a little extra flair, consider drizzling a tangy tahini sauce or a zesty lemon vinaigrette over the top. You could even serve it with a creamy garlic dip or yogurt sauce for a delightful twist. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you happen to have any leftovers of this delicious air fryer celery root, storing them is super easy! Just let the cubes cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When it’s time to enjoy them again, the best way to reheat is to pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will help restore that delightful crispiness. You can also reheat them in the oven at the same temperature, but the air fryer is my favorite method for keeping them tasty!