Delicious Roasted Celeriac Wedges: Perfect for the Air Fryer
Celeriac, often overshadowed by its more popular root vegetable relatives, is a hidden gem that deserves a spot in your kitchen. With its subtle nutty flavour and tender flesh, it's incredibly versatile and delicious when roasted. Using an air fryer not only makes the process quicker but also enhances the texture, offering a healthy alternative to traditional frying methods. Below, you'll find a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to create perfect roasted celeriac wedges, making them a delightful addition to any meal.
Why Choose Celeriac?
Celeriac, also known as celery root, is rich in vitamins C and K, phosphorus, and fibre, making it a nutritious option for those aiming to eat healthily. Its complex flavour profile allows it to absorb seasonings wonderfully well. Plus, it's a root vegetable available throughout the year, perfect for any season's meal preparation.
Ingredients
- 1 medium celeriac, peeled and cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, optional
Equipment Needed
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Air fryer
- Tongs or a spatula
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to 200°C (about 392°F) and let it preheat for around 5 minutes. This ensures that the wedges start cooking immediately upon entering the fryer.
- Prepare the celeriac: Once peeled, cut the celeriac into uniform wedges to ensure even cooking. Aim for wedges that are about 1 cm thick at the widest point.
- Season the wedges: In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the celeriac wedges in the bowl until they're well coated with the seasoning mix.
- Cook the wedges: Arrange the seasoned celeriac wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may have to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Cook for 18-22 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.
- Check for doneness: The wedges should have a golden brown exterior and be tender inside. If they need a bit more time, continue to cook in 2-minute increments.
- Add the finishing touches: Once cooked, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top for an additional burst of flavour.
Serving Suggestions
These roasted celeriac wedges make a fantastic side dish paired with grilled meats or roasted chicken. They are also delicious as a snack on their own, served with a zesty dip like aioli or a mustard-based sauce. For a light meal, toss them into a salad with greens, feta cheese, and a lemon vinaigrette dressing.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, store the roasted celeriac wedges in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer at 180°C (about 356°F) for 3-4 minutes to regain their crispy texture.
Conclusion
This roasted celeriac wedges recipe is a testament to the versatility and deliciousness of this underrated vegetable. Easy to prepare and perfect for the air fryer, it's a recipe that's sure to become a staple in your home. Enjoy the nutty, rich flavours and delight in a dish that's both healthy and comforting!