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1 Comment Kohlrabi might not be the first veggie you think of when it comes to fries, but trust me – once you try these kohlrabi fries, you’ll want to make them again and again. Whether in the air fryer or baked in the oven, they’re a fun and flavorful side dish that’s a little different from your regular fries. I love making vegetable fries anyway. I’ve made zucchini fries, broccoli fries, celeriac fries, sweet potato fries (check how to make those crispy with sweet potato tempura fries), and of course also regular potato fries.
Table of contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Veggie fries made easy – A healthier alternative to potato fries and a fun way to get more veggies in.
- Versatile flavor – Kohlrabi is mild and slightly sweet, making it a great base for all kinds of spice blends.
- Two cooking methods – Air fryer or oven – choose what works best for you.
- Family-friendly – A great way to introduce kids (and adults!) to a new vegetable in a familiar form.
Ingredients
- Kohlrabi – 1 large or 2 small (enough for 2 people as a side dish).
- Olive oil – About 2 tablespoons, to coat the fries.
- Spices – I used chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of sea salt.
- Try variations like ras el hanout, curry powder, or Italian seasoning for a new twist, but really any kind of spices will work well.
If you’re not familiar with kohlrabi yet, make sure to read the article “What is kohlrabi“. You should be able to find kohlrabi in the better assorted grocery stores, farmer’s markets, or your green grocer. One of my favorite recipes with kohlrabi is this recipe for roasted kohlrabi with garlic butter.
How to Make Kohlrabi Fries
Step 1: Prepare the kohlrabi
Peel the tough woody skin, then cut into evenly sized sticks. Aim for medium thickness – too thin and they burn, too thick and they won’t cook through evenly. Peeling is easily done using a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife
Step 2: Season the fries
In a large bowl, mix olive oil with your chosen spices and salt. Add the kohlrabi sticks and toss until well coated.
Step 3: Cook the fries
Oven method:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread fries evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and tender.
Air fryer method:
Place the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket (cook in batches if needed). Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking once halfway through. Check after 10 minutes so they don’t over-brown.
Serve with your favorite dip.
Are Kohlrabi Fries Crispy?
Not really. Kohlrabi fries don’t get crispy like potato fries. Instead, they’re tender and flavorful – a bit like sweet potato fries, which also tend to stay soft. But that’s part of their charm: they’re a lighter, veggie-packed alternative with their own unique texture. if you’re looking for funky different fries, check out the polenta fries or funchi fries too.
Serving Suggestions
- Dip ideas – Try them with garlic aioli, spicy mayo, or ranch dressing. Or whatever your favorite dip is.
- Meal pairings – Serve alongside burgers, grilled chicken, or roasted salmon.
- Topping tip – Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs right after cooking for extra flavor.
FAQ Kohlrabi Fries
It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor, somewhere between broccoli stem and cabbage.
They’re best enjoyed fresh, but you can cut the kohlrabi in advance and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for 1–2 days.
Yes – you can skip the oil, but they won’t brown as nicely. A light spray of cooking oil helps with flavor and texture.
Expert Tip
For the best results, don’t overcrowd the pan or air fryer basket. Kohlrabi releases a bit of moisture as it cooks, and if the pieces are piled on top of each other, they’ll steam instead of roast. By keeping the fries in a single layer with space between them, you’ll get more even cooking and that golden, slightly caramelized edge that makes them so delicious.
Kohlrabi Fries
Ingredients
- 1 large kohlrabi bulb or 2 small ones
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cut the kohlrabi
- Peel the tough outer skin of the kohlrabi. Slice into evenly sized sticks – not too thin, not too thick. Even sizing is important so they cook at the same speed.1 large kohlrabi bulb
Step 2: Make the seasoning mix
- In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, spices, and salt. Add the kohlrabi sticks and toss until everything is well coated.2 tablespoons olive oil, ½ teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, Salt to taste
Step 3: Cook the fries
- Air fryer: Place fries in a single layer in the basket (cook in batches if needed). Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes until golden and tender. Check after 10–12 minutes to avoid over-browning.
- Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
Notes
Do kohlrabi fries get crispy?
Not really. They don’t get as crispy as potato fries – the texture is more like sweet potato fries, which stay a little soft. But they’re super flavorful and a great alternative way to enjoy kohlrabi.Nutrition Information per portion:
Disclaimer:
The nutritional values above are calculated per portion. The details are based on standard nutritional tables and do not constitute a professional nutritional advice.
No they’re not crispy but they are a great alternative way of preparing kohlrabi. So delicious!