Craving the golden crunch of roasted baby potatoes on keto? Discover the magic of air fryer crispy radishes—a low-carb, potato-like side that delivers all the satisfaction without the carbs. When air fried, radishes transform from peppery and crisp to mellow, tender, and deliciously golden, mimicking the texture and flavour of roasted potatoes.
This recipe is a game-changer for anyone missing classic potato sides. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a batch of crispy, golden radishes in under 25 minutes. Tossed in olive oil, seasoned simply, and air fried to perfection, these make a brilliant side for grilled meats, a base for loaded keto toppings, or a snack on their own.
Follow these easy steps for the crispiest, most convincing potato alternative—perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. You’ll be amazed at how satisfying and versatile this keto-friendly swap can be!
At a glance
- Time: 25 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: 2
- Cost: Affordable
Macros (per serving)
- Protein: 1.2 g
- Fat: 8.5 g
- Carbs: 3.5 g
- Energy: 90 kcal
Ingredients
- 300g Radishes (Trimmed and halved; substitute for baby potatoes)
- 1.5 tbsp Olive oil (Extra virgin preferred)
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp Sea salt (Or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper (Freshly ground)
- 1 tbsp Fresh parsley (Finely chopped, for garnish)
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
- Chopping board
- Knife
Steps
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes.
- Trim and halve the radishes. Pat them dry with kitchen paper to remove excess moisture.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the radishes with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread the radishes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding for maximum crispiness.
- Air fry at 200°C for 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Radishes should be golden and crisp at the edges.
- Check for doneness: pierce with a fork—they should be tender inside. Air fry 2–3 minutes longer if needed.
- Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve hot.
Allergens & Swaps
Allergens:
Recipe contains: No known allergens
Potential swaps:
- Olive oil → Avocado oil — Use for a more neutral flavour or higher smoke point.
- Radishes → Turnips — For a slightly sweeter, still low-carb alternative.
- Smoked paprika → Chilli powder — For a spicier kick.
Serving Ideas
- With grilled chicken – for a balanced, protein-rich meal.
- Topped with sour cream and chives – for a loaded potato feel.
- Alongside steak – as a hearty, low-carb side.
Additional Info
Chefs Tips
- Cut larger radishes into quarters for even cooking.
- Add a pinch of dried rosemary or thyme for extra flavour.
- Serve immediately for the best crunch.
Variations
- Add grated Parmesan in the last 2 minutes of air frying for a cheesy crust.
- Sprinkle with lemon zest and fresh dill for a fresh, summery twist.
Troubleshooting
- Radishes not crisping? Make sure they are dry and not overcrowded.
- Too soft? Air fry for 2–3 minutes longer, checking frequently.
Storage & Reheating
Store cooled radishes in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Fridge: up to 3 days
- Freezer: up to 0 months
- Reheat: Air fry at 180°C for 3–4 minutes until hot and crisp.
Ingredient Spotlight
Radishes: When cooked, radishes become mellow and potato-like, making them a perfect keto-friendly substitute for baby potatoes.
Olive oil: Adds healthy fats and helps the radishes crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
FAQs
Do air-fried radishes really taste like potatoes?
Yes! When air fried, radishes lose their peppery bite and become mellow, tender, and surprisingly similar in texture and flavour to roasted baby potatoes.
Can I use other root vegetables?
Turnips or kohlrabi are great low-carb alternatives, but avoid carrots or parsnips as they are higher in carbs.
How do I get the crispiest result?
Pat the radishes dry before tossing with oil and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket so the hot air can circulate.
Can I make these ahead?
They are best fresh, but you can reheat leftovers in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes at 180°C to restore crispiness.
Are these suitable for meal prep?
Yes, store cooked radishes in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer for a quick, crispy side.
Keto Air Fryer Crispy Radishes – The Perfect Potato Swap
Ingredients
- 300g Radishes (Trimmed and halved; substitute for baby potatoes)
- 1.5 tbsp Olive oil (Extra virgin preferred)
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp Sea salt (Or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper (Freshly ground)
- 1 tbsp Fresh parsley (Finely chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes.
- Trim and halve the radishes. Pat them dry with kitchen paper to remove excess moisture.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the radishes with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread the radishes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding for maximum crispiness.
- Air fry at 200°C for 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Radishes should be golden and crisp at the edges.
- Check for doneness: pierce with a fork—they should be tender inside. Air fry 2–3 minutes longer if needed.
- Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve hot.
Allergens & Swaps
Allergens: none
- Olive oil → Avocado oil — Use for a more neutral flavour or higher smoke point.
- Radishes → Turnips — For a slightly sweeter, still low-carb alternative.
- Smoked paprika → Chilli powder — For a spicier kick.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Protein: 1.2 g
- Fat: 8.5 g
- Carbs: 3.5 g
- Energy: 90 kcal
