# Parsnips cooking times

How long to cook parsnips: **35–45 min in the oven at 200°C (180°C fan), 15–20 min in an air fryer at 200°C, 8–10 min boiled and 10–12 min steamed**. Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.

Source: https://feastflow.co.uk/parsnips-cooking-times (FeastFlow free cooking-time guides). Last checked 11 November 2026.

## How long to cook parsnips

Times are for 500 g (about 4 medium), for 4.

Parsnips: cooking times by method:

| Method | Time | Heat | How |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Oven](https://feastflow.co.uk/oven-cooking-times) (Roast) | 35–45 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Toss in oil (a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for the last 10 minutes). Parboil for 3–5 minutes first if you like them fluffy inside. |
| [Air fryer](https://feastflow.co.uk/air-fryer-cooking-times) (Batons) | 15–20 min | 200°C (400°F) | Batons tossed in a tablespoon of oil; shake halfway. |
| [Boil](https://feastflow.co.uk/boiling-times) (Chunks) | 8–10 min | simmering in salted water | Chunks for mash take 15–20 minutes. |
| [Steam](https://feastflow.co.uk/steaming-times) (Chunks) | 10–12 min | over simmering water | – |
| [Microwave](https://feastflow.co.uk/microwave-cooking-times) (Chunks) | 6–8 min | on full power, covered | Chunks, with 3 tablespoons of water; stir halfway. |

Also see: [Roast dinner planner](https://feastflow.co.uk/roast-dinner-planner) (sunday roast timings for any joint).

## Before you start

Peel and cut into halves or quarters lengthways. Cut out the woody core of big parsnips.

## How to tell it’s done

Golden and crisp outside, soft inside.

## Questions

### How long to cook parsnips in the oven?

Roast: 35–45 min at 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6. Toss in oil (a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for the last 10 minutes). Parboil for 3–5 minutes first if you like them fluffy inside.

### How long to cook parsnips in an air fryer?

Batons: 15–20 min at 200°C (400°F). Batons tossed in a tablespoon of oil; shake halfway.

### How long to boil parsnips?

Chunks: 8–10 min simmering in salted water. Chunks for mash take 15–20 minutes.

### How long to steam parsnips?

Chunks: 10–12 min over simmering water.

### How long to microwave parsnips?

Chunks: 6–8 min on full power, covered. Chunks, with 3 tablespoons of water; stir halfway.

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Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and sizes vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance.

FeastFlow also plans a whole meal backwards from serving time, with every dish timed and oven temperatures that don’t clash: https://feastflow.co.uk/