Keto Celeriac Fries
Fries are the food many keto beginners miss most. Celeriac (celery root) comes surprisingly close: its firm, faintly sweet flesh turns crispy outside and tender inside in the oven. Each serving lands at 4 g net carbs, 22 g fat and 3 g protein, instead of the roughly 40 g of carbs in a portion of potato fries.
At a glance
- Total time: approx. 35 minutes, including 25 in the oven.
- Approx. 4 g net carbs and 22 g fat per serving.
- Ingredients: celeriac, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder.
- No fryer needed, one baking sheet is enough.
Ingredients
Serves 2 as a side, for example with a steak or a fried egg.
| Amount | Ingredient | Note | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| celeriac | weighed after peeling | |||
| weighed after peeling | ||||
| olive oil | approx. 3 tbsp | |||
| approx. 3 tbsp | ||||
| sweet paprika | - | |||
| garlic powder | - | |||
| fine salt | - | |||
| coarse salt | to serve | |||
| to serve | ||||
| rosemary | to serve | |||
| to serve | ||||
How to make them
-
Prep
approx. 10 minutes500 g celeriac weighed after peeling Peel the celeriac, cut into sticks, season.
-
Bake
approx. 25 minutesBake at 220 C for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping once.
You did it! Enjoy every delicious bite.
Tips for crispy celeriac fries
- Cut the celeriac evenly into 1 cm thick sticks.
- Every stick needs an oil film, toss thoroughly.
- Spread them in a single layer, do not stack.
- Bake at 220 C, lower temperatures won't crisp them up.
- Flip after 15 minutes, then give them another 8 to 10 minutes.
Why does celeriac work as a fries substitute?
With 2.4 g of net carbs per 100 g, celeriac has only a fraction of the starch found in a potato (around 15 g). Yet its flesh is dense and firm, almost like a tuber, which gives a similar bite in the oven. As it roasts, its small amount of natural sweetness caramelizes and the nutty celery aroma rounds out. With paprika and garlic, the typical celery note almost disappears.
Source: USDA FoodData Central, Celeriac, raw , USDA FoodData Central, Potatoes, raw, with skin
Which keto dip pairs well?
The classic: mayonnaise, ideally jazzed up with a bit of mustard and lemon juice. An aioli made from 2 tbsp mayo, 1 crushed garlic clove and a squeeze of lemon also works beautifully. For a Hungarian twist, stir together 2 tbsp sour cream with 1 tsp smoked paprika and salt. Ketchup is tricky on keto because most brands are loaded with sugar. There are sugar-free versions, otherwise mix your own from tomato paste, a little erythritol and apple cider vinegar.
Nutrition values
| Nutrient | Per serving | Keto context |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | approx. 240 kcal | Side dish. |
| Side dish. | ||
| Fat | approx. 22 g | From olive oil. |
| From olive oil. | ||
| Net carbs | approx. 4 g | Very low. |
| Very low. | ||
| Protein | approx. 3 g | Low. |
| Low. | ||
| Fiber | approx. 3 g | Moderate. |
| Moderate. | ||
| Salt | approx. 1.2 g | Salt to taste. |
| Salt to taste. | ||
Note: Nutrition values are estimated averages per 100 g and per serving and may vary depending on ingredients, brands, portion size, and preparation. They do not replace individual nutrition or medical advice.
FAQ
Do celeriac fries really get crispy?
Yes, as long as the celeriac is baked in a single layer with enough oil. Crispy outside, tender inside. Not quite as starchy-crunchy as potato fries, but surprisingly close.
Can I make these fries in an air fryer?
Yes, very well. At 200 C for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The result is often even crispier than from the oven because the hot air circulates more evenly.
Can I prep celeriac fries in advance?
The peeled sticks keep in a bowl of cold water in the fridge for up to 12 hours. Pat them dry thoroughly before baking, otherwise they will steam.