Air Fryer Carrots

Okay, hear me out — air fryer carrots are addictively delicious. Seriously. I’m a big fan of most veggies in the air fryer, their edges perfectly crispy and the center tender and flavorful. That’s the magic of using an air fryer to elevate your carrot game.

Plus, air fryer carrots are an easy side dish for a weeknight dinner as well as holiday meals too. If you’re ready to get started, simply it the “jump to recipe” button to get to the recipe card. Or scroll through to see a step-by-step process of creating the perfect roasted carrots in your trusty air fryer.

Why Air Fry Carrots?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about why an air fryer is your best friend for roasting vegetables. The air fryer’s circulating hot air (similar to a convection oven) ensures that your carrots get that delightful carmelization on the outside without drowning them in oil. It’s a healthier alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Choosing the Right Carrots:

Not all carrots are created equal. For the best results, opt for fresh, firm carrots with vibrant orange color. Baby carrots or regular-sized ones work equally well, but make sure they’re peeled, washed, and patted dry.

Prepping Your Carrots:

1. Peeling: Whether you choose to peel your carrots or not is a matter of personal preference. Peeling gives them a sleek look, but keeping the skin on adds a rustic touch and extra nutrients. Your call!
2. Cutting: Aim for uniformity in size to ensure even cooking. You can go for classic carrot sticks, or even try a diagonal cut for a fancy presentation.

Seasoning Magic:

The beauty of roasted carrots lies in the seasoning. And this is where you get to kind of choose your own adventure. You can keep it simple with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Or get adventurous with garlic powder, paprika, or any of your favorite spices.

For the air fryer carrot recipe below, we used garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. But feel free to change it up. Penzy’s spices has some great spice blends for air frying vegetables.

Toss the carrots in a bowl to ensure an even coat of these flavor-packed ingredients.

How Long To Cook Carrots In An Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to around 375°F (190°C). Spread the seasoned carrots in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd – give them some space to crisp up nicely. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure uniform cooking.

Checking for Doneness:

Pierce a carrot with a fork. If it goes in with little resistance, they’re done! The edges should be golden brown, and the insides tender. Remember, cooking times may vary, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Dipping Sauces:

While your carrots are air-frying to perfection, whip up a dipping sauce to take things up a notch. A classic yogurt-based dip with a hint of lemon, or a spicy sriracha mayo, can add an extra layer of flavor.

Presentation is Key:

Transfer your golden roasted air fryer carrots to a serving plate. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a burst of color. The visual appeal is almost as important as the taste!

Making roasted carrots in an air fryer is a game-changer. It’s a quick, hassle-free way to turn a humble vegetable into a gourmet delight. And beyond the amazing taste, roasted carrots are packed with nutrients. They’re rich in beta-carotene, fiber, and antioxidants. So, indulging in this delicious snack comes with a side of health benefits – win-win!

Experiment with different seasonings, share the joy of roasted goodness, and let your taste buds thank you!

How To Roast Carrots In An Air Fryer

We have the full printable air fryer carrot recipe for you below. But if you’d like to scroll through to get an idea, here’s how to make them.

First, gather together these simple ingredients: carrots, oil, and seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.

Wash and peel carrots, remove stems if necessary. Place in a large bowl or pan. Sprinkle on seasonings. We used garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Next, drizzle with olive oil and toss to evenly coat. Preheat air fryer to 370F and place carrots in an even layer in the air fryer basket with some space between carrots. 

Air fry at 370F for 20 minutes with shaking half way through. Garnish with parsley and enjoy!