Air fryer carrots are perfectly tender-crisp with caramelized edges, and ready in under 20 minutes-an easy, versatile, go-to side dish for any meal!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
In my home, we enjoy these carrots all year 'round, and what I love about them is that they don't require the oven. In the summertime, it's too hot for oven usage, and around the holidays the oven is in high-demand. Air fryer carrots are such a game changer, providing the lightly charred, caramelized flavor and tender-crisp texture of roasted carrots, but in under 20 minutes, start to finish-no oven required.
By using whole carrots, this entire recipe preps in practically seconds with zero chopping and looks great on your plate. But feel free to use regular, baby, or frozen carrots - they all work!
You can serve these up with some Instant Pot vegan mashed potatoes, air fryer asparagus, easy air fryer acorn squash, and Beyond meatloaf.
Ingredient Notes
Refer to the recipe card for the full list of ingredients, substitutes, and quantities.
You could also substitute some carrots to make air fryer carrots and parsnips.
How To Season Air Fryer Carrots
This air fryer carrots recipe is endlessly customizable to suit any meal.
- Other spices/seasonings: Add to or replace seasonings with…
- Smoked paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, chili powder, cumin, lemon pepper, curry powder, garam masala, taco seasoning, or garlic and herb seasoning.
- 'Wet' seasonings: Like balsamic vinegar, sweet white miso, lemon juice, etc.
- Fresh or dried herbs: Like thyme, rosemary, oregano, Italian seasoning, etc. Parsley, cilantro, and dill, etc., work well for garnishing, too.
- Maple syrup: For a vegan twist on air fryer honey carrots, use maple syrup/brown sugar, vegan butter, garlic, and an optional pinch of cinnamon/thyme.
- Vegan parmesan cheese: (or nutritional yeast) To toss over the air-fried carrots before serving. My favorite one is from the Follow Your Heart brand.
How to Air Fry Carrots
Step 1: First, scrub the carrots and toss them in a bowl with the oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 2: After tossing, spread in an even layer in an air fryer, with space in between, and roast for 10 minutes at 400F/200C. Check the carrots for doneness, flip/shake, and continue to roast in 3-5-minute intervals. Garnish with chopped parsley and enjoy!
If the carrots are thick, cut them in half/quarters lengthwise. If they're very tall, chop them into shorter carrot 'batons' or cut 1-inch slices on a bias.
The exact cooking time varies based on the carrot's thickness.
FAQs
As long as they're properly washed, then no. Not peeling them saves time and keeps nutrients.
Yes, air fryer baby carrots are just as simple to prepare, reducing the cooking time to just 6-8 minutes at 400F/200C.
Yes. Air fry them from frozen (no need to thaw!) for a similar time to these air fryer whole carrots. Just note that they won't become as crispy.
Toni's Recipe Tips
- Use even-sized carrots: I love using long, thin carrots as they require practically no prep, but whether using whole or chopped, make sure they're evenly thick for even air-frying.
- For the crispiest carrots: Don't omit the oil, and optionally toss the carrots with some cornstarch/potato starch.
- Avoid overcrowding: Spread the carrots in an even layer, leaving space between for airflow. Overcrowding leads to steaming, not crisping.
- Cooking time will vary: Times vary depending on carrot thickness, air fryer model, and your desired texture. Monitor them the first time making the recipe and you'll quickly get a feel for timing.
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Storage Instructions
Store: Store air-fried carrots in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Freeze: In a Ziplock/Stasher/freezer-safe container for 4-6 months. Then, thaw in the fridge overnight. Just note they become softer upon thawing.
Reheat: In an air-fryer for 3-4 minutes at 375F/190C OR in a pan with oil. Avoid the microwave, as they become limp/soggy.
More air fryer recipes to consider:
If you tried this air fryer buffalo cauliflower wings recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks!
Air Fryer Carrots
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 10 thin carrots scrubbed
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ½ teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Place the carrots in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Toss until the carrots are evenly coated.
- Transfer the seasoned carrots to the air fryer basket. Roast at 400 degrees F for 10 minutes.
- Check the carrots for doneness. If needed, continue roasting in 5-minute intervals until they are tender and slightly charred. Cooking time will vary based on the thickness of the carrots.
- Remove the carrots from the air fryer. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use even-sized carrots: I love using long, thin carrots as they require practically NO prep, but whether using whole or chopped, make sure they're evenly thick for even air-frying.
- For the crispiest carrots: Don't omit the oil, and optionally toss the carrots with some cornstarch/potato starch.
- Avoid overcrowding: Spread the carrots in an even layer, leaving space between for airflow. Overcrowding leads to steaming, not crisping.
- Cooking time will vary: Times vary depending on carrot thickness, air fryer model, and your desired texture. Monitor them the first time making the recipe and you'll quickly get a feel for timing.
Andrea White says
Love making these in the air fryer!