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
Carrots deserve their time in the spotlight. They’re budget-friendly, nutrient-dense (with vitamins A and C, potassium, Fiber, and antioxidants), and ridiculously versatile – ready to impress whether roasted, pureed, fried, or, in this case, air-fried. 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.
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! Healthy, wholesome, quick, and with endless seasoning possibilities, these air fryer roasted carrots are a bold, delicious side dish for practically any meal or an Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas spread.
You might also enjoy quick and simple air fryer asparagus, easy air fryer acorn squash, and/or the best air fryer potato wedges.
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.
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- Other spices/seasonings: Add to or replace seasonings with…
- Smoked paprikaOnion powderCayenne pepper/ chili powderCuminLemon pepperCurry powder/ garam masalaTaco seasoningGarlic and herb seasoningVegan ranch seasoning
- Za’atar
- ‘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.
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, though you might prefer to.
Sure! 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.
Pro 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.
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.
Air Fryer Carrots
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!