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In the time it takes to preheat your oven, you can make Air Fryer Carrots, one of the easiest side dishes around. They cook up tender with caramelized edges in just 15 minutes, and you can customize them with your favorite spice blends or sauces.
Meggan’s notes
When it comes to vegetable side dishes, I’m looking for ideas that are ready fast, packed with flavor, and kid-friendly. Like any busy chef (or parent) moving at full speed in the kitchen, saving time is key, and Air Fryer Carrots are a regular in my rotation.
Here are my best tips:
- Size matters: Choose carrots of a similar size, then cut them on the bias for more surface area compared to “coin” carrots.
- Fat and flavor: Use just enough oil to coat the carrots, then season generously with salt and pepper.
- Crowd control: Don’t overcrowd the basket. Leave enough room so heat can circulate evenly between, above, and below the vegetables.
- High heat: Fire up your air fryer at a high heat (400 degrees is my preferred temperature).
You’ll have carrots in 10 to 15 minutes instead of the forty minutes they usually take in the oven. Then, discover how to customize these Air Fryer Carrots to take them sweet or savory, or even transform them into a restaurant-quality appetizer.
Table of Contents
Recipe ingredients
At a Glance: Here is a quick snapshot of what ingredients are in this recipe.
Please see the recipe card below for specific quantities.
Ingredient notes
- Carrots: If you actually find real baby carrots (the kinds that look like small versions of the root vegetables), use them. Peeling is optional but recommended (see FAQs for more information). If you end up with extra-large carrots, slice them in half lengthwise before cutting them into 2-inch pieces. Cutting them on a bias, rather than in coins, increases the surface area that can get crispy and carry the seasonings.
- Olive oil: Even though you’re not deep frying, you still need a bit of fat for the best flavor and texture. Light olive oil is my go-to fat for air-frying. Avocado oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil, or even a generous coating of cooking spray works too.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees. In a large bowl, add carrots, olive oil, and salt and pepper (I like at least ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper). Toss to combine.
- Transfer the carrots to the basket of an air fryer (work in batches if necessary). Aim for a single layer, if possible.
- Air fry at 400 degrees until the carrots are fork-tender with browned edges, about 10 to 15 minutes. Shake the air fryer basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Recipe tips and variations
- Yield: 1 pound carrots yields about 2 cups, peeled and cubed, enough for 4 servings, ½ cup each.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Go sweet or savory: This recipe keeps things simple with salt and black pepper, which allows the earthy-sweet flavor of the carrots to shine. If you’d like to jazz things up, try taking things sweet by tossing the carrots with salt and cinnamon (skip the pepper) before air frying, then drizzle with honey just before serving. Or swing them savory and bright by showering the recipe as written with fresh herbs and freshly-grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.
- Get appy: Air Fryer Carrots become a restaurant-style appetizer when you serve them over a bed of citrus-spiked labneh or Yogurt Sauce. Top with chopped pistachios or peanuts and everyone will ask where you ordered in from.
Frequently Asked Questions
Technically, you never have to peel carrots As long as you scrub them well to remove all the dirt, they are perfectly safe and the peel actually lends a lovely earthy quality. However, some people don’t like the taste of carrot skin, and, depending on the carrot, it might taste a hint of bitter. Some cooks prefer the look of peeled carrots, too. Just to be on the safe side and please picky eaters (ahem, like my kids), I recommend peeling the carrots before air frying.
Absolutely! I love featuring Air Fryer Carrot Fries on burger night as an alternative to classic potato-based French fries. Use a crinkle-cutter or a knife to slice clean carrots into sticks, then toss with oil, salt, and black pepper. Cook in an air fryer preheated to 400 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the air fryer basket halfway through to promote even cooking.
Yes, they are. Commercially available “baby carrots” (those little stubs sold in plastic bags) are just processed huge carrots that are not ideal to sell whole. They’re run through a sort of rock tumbler to break them up and smooth their edges. They’re possibly okay for snacking (maybe), but they never cook up as fork tender as a regular carrot, and they can err on the mushy side once cooked.
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Air Fryer Carrots
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound carrots peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces on the bias
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees. In a large bowl, add carrots, olive oil, and salt and pepper (I like at least ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper). Toss to combine. Transfer the carrots to the basket of an air fryer (work in batches if necessary).
- Air fry at 400 degrees until the carrots are fork-tender with browned edges, about 10 to 15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Notes
- Carrots: If choosing extra-large carrots, slice in half lengthwise before cutting them into 2-inch pieces.
- Yield: 1 pound carrots yields about 2 cups, peeled and cubed, enough for 4 servings, ½ cup each.
- Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
Meggan Hill is a classically-trained chef and professional writer. Her meticulously-tested recipes and detailed tutorials bring confidence and success to home cooks everywhere. Meggan has been featured on NPR, HuffPost, FoxNews, LA Times, and more.