Looking for a healthy, quick, and easy side dish? Look no further than air fryer carrots! Not only do they cook up in a flash, but they’re also a nutritious addition to any meal.
By using an air fryer, you’ll get perfectly roasted carrots without the added oil and calories of traditional roasting methods. So be sure to try out the recipe!
Why You’ll Love My Air Fryer Carrots Recipe
- Healthy: My air fryer carrots recipe is naturally paleo, vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free, so it’s a great option for anyone with dietary restrictions or who just wants to eat healthier.
- Easy to make: With just a few basic ingredients, this recipe is a breeze to make. Plus, the air fryer does all the work for you, so you can sit back and relax while it cooks.
- Quick: Unlike oven-roasted carrots, which can take up to 25–30 minutes to cook, these air fryer carrots are ready in just 15 minutes. That means you can have a healthy and delicious side dish on the table in no time.
- Customizable: This recipe is also highly customizable. You can use any herbs or seasonings you like, such as thyme, rosemary, oregano, garlic powder, paprika, or cinnamon. And if you want to add a touch of sweetness, you can drizzle the carrots with honey or maple syrup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Carrots: Choose fresh, firm, and evenly sized carrots. You can use baby carrots or regular carrots, but make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking.
- Oil / Cooking Spray: This will help the carrots crisp up and prevent them from sticking to the air fryer basket. You can use olive oil or any other cooking spray of your choice.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. You can add other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or cumin for extra flavor.
How To Cook Carrots In Air Fryer
Cooking carrots in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy a healthy side dish. Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked air fryer carrots:
Step 1
Start by peeling the carrots and cutting them into strips. This will ensure that they cook evenly and quickly in the air fryer.
Step 2
Next, place the carrot strips in the air fryer basket and drizzle them with oil. You can use any type of oil you prefer, such as olive oil or just cooking spray. Season the carrots with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3
Set the air fryer to 380°F and cook the carrots for about 15 minutes. Halfway through the cooking process, shake the basket to ensure that the carrots cook evenly.
Step 4
After 15 minutes, use a fork to check if the carrots are tender enough. If they are not yet tender, continue cooking them for a few more minutes. Once the carrots are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and enjoy them immediately.
Recipe Tips
- Similar sizes: When making air fryer carrots, it’s important to cut them into similar sizes to ensure that each piece cooks evenly. If you leave some pieces larger than others, some may end up mushy while others are still undercooked. So, cut your carrots into 2-inch chunks, and if necessary, cut some in half to make sure they are all a similar size.
- Do not overfill: Another tip is to make sure that your air fryer basket is not overcrowded. If you put too many carrots in the basket, they may not cook evenly. So, try to cook them in batches if necessary, or use a larger air fryer if you have one.
- Cooking time: Finally, keep an eye on your carrots as they cook. Cooking times can vary depending on the size and thickness of your carrots, so it’s important to check them periodically to make sure they don’t overcook. Once they are tender and slightly crispy on the outside, they are ready to serve.
FAQ
Setting the right temperature is crucial for cooking carrots in an air fryer. The ideal temperature for air-frying carrots is 360 – 380°F. This temperature allows the carrots to cook evenly and become tender without burning.
Cooking time for carrots in an air fryer depends on the size and thickness of the carrots. On average, it takes about 15 minutes to cook.
Yes, you can air fry baby carrots or make air fryer carrot fries. Baby carrots will cook faster than regular-sized carrots, so it’s important to keep an eye on them while cooking. For carrot fries, cut the carrots into thin, even strips and toss them with olive oil and seasoning before air frying.
Yes, you can make sweet glazed carrots in an air fryer using honey or brown sugar. To make glazed carrots, toss the carrots with honey or brown sugar and seasoning before air frying. Halfway through cooking, brush the carrots with additional glaze to ensure they are evenly coated.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Air Fryer Carrots
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 medium carrots
- 1 tbsp olive oil*
- salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Peel the carrots and cut into 2-inch chunks.
- Place the carrots in the air fryer, drizzle with oil, and season with salt and pepper.
- Air fry the carrots for about 15 minutes at 380°F. Halfway through, shake the basket.
- Use a fork to check if the carrots are tender enough and then enjoy immediately.