Air fryer carrots cook quickly and develop caramelized edges with minimal oil. You just need three basic ingredients to make the best air fried carrots.
Air fryer carrots are one of the easiest ways to turn a simple vegetable into something caramelized and flavorful. The high heat helps the natural sugars concentrate, giving you tender centers with lightly crisp edges. With just oil, seasoning and a short cook time, they come out evenly cooked without needing constant attention. It's an effortless side you can throw together anytime and know it's going to turn out great.
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Ingredient notes
We are keeping things really simple and basic for these air fryer carrots, though you are welcome to add some other herbs and seasonings (more on that below!). For this recipe you'll need:
- Carrots- you can use any carrot, though keep in mind the size of your air fryer basket. Farmer's market carrots, baby carrots and regular grocery store carrots all work for this recipe and cooked in a very similar amount of time.
- Oil- I've used olive oil, but feel free to swap for avocado oil, which works great in the air fryer as it has a high smoke point.
- Salt- regular table salt is great as it sticks well to the oil.
Types of carrots that work
This recipe was tested with baby, farmer's market and grocery store carrots, and all cooked in a relatively similar amount of time. Here's how to prep the carrots:
- baby carrots- leave them whole
- farmer's market- leave them whole, scrub the skin well and trim carrot tops off if they have leafy greens. Check your basket to make sure they will fit.
- grocery store- you'll want to cut them into 2- 2 ½ inch long pieces and in half for the thickest parts of the stems (as pictured above).
Regardless of the type of carrots, they all cooked through at 390°F in 13 minutes (give or take a few minutes).
Lessons from Testing
- Dry Carrots: Oil and water don't mix, so make sure the carrots are dry for the best results.
- Don't overcrowd: it's okay if they are touching, but you don't want them piled high on top of each other. If there is not room for the air to circulate the carrots will steam, bot caramelize.
- High Heat: high heat works best for carrots, it produces a better texture inside and out.
- Cut Matters: evenly size pieces cook at the same rate and prevent burnt edges or undercooked centers.
- Basket vs. Oven Air Fryers: this was tested with both types of air fryers and there was no difference in the cooking time.
Storage and reheating
- Store in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- To reheat, set your air fryer to 350°F. Heat for 5 or so minutes, tossing carrots up as needed, until they are warmed through.
Variations
This is a very basic recipe as written, but you can certainly put your own flare on it!
- Garlic and Herb: add ½ each teaspoon onion powder and garlic powder before cooking. Once cooked sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves.
- Smokey Sweet: Add ½ teaspoon paprika and before cooking. Drizzle with honey and sea salt once cooked.
- Parmesan: Add ½ teaspoon garlic powder and 1 tablespoon grated parmesan before cooking. After cooking sprinkle with additional parmesan to serve.
- Honey Butter: Melt 2 tablespoons butter and combine with 1 tablespoon honey. Cook the carrots according to directions and toss with the honey butter once cooked.
More easy air fryer recipes
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli
- Ultra Crispy Air Fryer Bacon
- Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs
- Seriously Crispy Air Fryer Gnocchi
Did you make this? Tag me on social @sweetpeasandsaffron and be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe!
Air Fryer Carrots
Video
Ingredients
- 1 lb carrots
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Heat air fryer to 390°F/200°C.
- If carrots have been washed, dry them thoroughly using a clean kitchen towel, then toss in the olive oil with the salt.
- Place carrots into the air fryer basket. For oven-style air fryers, arrange the carrots on the tray with as much space as possible between them.
- Cook for 13 minutes (give or take a few minutes), shaking 2-3 times. For oven-style air fryers, rotate the trays and give the carrots a stir. Carrots are ready when they are golden and a fork inserts into them easily.
- Sprinkle the carrots with salt soon after removing from the air fryer (taste to decide if you want more!), garnish with parsley, and enjoy.
Tips:
- Garlic and Herb: add ½ each teaspoon onion powder and garlic powder before cooking. Once cooked sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves.
- Smokey Sweet: Add ½ teaspoon paprika and before cooking. Drizzle with honey and sea salt once cooked.
- Parmesan: Add ½ teaspoon garlic powder and 1 tablespoon grated parmesan before cooking. After cooking sprinkle with additional parmesan to serve.
- Honey Butter: Melt 2 tablespoons butter and combine with 1 tablespoon honey. Cook the carrots according to directions and toss with the honey butter once cooked.
Nutrition Information
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Hi, I'm Annie. With a Bachelor of Science degree, a minor in nutrition and nearly 20 year of both classical training, and self-taught experience, I've spent my career proving that home cooking can be practical, delicious and inspiring. What started in 2013 as one food blog has grown into a full-time business. Today, my husband Clayton and I run five food websites that connect with millions of home cooks every month.
When I'm not in the kitchen or behind the camera, I'm using fueling my love of travel, or chasing down new ideas that keep food fun and fresh.
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