Air Fryer Roasted Carrots are an easy and delicious side that pairs well with countless dishes. This recipe calls for peeled carrots tossed in oil and lightly seasoned before being cooked to perfection. Fork tender and great as even a standalone snack!
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I’m not going to lie; when I first thought about air-fried carrots, I thought they were going to end up with a weird texture. You know, like strange crispiness without them being finished in the middle. Boy, was I wrong! If you haven’t tried carrots in the air fryer yet, do it and thank me later.
It is much quicker to do roasted carrots in the air fryer, but they turn out just as good as in the oven. As long as you do them right, of course. It’s essential to follow this air fryer carrots recipe closely to get the right outcome. Be sure to check out the recipe card for further tips as well.
What do I need to make Roasted Air Fryer Carrots?
This delicious, healthy carrot recipe is simple to make with just 4 ingredients. Here is what you will need to make the air fryer carrots:
- 8-12 Whole Carrots
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Tsp Black Pepper
- ½ Tsp Salt
Looking for more delicious air fryer recipes? Give these reader favorites a try!
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How Do You Make Roasted Carrots in the Air Fryer?
This simple side dish recipe for delicious and crispy carrots can be prepared in just 2 simple steps.
Step 1: Prepare the Carrots
Start off by peeling the carrots. Then, cut off the ends of the carrots and rinse them under cool water. Place the carrots in a large bowl and drizzle on olive oil. Sprinkle salt and pepper on top of them and toss the carrots gently until coated.
Step 2: Air Fry the Carrots
Place carrots in a single layer in the air fryer basket, spacing them out evenly. Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 minutes, tossing them halfway through. Serve warm and enjoy!
Why are My Roasted Carrots Tough?
When roasted carrots are tough, this means they’re undercooked. If you like a cripsy crunch to your roasted carrots, leave it – if not, continue to cook them until they’re fork tender. Be careful, if you overcook your carrots, they will be wrinkly and rubbery. I prefer crunchy and a little tough to rubbery and old man skin-ish.
Are there variations to the recipe I can try?
This recipe is so versatile and there are many different ways to prepare the carrots. One thing I love to do is toss them in a little brown sugar and butter when they are done cooking. Or drizzle some honey or maple syrup on them for a sweet side dish. Another twist is to add some parmesan cheese and fresh herbs on top of the carrots.
It is also fun to try them with different seasonings or oils. I used olive oil to dress the carrots, but they can also be made with avocado oil or coconut oil. Another fun thing to try is using rainbow carrots for the recipe to add color and variety. You could even cut the carrots into matchstick pieces to make carrot French fries. Just be mindful that the cook times will need to be adjusted if you use smaller sized carrots.
What Spice is Good on Carrots?
Carrots are extremely universal. It will be about impossible to find a spice that doesn’t go well on carrots. The spice you use should match the main dish you’re pairing them with. For example, if you’re serving them as a side dish for the holidays, some fresh thyme or rosemary would be a delicious herb or spice to toss in. You can never go wrong with basic salt and pepper. Here are a few more you might like!
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Oregano
- Cayenne Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Season Salt
- Italian Seasoning
- Cajun Seasoning
- Ranch Seasoning
- Ras al Hanout Spice
- Red pepper flakes
- Taco Seasoning
How do I store leftovers?
The leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. To reheat them, simply pop them back in the air fryer and warm them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes.
What should I serve with my Air Fryer Roasted Carrots?
Roasted air fryer carrots are an easy side dish that the whole family will enjoy. I love serving them with just about any main dish, but here are some of my favorite pairings:
Beef: Beef is a classic main dish that goes well with roasted carrots. There are many different ways to prepare beef, but a simple roast beef recipe can be made by seasoning a beef roast with salt, pepper, and garlic and then cooking it in the oven at a moderate temperature until it is cooked to your liking.
Pork: Pork is another excellent option for a main dish to go with roasted carrots. Pork can be roasted, grilled, or even cooked in a slow cooker. When pairing pork with roasted carrots, try to find a recipe that includes complementary flavors such as rosemary or thyme.
Chicken: Chicken is another versatile option for a main dish to go with roasted carrots. Chicken can be baked, grilled, or even fried. When pairing chicken with roasted carrots, consider using a recipe that includes a flavorful sauce or glaze to help bring out the natural sweetness of the carrots.
Salmon: Salmon is a delicious and healthy option for a main dish to go with roasted carrots. Salmon can be baked, grilled, or even smoked. When pairing salmon with roasted carrots, try to find a recipe that includes complementary flavors such as lemon, dill, or honey.
How Long Do Carrots Take to Roast in the Oven?
On average, you’ll want to bake carrots for 30 minutes at about 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Your oven and the size or type of the carrots can make this vary. If your carrots are smaller, you’ll want to reduce the time, and if they’re larger, up the baking time.
This is precisely why I prefer air fryer carrots because it takes so much less time to make them. You don’t have to wait for an oven to preheat, and you can cook them for half the time. Air-fried carrots are the perfect side dish for so many meals.
What are 5 Health Benefits of Carrots?
Carrots have a ton of health benefits, which is just another reason to love them. They remain an inexpensive vegetable and, therefore, one of my favorite choices as a side or snack. Here are a few of my favorite health benefits when it comes to carrots.
- They improve eye health because they’re rich in beta-carotene
- They’re a safe food for most diets
- One serving of carrots (½ cup) is around 73% of the suggested daily vitamin A intake
- They carry a lot of potassium which helps lower blood pressure
- They’re high in fiber, which helps keep healthy gut habits regular
Now that I’ve given you countless reasons to roast and eat carrots, you have zero excuses. Go to air fryer carrots and then hit me up in the comments below or on social media to let me know what you think.
Roasted Air Fryer Carrots
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8-12 Carrots
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Tsp Black Pepper
- ½ Tsp Salt
Instructions
- Start off by peeling the carrots. Then, cut off the ends of the carrots and rinse them under cool water.
- Place the carrots in a large mixing bowl and drizzle on olive oil.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper on top of them and toss the carrots gently until coated.
- Place the carrots in the air fryer, spacing them out evenly. Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 minutes, tossing them halfway through.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- The smaller the carrots are cut, the faster they will cook. So cut them how you want to serve them and change the time accordingly.
- For a more tender carrot, cook for 3-5 minutes longer. As-is, they will have just a touch of crunch left to them, which is my preference, but might not be yours.
- I peel my carrots, but it’s not a must. I just prefer them because they look better and absorb the seasonings better. You’ll want to wash them really well.
- You can add any seasonings you like to this recipe. This recipe is a good base, but you can add more herbs to match better the main course you’re serving. These taste excellent as-is, also.
- You can use baby carrots for this recipe as well. Again, be aware of the size and thickness of carrots. This will adjust your timing as far as cooking goes.