Carrot Fries Made in the Air Fryer
Air fryer carrot fries are a delicious, healthy alternative to classic french fries. Air fried carrots have the delectable crunch of potato fries so pair them with your favorite dipping sauce for a tasty side dish or snack.
Want to try more french fry alternative recipes? Try these easy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries next.
Everyone knows about oven roasted carrots but you may be wondering, “Can you air fry carrots?” Absolutely! Slice them, toss them with seasoning and oil, and make the best air fryer carrot fries!
If you are looking for a way to spice up your veggie side dishes, this recipe is it! If you are used to roasting carrots and adding them to rich, hearty dishes like soups and stews, this is a pleasant departure because carrot fries taste amazing alongside burgers, sandwiches, and wraps.
Why you will love Carrot Fries:
Tasty! I will not insult you by insisting that carrot fries taste just like potato fries BUT they do have a unique and satisfying flavor all their own. The carrots are seasoned well and the natural sweetness complements the savory seasonings.
Quick & Easy! With a few pantry staples, you can roast carrots in the air fryer in just 10 minutes.
Healthy! If we are not indulging in golden delicious fries, it better be for a good reason and carrots fries have plenty! They have a fraction of the calories of regular french fries and are rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, fiber, and potassium.
Ingredients for Carrot Fries Recipe
To make carrot fries in the air fryer, you will need a few simple ingredients:
- Whole Carrots: Large carrots work best for this recipe so avoid baby carrots. Peel them so they resemble the shape of french fries.
- Avocado oil: Oil helps the carrots brown and crisp up. It also prevents the fries from sticking to the air fryer basket. Use a high-quality oil like olive oil as a substitute.
- Seasoning: Combine all purpose seasoning (or substitute with seasoned salt), kosher salt, and black pepper.
How to Make Carrot Fries
Start by cutting the carrots in half, then cut each piece in half lengthwise.
Next, cut them into thin strips. Make the carrot sticks as uniform as possible.
Once the carrots are cut into French fry shaped matchsticks, place them all in a medium to large bowl.
Then pour the avocado oil all over the carrot fries, then sprinkle in the seasonings, including the all purpose seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Line your air fryer with aluminum foil. Now place the carrot fries directly onto the foil, they do not have to be in one single layer.
Close the air fryer and place it on “air fry” mode at 390°F. Air fry them for 5 minutes, then open it and toss the carrot fries around. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips and variations
- For added flavor, consider adding spices like smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, or garlic powder and fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. Want a kick of spice? Add cayenne pepper. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese for added crunch and taste.
- For super crispy carrot fries, add cornstarch to the seasoning blend. This absorbs any excess moisture for a crunchier fry.
- If you do not have an air fryer, make baked carrot fries. Preheat the oven to 425°F, add them to a baking sheet, and bake for about 20 minutes.
- Store leftover fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.
What to Serve with Carrot Fries
- Dipping Sauce: Serve with a side of ketchup, or a creamy mayo-based sauce like an aioli.
- Grilled Meats: Carrot fries can accompany grilled meats like steak (pictured below), chicken, or pork chops.
- Burgers: Serve carrot fries as a side dish with burgers, whether they’re beef, chicken, turkey, or veggie burgers.
- Sandwiches: Pair them with a variety of sandwiches, such as club sandwiches, BLTs, or grilled cheese sandwiches. The crunch of the fries adds a nice texture contrast. Add sliced air fried carrots into wraps for an unexpected crunch.
- Salads: Serve them as a topping or side for salads. They can add a unique texture and flavor to a garden salad or a grain-based salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to air fry carrot fries?
Carrots take just 10 minutes to cook in the air fryer.
Can you fry carrots without boiling?
It is not necessary to boil carrots before air frying them. In fact, I advise against it. Boiled carrots retain moisture and will not get as crispy.
Why are my fries not crispy in the air fryer?
Ensure the temperature is high enough and try not to overcrowd the air basket or tray. Otherwise, the carrot fries will steam.
More veggie side dishes you’ll love
- Super Creamy Red Cabbage Slaw
- The Best Fajita Veggies – perfect for meal prep!
- Quick and Easy Wedge Salad
- The Best Sauteed Green Beans
- Easy Oven Roasted Broccoli with Bacon
Ingredients
- 4 whole Carrots peeled
- 1 tablespoon Avocado oil substitute Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon All purpose seasoning (seasoned salt)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
- Start by cutting the carrots in half, then cut each piece in half lengthwise. Next, cut them into thin strips. Make them as uniform as possible.
- Once the carrots are cut into French fry shaped matchsticks, place them all in a medium to large bowl.
- Now pour the avocado oil all over the carrot fries, then sprinkle in the seasonings, including the all purpose seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Line your air fryer with aluminum foil. Now place the carrot fries directly onto the foil, they do not have to be in one single layer.
- Close the air fryer and place it on “air fry” mode at 390°F. Air fry them for 5 minutes, then open it and toss the carrot fries around. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve immediately, and Enjoy!
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