Air-Frying Carrots: Healthy, Quick, And Delicious

Air fryers are a great way to cook carrots – they're faster than roasting in the oven, and you can get the same delicious results with less energy. Air fryer carrots are tender, with a caramelized exterior and crispy edges, and they make a great side dish to almost any meal. You can use a variety of seasonings, from simple salt and pepper to honey, maple syrup, or Italian seasoning. The best way to cook carrots in an air fryer is to cut them into uniform slices, toss them in oil and your chosen seasoning, and cook at 375°F for 7 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Seasoning options

There are several seasoning options to choose from when cooking carrots in an air fryer. A simple option is to toss the carrots in olive oil, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. You can also add other seasonings of your choice to spice things up.

For a sweeter option, you can use honey and Italian seasoning. You can also drizzle some extra honey on top of the carrots after they're done cooking. Alternatively, you can add maple syrup and sprinkle some coarse brown sugar on the carrots once they're cooked. A sprinkle of cinnamon is another delicious option for sweeter carrots.

If you're looking for a more savoury option, you can try adding garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or taco seasoning. Fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, rosemary, and sage also pair well with carrots.

You can also get creative and experiment with different combinations of seasonings to find your favourite flavour.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for carrots in an air fryer depend on the size of the carrots and the texture you desire. Smaller carrots will cook faster, while larger carrots will take longer. If you prefer a softer texture, you may need to increase the cooking time. Additionally, the specific model of your air fryer may impact the cooking time.

To cook whole carrots, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Then, place the carrots in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 7 to 9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. For a more tender texture, you can add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

If you are cooking baby carrots or thinner sliced carrots, reduce the cooking time to 5 to 7 minutes at the same temperature. Keep an eye on them around the 5-minute mark, as they can quickly soften and burn.

For crisp and tender carrots, some recipes suggest cooking at 350°F (180°C) for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You can also try cooking at 360°F for 10 to 12 minutes or until tender and crispy.

If you are cooking frozen carrots, it is recommended to cook them directly from frozen without thawing and increase the cooking time by a few minutes. For example, you can air fry frozen baby carrots at 370°F for approximately 8 to 10 minutes or until tender.

When reheating cooked carrots, place them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes, or 400°F for 2 to 3 minutes, shaking the basket once, until they are warmed through.

How to prepare carrots

Preparing carrots in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook this vegetable, and they can be ready in under 15 minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare and cook carrots in an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Carrots

Start by washing your carrots. Depending on the type of carrot, you may choose to peel them or simply scrub them well. You can use a standard orange carrot, or any other colour, such as rainbow carrots. Baby carrots are a good option if you want to skip the peeling and cutting process, but they may need a shorter cooking time.

Next, cut the carrots into uniform slices. You can cut them into 1/2-inch slices or chop them into 1-inch pieces. Cutting them diagonally can make for a prettier presentation and more surface area for browning. You can also cut them into the shape of fries.

Step 2: Season the Carrots

Place the carrots in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil and toss to coat. You can also use butter or another type of oil with a high smoke point.

Now it's time to add your seasonings. You can use salt and pepper, and other seasonings like dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, rosemary, sage, or parsley. For sweeter carrots, you can add honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar.

Step 3: Air Fry the Carrots

Transfer the seasoned carrots to the basket of your air fryer. Spread them out into a single layer to ensure even cooking. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to cook the carrots in batches.

Set the temperature to 375°F (190°C) or 380°F and cook for 7 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of your carrots and your desired level of doneness. For baby carrots or thinner slices, aim for 5 to 10 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

Step 4: Serve and Store

Your carrots are ready when they are tender but still a little firm. You can serve them as a side dish with a variety of meals. They go well with proteins like chicken, salmon, or pork.

Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 6 months and reheat them in the air fryer, microwave, or skillet whenever you're ready to enjoy them again.

Reheating carrots

You can also reheat carrots in the microwave for 30 seconds or in a skillet on the stovetop. If you are reheating frozen carrots, it is recommended to cook them directly from frozen without thawing and increase the air frying time by two minutes.

What to serve with carrots

Air fryer carrots are a quick and easy way to get perfectly cooked, tender, and crispy carrots in under 15 minutes. They make a great side dish and can be served with a range of meals.

If you're looking for a simple and healthy meal, try serving your air fryer carrots with a salad. The sweetness and crunch of carrots go well with a creamy dressing, and they can add a nice pop of colour to the plate. You could make an overnight layered green salad, a zesty Italian pasta salad, or a broccoli and cauliflower salad with bacon.

For a heartier meal, air fryer carrots can be served alongside a protein. They go well with chicken, such as chicken wings, chicken thighs, or chicken Cordon Bleu casserole. You could also serve them with steak, tilapia, or pork tenderloin.

If you're in the mood for something more indulgent, air fryer carrots can be served with a range of dips. Try a honey and butter combo, or drizzle with honey or pesto. You could also sprinkle with feta or Parmesan cheese, or serve with honey mustard sauce.

Carrots can also be served as part of a larger spread. They make a great side dish for a roast, and their sweetness pairs well with the acidity of tomato sauce, so they would be a good addition to a lasagne.

Finally, if you're looking for something a little different, you could try making carrot cake in the air fryer, or a spicy carrot soup.

Frequently asked questions