Air Fryer Roasted Carrots: How Long Does It Take?

Air fryer carrots are a quick, easy, and healthy side dish. They can be seasoned in a variety of ways and are a great complement to any meal. The best part? They take less time to cook than traditional oven-roasted carrots. Depending on the size of your carrots and your desired level of crispness, air fryer carrots can be ready in as little as 10 minutes. So, if you're short on time but craving something delicious and nutritious, air fryer carrots are a perfect choice!

How to cook roast carrots in an air fryer

Roast carrots in an air fryer are a quick, easy, and healthy side dish. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook roast carrots in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Carrots
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Seasoning of your choice (e.g. Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, etc.)
• Optional: Honey, butter, or balsamic glaze for extra flavour

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F (190°C).
• Wash, peel, and cut your carrots into the desired shape. You can cut them into 1-2 inch chunks or slice them into thin "French-fry" sticks.
• Place the carrots in a large bowl and toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your choice of seasoning. Make sure the carrots are well coated.
• Lightly grease the air fryer basket or tray with spray oil.
• Arrange the carrots in a single layer on the air fryer basket or tray, giving them some space so they don't overlap.
• Air fry at 375-400°F (190-200°C) for 10-15 minutes, flipping or shaking halfway through. The cooking time will depend on your preferred texture, the size of your carrots, and your air fryer model. For a more tender texture, add a few extra minutes.
• The carrots are done when they are golden brown with caramelized crispy edges and easily pierced with a fork or knife.
• Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. You can also sprinkle on some fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or thyme for extra flavour.
• Serve and enjoy!

Tips:

• Cut the carrots into even-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Use a high smoke point oil like canola, grapeseed, avocado, or extra virgin olive oil.
• You can also cook baby carrots in the air fryer. Simply toss them with oil and spices and cook for a slightly shorter time, checking at the 10-minute mark to prevent overcooking.
• To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

How long to cook roast carrots in an air fryer

Roast carrots in an air fryer are a quick, healthy, and delicious side dish. They are fast to cook, simple to prepare, and full of flavor. Here is a guide on how long to cook roast carrots in an air fryer, along with some tips and variations to try.

Preparation

First, peel and cut your carrots into the desired shape. You can cut them into 2-inch chunks or slice them thinner into "French-fry" sticks. If using baby carrots, you can simply slice them in half lengthwise. Place the carrots in a bowl and coat them with your chosen oil and seasonings.

Cooking Time and Temperature

Arrange the carrots in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray, ensuring they have space and do not overlap. The cooking time will depend on the power of your air fryer, the size of your carrots, and your desired level of crispness.

For thinner carrot sticks or baby carrots, cook at 360-380°F (180-190°C) for 10-12 minutes or until tender and crispy. Check on them at the 7-minute mark and then every 2 minutes after that.

For thicker carrot chunks, cook at 375-400°F (190-200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping or shaking halfway through. For a sweeter flavor, you can cook at 380°F for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway.

Tips and Variations

• Cut the carrots into even-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
• Preheat the air fryer before adding the carrots for faster cooking.
• Use butter or oil to help prevent the carrots from drying out during cooking.
• Drizzle with honey or another sweet glaze after cooking for extra flavor.
• Try different seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, cumin, or chili for a savory kick.
• For a sweeter variation, use brown sugar, cinnamon, or maple syrup.
• Use rainbow carrots for a colorful and gourmet presentation.
• Add some flax or chia seeds before cooking for an extra nutritional boost.
• For a crispy crust, add some panko breadcrumbs during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
• Remember to shake or flip the carrots during cooking to ensure even browning and crispness.

Enjoy your perfectly cooked air fryer roast carrots!

How to store leftover roast carrots

Roasted carrots are a delicious and healthy side dish, but what do you do when you have leftovers? Here are some tips on how to store leftover roast carrots to keep them tasting great:

Storing in the Fridge

Leftover roast carrots can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Make sure they are properly cooled before placing them in the fridge. This will help retain their flavour and texture.

Freezing Roast Carrots

If you want to keep your roast carrots for longer, you can freeze them! Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 9 months. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight before reheating and consuming.

Reheating Roast Carrots

There are a few ways to reheat your roast carrots:

• Air fry at 350°F for 3-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute until heated.
• Place in a preheated oven at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.

Storing Raw Carrots

If you haven't roasted your carrots yet and are looking to store them for future use, there are a few options:

• Store unpeeled carrots in a container of water in the refrigerator.
• Peel and slice the carrots, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

How to reheat roast carrots in an air fryer

If you have leftover roast carrots, you can reheat them in an air fryer to restore their crisp texture and warmth. Here's a step-by-step guide to reheating roast carrots in an air fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to a temperature between 350°F and 360°F. This temperature range is ideal for reheating carrots without overcooking them.
• Prepare the carrots: Place the desired amount of roast carrots in the air fryer basket or tray. Ensure that the carrots are in a single layer and have some space around them to ensure even heating.
• Reheat the carrots: Place the air fryer basket or tray into the preheated air fryer and reheat for 3 to 7 minutes. The exact time will depend on the quantity of carrots and your preferred level of warmth.
• Check and serve: Keep an eye on the carrots during the reheating process to prevent overcooking. Once they are heated to your desired temperature, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Reheating roast carrots in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to enjoy leftovers. You can also experiment with different seasonings or sauces to add extra flavor to your carrots.

What to serve with roast carrots

Air fryer carrots are a quick and easy side dish to make, and they pair well with a variety of mains and sides. Here are some ideas on what to serve with roast carrots:

Proteins

Roasted carrots go well with a variety of proteins, including chicken, pork, lamb, beef, and seafood. For a simple weeknight dinner, pair them with a grilled chicken breast or air fryer chicken wings. If you're looking for something more substantial, try a roast like lamb leg with gravy or a standing rib roast.

Carbohydrates

Carrots also pair well with carbohydrates like garlic bread, biscuits, or a baked potato. For a heartier meal, serve them with a side of creamy sun-dried tomato sauce or French onion smothered pork chops.

Vegetables

As a vegetable side dish, roasted carrots can be served with other vegetables such as air fryer broccoli, air fryer green beans, or air fryer Brussels sprouts. They also go well with lentil pasta or a green salad.

Other Sides

Roasted carrots can be served as part of a holiday dinner or brunch. They pair well with dishes like frittata, quiche, muffins, or a green salad. For a more unique flavour combination, try serving them with a side of tahini sauce, almonds or pine nuts, and coriander.

Frequently asked questions