Air Fryer Roasted Carrots: How Long Does It Take?

Air fryer carrots are a quick, easy, and healthy side dish. They are also versatile, as they can be served with a variety of meals, and can be made sweet or savoury depending on your preference. The best part? They take less time to cook than oven-roasted carrots, and are said to taste better too.

How to cook carrots in an air fryer

Ingredients

You will need:

• Carrots
• Oil (extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, or another high smoke point oil)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Other seasonings of your choice (e.g. garlic powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, parsley, cumin, cinnamon)
• Honey or maple syrup (optional)
• Butter (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F (190°C).
• Wash and peel your carrots. Cut them into your desired shape—you can chop them into 1-2 inch chunks, slice them into thin "French-fry" sticks, or simply halve baby carrots lengthwise.
• Place the carrots in a bowl and coat them with oil and your chosen seasonings. Toss the carrots until they 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, making sure they do not overlap.
• Air fry at 375-400°F (190-200°C) for 6-10 minutes, flipping or shaking them halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer model, the size of your carrots, and how crispy you like them.
• Carrots are done when they are golden brown with caramelized, crispy edges. They should be tender with a satisfying crunch.
• Taste and season with salt, pepper, and/or fresh herbs, if desired. Enjoy!

Tips

• Cut the carrots into equal-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
• Change the side of the carrots after a few minutes for even cooking.
• You can add a touch of balsamic glaze or a squeeze of lemon to your carrots before air frying for a roasted flavor.
• Sprinkle some flax or chia seeds on your carrots before air frying for added crunch and nutrition.
• Use cooking spray directly on the carrots to cut back on oil.
• Add a handful of panko breadcrumbs during the last 2 minutes of air frying for a crispy crust.

How to store leftover air fryer carrots

Air fryer carrots are a delicious and healthy snack, but what do you do when you have leftovers? Here are some tips to keep them tasting great:

Storing Leftover Air Fryer Carrots:

It is best to store leftover air fryer carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Reheating Air Fryer Carrots:

To reheat your leftover carrots, you can either put them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-7 minutes or pop them in the microwave for 30 seconds.

Keeping Air Fryer Carrots Crispy:

If you want to maintain the crispy texture of your air-fried carrots, it is best not to freeze them as this can affect their texture. Instead, store them in the fridge and enjoy them within a few days.

Storing Raw Carrots:

If you have raw carrots that you want to store before cooking, they can be kept in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for 3-4 weeks.

Freezing Carrots:

If you want to freeze raw carrots, it is best to blanch them first. This will help retain their flavour, colour, and texture. To blanch, boil the carrots for 2 minutes, then immediately place them in ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and dry them before placing them in freezer bags. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 1 year.

So, there you have it! A few simple tips to ensure your air fryer carrots stay tasty and fresh. Enjoy!

How to reheat carrots in the air fryer

Air fryer carrots are a quick, easy, and healthy side dish. They are also highly versatile and can be served with a variety of meals.

Reheating Carrots in the Air Fryer

To reheat carrots in the air fryer, simply place the carrots in the air fryer basket and reheat at 350°F (176°C) for 3 to 7 minutes, or until warmed through.

Storing Leftover Carrots

Leftover carrots can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. If freezing, it is recommended to let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Carrots

• Cut the carrots into even-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
• Preheat the air fryer before adding the carrots.
• Use butter or oil to help the carrots cook without drying out.
• Cook the carrots in a single layer to allow hot air to circulate and heat the food evenly.
• Drizzle with honey or another sweet glaze to add extra flavor and moisture.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Air Fryer Settings

When cooking carrots in the air fryer, it is recommended to set the temperature between 370°F and 400°F (188°C and 204°C). The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the carrots and the desired level of doneness, but it typically ranges from 10 to 20 minutes.

How to cut carrots for the air fryer

There are a few different ways to cut carrots for the air fryer, depending on the type of carrot you are using and the desired shape. Here are some options:

• Regular carrots: You can cut them into 2-inch chunks or slice them thinner into "French-fry" sticks. It is recommended to peel the carrots first and cut them into equal pieces so that they cook evenly.
• Baby carrots: These can be used as is or sliced in half lengthwise. Since baby carrots are thinner, they will cook faster, so check on them after about 10 minutes to ensure they don't overcook.
• Diagonal slices: You can also slice the carrots diagonally, which is a unique way to present them.

Regardless of the cutting style, it is important to ensure that the carrots are in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray, with some space between them so they do not overlap. This helps to ensure even cooking.

Seasoning ideas for air fryer carrots

There are many ways to season your carrots when cooking them in an air fryer. Here are some seasoning ideas:

Honey Glaze

Toss the carrots with honey, minced garlic, melted butter, cinnamon, and ground ginger for a sweet and spiced flavor.

Warm Moroccan Spice

Add garlic powder, ground cumin, and coriander for a warm, spiced touch.

Garlic and Herbs

Add garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, dried parsley, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.

Sweetened Carrots

Use coconut oil, brown sugar, cinnamon, Chinese Five Spice, or other spices like nutmeg or cardamom.

Savory Carrots

Use cumin and coriander powder with pepper and salt as a seasoning.

Sweet and Spicy

Use honey and chili for a sweet and spicy kick.

Basic Seasoning

A simple seasoning of dried thyme, salt, and black pepper can also be used to allow the flavor of the carrots to shine.

Frequently asked questions