Air Fryer Baby Carrots: Quick, Easy, And Healthy!

Air fryer baby carrots are a quick and easy side dish, packed with flavour. They can be seasoned with garlic, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs, and are cooked in the air fryer for around 10-15 minutes.

Cooking time: 10-15 minutes

Cooking baby carrots in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. The cooking time will vary depending on how crispy you like your carrots, but on average, it should take between 10 and 15 minutes.

First, pat the baby carrots dry with paper towels. This is an important step to ensure even cooking. Next, toss the carrots in a mixing bowl with olive oil or melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add Italian seasoning or rosemary for extra flavour. Make sure the carrots are evenly coated for the best results.

Once the carrots are prepared, place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to between 370 and 425 degrees Fahrenheit. The exact temperature will depend on your air fryer and personal preference. Cook the carrots for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

For softer, more tender carrots, cook for a few extra minutes. If you prefer your carrots on the crispier side, reduce the cooking time by a few minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn.

Once the carrots are cooked to your desired texture, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley or rosemary and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious air-fried baby carrots!

Preheat air fryer to 370-425°F

Preheat your air fryer to 370-425°F. While the air fryer is heating up, toss the baby carrots in olive oil, melted butter, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a medium-sized bowl. Make sure that they are evenly coated for the best results. You can also add brown sugar to the mix.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the carrots in the basket and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until tender. Shake the basket after about 5 to 7 minutes to ensure that they cook all the way through.

If you are using a thinner variety of baby carrots, reduce the cooking time to 5 to 7 minutes. For thicker baby carrots, you may need to add a few extra minutes.

Once the carrots are tender, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool before serving. You can garnish with fresh parsley or rosemary for added flavour.

Shake the basket halfway through

It's important to shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking baby carrots to ensure they cook evenly. Depending on the recipe, you should shake the basket after about 5, 6 or 7 minutes. This will ensure that the carrots are cooked all the way through and don't burn.

Some recipes suggest cooking baby carrots for 10 minutes, while others recommend 12-15 minutes. However, it's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the carrots, as well as the specific model of your air fryer. Therefore, it's always a good idea to check on the carrots halfway through cooking and give the basket a shake to ensure even cooking.

If you're using a recipe that calls for a shorter cooking time, such as 10 minutes, shaking the basket at the 5-minute mark will help you achieve evenly cooked carrots. For recipes with a longer cooking time, such as 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket after about 6-7 minutes is recommended. This will ensure that the carrots are cooked through but not overcooked or burnt.

By shaking the basket halfway through, you can also gauge how much more time the carrots need to reach the desired level of doneness. If you're aiming for tender carrots, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. However, if you prefer your carrots to have a crispy texture, you may find that the shorter cooking time of 10 minutes is sufficient.

In summary, shaking the air fryer basket halfway through cooking baby carrots is a crucial step to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. Depending on the recipe and your desired level of doneness, you should shake the basket after about 5, 6 or 7 minutes. This will allow you to adjust the cooking time as needed and achieve perfectly cooked baby carrots every time.

Coat carrots in oil, butter, seasoning

To make delicious air-fried baby carrots, start by coating your carrots in oil, butter, and seasoning. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, or melted unsalted butter. For seasoning, try Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the carrots in a mixing bowl with your chosen oil or butter and seasonings until they are evenly coated. You can also add brown sugar and honey for a sweet and savoury flavour.

Pat the baby carrots dry with paper towels before you toss them in the mixing bowl. This is an important step to ensure that the oil, butter, and seasoning stick to the carrots.

Once the carrots are coated, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Set the temperature to between 370°F and 425°F (or 190°C if you're using Celsius). Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. For thinner baby carrots, reduce the cooking time to 5 to 7 minutes.

Your carrots are ready when they are tender. Remove them from the air fryer and let them cool before serving. Enjoy!

Serve with fresh parsley

Cooking baby carrots in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious side dish. Here's a simple guide to help you get perfect results every time:

Step 1: Prepare the Carrots

Start by patting the baby carrots dry with paper towels. This step is important to ensure even cooking. Then, toss the carrots in a mixing bowl with your choice of oil or melted butter, along with your preferred seasonings. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, or melted unsalted butter. For seasonings, try garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. You can also add a sprinkle of brown sugar for a touch of sweetness. Make sure the carrots are evenly coated for the best results.

Step 2: Air Fry the Carrots

Preheat your air fryer to 370-425°F (or 190°C). Place the seasoned carrots in the air fryer basket in a single layer. This ensures that hot air circulates around each carrot, cooking them evenly. Set the timer for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For a more tender texture, aim for the longer end of the cooking time range. Remember to shake the basket halfway through cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.

Step 3: Serve with Fresh Parsley

Once the carrots are cooked to your liking, it's time to serve them! Plate the carrots and garnish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley. The bright green herb adds a pop of colour and a refreshing flavour to the dish. You can also add a drizzle of honey for a sweet and savoury combination. Enjoy your crispy, flavourful air-fried baby carrots!

Variations and Tips:

• If you prefer a stronger herb flavour, you can substitute freshly chopped rosemary for the parsley.
• For a sweeter version, consider adding honey to the mix before air frying.
• Always remember to shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Adjust the cooking time based on your desired texture. For a softer, more tender bite, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Frequently asked questions