Air-Fried Carrot Crisps: A Healthy, Easy Snack

Air fryers are a great way to make carrot crisps. They are a healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks as they require minimal oil. The air fryer also creates a crunchy texture that makes these crisps irresistible. You can make them with simple ingredients like olive oil, salt, and pepper, and they are a great snack option for kids as well.

How to cut carrots into fries

• Start by peeling your carrots. You can skip this step if you prefer to keep the skin on, but peeling will result in a more uniform appearance.
• Cut off the tops of the carrots.
• Cut the carrots in half lengthwise.
• Cut each half into two or three strips, depending on the size of the carrot. You want to create flat surfaces and uniform-sized sticks for even cooking.
• If you have large carrots, you may need to halve or quarter them lengthwise first before cutting into strips.
• Try to keep the thickness of the carrot sticks consistent, around 1/4 inch thick.
• You can also use a mandoline to cut the carrots into the desired shape if you want a more precise and uniform cut.

Now you have carrot fries that are ready to be seasoned and cooked in your air fryer!

How to make carrot fries crispy

Ingredients

• Carrots
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder (optional)
• Paprika (optional)
• Parsley (optional)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Method

• Peel the carrots and cut them into 1/4-inch thick fries or sticks.
• Place the carrots in a mixing bowl and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they are well coated. You can also add garlic powder or other spices, such as paprika, for extra flavor.
• Arrange the carrots in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping.
• Set the air fryer to 350-380 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the carrots for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
• For extra crispiness, cook the carrots for an additional 2-5 minutes, checking frequently to avoid burning.
• Once the carrots are crispy and tender, remove them from the air fryer and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. You can also sprinkle them with chopped parsley and grated parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
• Serve the carrot fries immediately as a side dish or snack.

Tips for crispy carrot fries:

• Always dry the carrots completely after rinsing and before placing them in the air fryer. Wet carrots can become mushy and will not crisp up as well.
• Cut the carrots into even-sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the carrots in batches if necessary to allow for proper air circulation.
• Reheat any leftovers in the air fryer to maintain their crispiness.

How to cook carrots in the air fryer

Ingredients

• Carrots (baby carrots or regular carrots)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Other seasonings of your choice (e.g. garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, honey, maple syrup, cinnamon, parsley, rosemary, parmesan cheese)
• Optional dipping sauce (e.g. spicy mayonnaise, Greek yogurt with sriracha, ranch)

Instructions

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-390°F (180-200°C).
• Wash, peel, and cut the carrots into your desired shape and size. You can cut them into matchsticks, fries, or chips. Just make sure they are uniform in size for even cooking.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the carrots with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Toss well to coat the carrots evenly.
• Place the seasoned carrots into the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping. This helps ensure even cooking and crispiness. You may need to cook in batches if you have a smaller air fryer.
• Cook the carrots for 10-20 minutes at the set temperature, shaking the basket halfway through. The cooking time will depend on the size and shape of your carrots. For example, carrot chips will take around 6-8 minutes, while larger carrot fries may take up to 20 minutes.
• Check the carrots for doneness. They should be crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. If you want them extra crispy, add a minute or two to the cooking time.
• Remove the carrots from the air fryer and serve immediately. They can be enjoyed as a side dish or snack on their own, or with a dipping sauce on the side.

Tips

• Always dry the carrots completely after rinsing and before placing them in the air fryer. Wet carrots can become mushy and will not have a crispy exterior.
• Don't forget to shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
• For sweeter carrots, you can drizzle some honey or maple syrup on top after cooking or use it as a glaze.
• If you want crispier carrot chips, you can coat them in a small amount of corn flour or corn starch before placing them in the air fryer.

How to store leftover carrot crisps

Once you've made your carrot crisps, you'll want to make sure you store them correctly to keep them fresh and tasty. Here are some tips on how to store leftover carrot crisps:

Storing in the Fridge

Carrot crisps can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in the fridge. This will help retain their crispness and flavour.

Freezing

If you want to store your carrot crisps for longer, you can freeze them. Place them in a shallow container and store them in the freezer for up to six months.

Reheating

When you're ready to enjoy your carrot crisps again, you can reheat them in the air fryer, microwave, or a skillet. For the air fryer, reheat at 200C/400F for 2-3 minutes, shaking the basket once during this time.

Other Tips

• It's best to store carrot crisps in a single layer and not overlapping to maintain crispness.
• If you're using a plastic bag, remove as much air as possible.
• Keep carrot crisps away from ethylene-producing fruits like apples, bananas, and pears, as these can cause premature rotting.
• If your carrot crisps are stored with the greens still attached, they will draw moisture away from the root, so it's best to cut them off.
• If your carrot crisps have become soft, you can try placing them in a glass jar or zip-top plastic bag and covering them with water for about an hour to help restore some crispness.

By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your leftover carrot crisps for longer and maintain their delicious flavour and texture!

How to prevent carrot crisps from sticking to the air fryer basket

To prevent carrot crisps from sticking to your air fryer basket, there are a few simple steps you can take. Firstly, ensure your air fryer basket has a non-stick coating. This will make cleaning easier and help prevent food from sticking. However, you may still need to take additional measures, especially if your fryer basket doesn't have a non-stick coating.

One important step is to use a small amount of oil. Fat promotes browning and helps food crisp up, and it will also make it less likely to stick. You can dry the carrots and then coat them in oil, or you can simply toss them in a large bowl with oil and seasonings until they are well coated. You can also lightly spray the basket with vegetable oil spray. Just be sure to use an oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, almond oil, corn oil, canola oil, grapeseed oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, or sunflower oil. Oils with lower smoke points, like extra virgin olive oil, are not suitable.

Another tip to prevent sticking is to create a foil sling. Simply fold a sheet of aluminum foil and place it in the basket, pressing it up and into the sides. Then, place your carrots on top of the foil. This will not only prevent sticking but will also make removing the carrot crisps much easier.

Finally, be sure to space out your carrot crisps in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. This will help keep them crisp and prevent sticking. You may need to cook them in batches if your air fryer is on the smaller side.

Frequently asked questions