Making Crispy Carrot Fries In An Air Fryer

how to make crispy carrot fries in air fryer

Air Fryer Carrot Fries are a delicious, healthy alternative to French fries. They are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, and can be made in under 30 minutes. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this easy vegan side dish or snack that satisfies your salty cravings. The key to making them crispy is to coat them in cornflour/cornstarch and ensure they are spaced out in a single layer in your air fryer. You can also get creative with seasonings and dips to spice things up!

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How to cut carrots into fries

  • Start by peeling your carrots.
  • Cut off the ends of the carrots.
  • Cut the carrots into 2-inch pieces.
  • Quarter the 2-inch pieces vertically to get your desired fry thickness. Most recipes recommend cutting the carrots into 1/4-inch thick fries, but you can also cut them into 1/2-inch thick fries if you prefer.
  • If you want to be extra precise, cut your carrot pieces into equal-sized matchsticks so that they cook evenly.
  • If you are using baby carrots, you can skip the previous steps and simply slice the baby carrots into your desired fry shape.

And there you have it! You now have carrot fries that are ready to be cooked in your air fryer.

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How to make carrot fries crispy

How to Make Crispy Carrot Fries

Ingredients

  • Carrots
  • Olive oil
  • Corn starch (or corn flour)
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Smoked paprika

Optional Ingredients

  • Parmesan cheese
  • Parsley
  • Honey
  • Maple syrup
  • Brown sugar
  • Cumin
  • Onion powder
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Chilli powder
  • Lime juice
  • Greek yoghurt
  • Mayonnaise
  • Miso
  • Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • Ranch dressing
  • Avocado oil
  • Avocado
  • Arrowroot starch

Method

  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
  • Peel and cut your carrots into ¼-inch sticks.
  • Add the carrots to a large mixing bowl and toss with corn starch to coat.
  • Once coated, add olive oil and spices, and toss again.
  • Place the carrots into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  • Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
  • Serve immediately with a sprinkle of salt and a dipping sauce of your choice.

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How to season carrot fries

Seasoning carrot fries is easy and can be done in a variety of ways.

Firstly, you can season the carrots before cooking. One option is to add olive oil, salt, and pepper to the carrots and mix well. You can also experiment with different spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or taco seasoning. For a sweet and savoury option, add some maple syrup and coarse brown sugar after cooking. Alternatively, drizzle honey on the carrot fries for a honey-glazed option.

Additionally, fresh herbs can be used to season the carrot fries. Fresh thyme, parsley, and rosemary are excellent choices to enhance the flavour of the dish.

For a more savoury option, you can sprinkle parmesan cheese on top of the cooked carrot fries.

If you're making carrot fries in an air fryer, you can also try adding cornstarch, olive oil, and spices like onion powder, cumin, chili powder, and red pepper flakes. This combination will give the carrot fries a delicious crispy texture.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and spices to find your favourite combinations!

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How to cook carrot fries in an air fryer

Ingredients

  • Carrots
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Garlic powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Corn starch (optional)
  • Other seasonings of your choice (e.g. onion powder, cumin, coriander, chili powder, or Parmesan cheese)

Method

  • Preheat your air fryer to 350°F-400°F.
  • Peel and cut the carrots into 1/4-inch thick sticks.
  • (Optional) Add corn starch to a large mixing bowl and toss the carrot sticks to coat.
  • Add olive oil and your choice of seasonings to the mixing bowl and toss again.
  • Place the carrots into the air fryer basket or tray, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
  • Cook at 390°F-400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping the carrots halfway through, until they are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside.
  • Serve immediately with a sprinkle of salt and your choice of dipping sauce, such as spicy mayo, Sriracha aioli, or ranch dressing.

Tips

  • Always dry the carrots completely before placing them in the air fryer to prevent them from becoming mushy.
  • Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure the carrots cook evenly and achieve the desired crispiness.
  • Shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking to ensure the carrots cook evenly.
  • Cut the carrots into equal-sized sticks or fries so that they cook at the same rate.

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Dips to serve with carrot fries

When it comes to dips for your crispy carrot fries, made in the air fryer for that extra crunch, there are several mouth-watering options to choose from. Each dip will enhance the flavour of the carrot fries and offer a unique taste sensation. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Ranch Dip: A classic ranch dip is always a great choice for vegetable fries. Its creamy, tangy flavour pairs well with the sweetness of the carrots. You can make your own ranch dip by mixing sour cream, buttermilk, mayonnaise, and a blend of herbs such as chives, parsley, and dill. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Spicy Honey Mustard: For a tangy and slightly sweet option, go for a spicy honey mustard dip. Combine yellow mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and a dash of hot sauce. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to give it an extra kick. This dip will complement the crispiness of the carrot fries perfectly.

Creamy Dill Dip: If you're a fan of dill, this dip is a must-try. Mix sour cream, mayonnaise, fresh chopped dill, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a hint of garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The freshness of the dill pairs beautifully with the earthiness of the carrot fries.

Cheesy Bacon Dip: Indulge in a cheesy bacon dip for an irresistible savoury option. Cook and chop some bacon, and mix it with shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, and a dash of milk to thin it out. Add some chopped green onions and a pinch of smoked paprika for extra flavour. This dip will take your carrot fries to the next level.

Tzatziki: For a refreshing Mediterranean twist, serve your carrot fries with tzatziki. Grate and strain a cucumber to remove excess moisture, then mix it with Greek yoghurt, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The cool, creamy tzatziki is a perfect contrast to the crispy carrot fries.

These dips will not only taste delicious but will also add to the overall presentation of your carrot fries, making them even more appealing and enjoyable. Get creative, experiment with different flavours, and find your favourite combinations!

Frequently asked questions

Cut the carrots lengthwise, then cut them in half again. If you have larger carrots, you may need to halve them again. Just ensure they are uniform in size for even cooking.

Two steps will help: first, coat them in cornflour/cornstarch; second, ensure they are spaced out in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Most recipes suggest cooking carrot fries at around 200°C/390°F, but temperatures can vary from 350°F to 400°F.

Depending on the thickness of your carrot fries, they should take between 15 and 20 minutes to cook.

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