Air Fryer Carrots
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My air fryer carrots are the quickest way to perfectly cooked carrots in just 10 minutes. They’re crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and make a delicious veggie side dish for any meal.
My partner and I love oven-roasted carrots, so this air fryer version has been my go-to when I don’t want to wait 40 minutes for the oven. It’s much quicker than roasting, but still delivers identical results- crispy, perfectly seasoned tender carrots.
I tested this recipe multiple times and found that sliced matchstick carrots (thin strips, as pictured above) work best, followed by sliced larger chunks (pictured below), then whole carrots. They make the perfect weeknight side dish, and I sometimes serve them as carrot fries too.
Table of Contents
Why I love this air fryer carrots recipe
- Ready in 10 minutes. Faster than boiling and with a better texture.
- Healthier. Just two tablespoons of olive oil is all you need- the air fryer does the rest.
- Easy to customize. I keep things simple with Italian seasoning, but I’ve included honey-glazed, sweet and savory, and spiced versions below.
- Works with all carrots. I’ve tested this with baby carrots, rainbow carrots, and Dutch carrots. All work well, just adjust the cook time slightly for thicker varieties.
★★★★★ REVIEW
“We really love this recipe, have made it twice now! Also, cutting some parsley with my kitchen scissors to mix with the cooked carrots before they are served.” – Pam
Key Ingredients
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
- Carrots. I find that larger and thicker carrots work best, as they can be cut into equal-sized matchsticks or chunks more easily. Of course, if you use baby carrots, this isn’t an issue. While you can keep the skins on, I find they’re more tender if you peel them.
- Olive oil (Or any neutral-flavored oil). The oil is what creates the caramelized edges. Without it, the carrots steam rather than crisp.
- Seasonings. Kosher salt and black pepper are the base. I add Italian seasoning, a mix of herbs that pairs well with the natural sweetness of carrots. I also like to sprinkle freshly grated parmesan and fresh parsley once cooked.
How to cook carrots in air fryer
Step 1- Season. In a mixing bowl, add carrots, olive oil, seasonings, and mix well.
Step 2- Air fry. Add the seasoned carrots to the air fryer basket and air fry for 10 minutes.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Always dry the carrots completely after rinsing, then season. Wet carrots can become mushy and will not yield an entirely crispy exterior.
- Don’t forget to shake your air fryer basket. I shake at the 6-minute mark. It only takes a second and makes a noticeable difference in how crisp the edges become.
- Chop your carrots into equal-sized pieces. Uneven pieces mean some are perfectly cooked while others are still firm in the middle.
- Make air fryer carrot fries by chopping the carrots into a fry shape. I do this when I want something fun to serve alongside air fryer hamburgers or sandwiches. My partner loves them with Big Mac Sauce.
Flavor variations
Sweet and savory. Add one teaspoon of maple syrup and sprinkle some coarse brown sugar once cooked. This is great to serve with pork or steaks.
Honey glazed. Once the carrots are removed from the air fryer, drizzle some honey (or hot honey) over them. I do this when I need an elegant side dish when entertaining.
Different spices. Try garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or my favorite- taco seasoning.
Fresh herbs. Like fresh thyme, parsley (pictured), and rosemary.
Storage instructions
To store: Put the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheating: I prefer reheating in the air fryer at 400°F for about 3 minutes for maximum crispiness. A skillet also works with a drop of water (over medium heat).
Frequently asked questions
You can. However, I find it takes a little longer since they contain excess liquid. For about 1 pound of frozen chopped carrots, I recommend air-frying them for 25 minutes, shaking the basket several times throughout.
It’s entirely up to you. I sometimes keep them on when I’m lazy, but usually peel them for aesthetic purposes.
Air Fryer Carrots
Video
Ingredients
- 4 large carrots peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks or 1/4-inch matchsticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 180C/350F.
- Add the carrots, olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning into a mixing bowl and mix until combined.
- Add the seasoned carrots to an air fryer basket and air fry for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Remove the carrots from the air fryer and repeat the process until all the carrots are cooked.
Notes
Nutrition
More air fryer vegetable recipes
- Air fryer frozen broccoli– I always have a package of frozen broccoli for emergencies, which inspired me to develop this recipe.
- Air fryer zucchini– My mom grows her own zucchini, and 95% of what she gives me gets air fried.
- Air fryer cauliflower– Crispy edges and soft middles, this is my go-to cauliflower side.
- Air fryer brussels sprouts– If I want a sprouts hater to be converted, this is the dish to make them.
My go-to recipe for cooking carrots. You’re air fryer carrots are so crisp and use the right seasonings to make it shine. Thanks, Arman
Thanks, Alex. I did make sure to not detract from the natural sweetness of the carrots, so I’m glad you noticed that 🙂
I have a hard time cutting into spaghetti squash how can I sift before preparing to air fry?
Hi Rose- check out my air fryer spaghetti squash recipe- it breaks it all down for you 🙂 https://thebigmansworld.com/air-fryer-spaghetti-squash/
Wonderful!! Added a few other slides, but we loved it! Thank you 🙂
So easy and so good with so many meals!
The simplest recipe to perfect Roasted Carrots 🥕 🥕 🥕 So Few Ingredients. 💚
How good is it 🙂
I made this and it was crispy. But I also put cheese on top. Wow!
Love the addition of cheese on top, Mario!
I made this and it was tasty and sweet so much. Cannot believe.
Lovely! I added the Maple syrup.
Love to hear that, Cas. It’s one of my favorite additions to change things up.
The picture looks great! What is pictured on top? Parmesan and parsley?
Yes it is!
I recently tried this recipe, it’s really easy and the carrots taste great! I will try out other recipes.
This recipe Made today. My dinner was so healthy and full of flavours. One tip-cook carrots a bit longer in air fryer to be even softer.
Oh nice you like softer carrots? Cooking them longer is a great tip 🙂
Yesterday as a side dish with my chicken I made these carrots. They were so sweet! Just like honey haha.
We really love this recipe, have made it twice now! I can’t find today where reference was made to adding some grated Parmesan after they’re cooked. I’m sure it’s there and I’m just missing it, so will wing it. Also, cutting some parsley with my kitchen scissors to mix with the cooked carrots before they are served.
Hi Pam- I added a little note in the ingredient section and also the recipe card 🙂
Yum . Dip in an aioli. Garlic aioli. Double yum
I love making these. They taste delicious and are low calorie. Just be careful not to burn them…(That was on me)
Very good. Made them for father’s day dinner as a side and they turned out perfect. I added some garlic seasoning to them.
These were soooo good! Thanks for the recipe!
Thanks, Brianna!
These air fryer carrots are to die for! I always have carrots on hand, and they usually go bad before I can use them. But not now! They make the perfect snack. The parmesan cheese adds so much flavor. Definitely recommend trying!
Absolutely delicious 😋
Delicious side dish! I used baby carrots right out of the bag and tossed them with olive oil, dill, parsley and salt and pepper. I added some Parmesan toward the end. Really tasty!
Delish & vegan – thumbs up 😀
Love that!
Delicious and so easy to make. Friends and my family members love it. Will keep this recipe in my everyday folder cookbook.
That’s what I like to hear!
Love carrots this way! In fact, the only way I’ll cook them anymore! Leftovers work great in stir fry
Amazing way to cook carrots. I love veggies but also have a sweet tooth. This satisfies all of my cravings! It brings out a sweetness in the carrots that makes you think you’re eating a warm dessert. Definitely a must-try recipe!!
Wow! Simple and yummy! I need to buy more carrots.
Finally got my husband to eat carrots. Best ever
Love that!!
Love the air fryer carrots
Looks great and easy for a side
Delicious,Easy and Fast .
Thanks so much. I’ll make them tomorrow night. I made your air fryer green beans and we loved them.
Happy to try these! Do you air fry the baby carrots whole or cut them into matchsticks like the big carrots?
Thanks!
Marcia
Keep them whole 🙂