If you're looking for an easy and healthy way to prepare your baby carrots, look no further than your air fryer! In this recipe, we'll show you how to make delicious air fryer baby carrots that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
This recipe is not only delicious, but it's also a healthy and convenient way to prepare your baby carrots. The air fryer helps to reduce the amount of oil needed compared to traditional cooking methods, making these carrots a healthier side dish option.
They're also quick and easy to make, making them a perfect side dish for busy weeknights or for entertaining guests.
Another great thing about air fryer carrots is that they're versatile. You can season them to your liking, and they go great with a variety of entrees. Try them with grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or even grilled steak.
If you're looking for a simple and healthy way to enjoy your carrots, give this air fryer carrots recipe a try. It's quick, easy, and delicious, making it the perfect side dish for any occasion. Enjoy!
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🥕 Ingredients
- Baby carrots
- Avocado oil
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper
- Fresh parsley
See the recipe card for precise quantities, instructions, and more notes.
📖 Instructions
The prep for these air fryer baby carrots takes a couple of minutes and then they are air fried for 16 minutes until tender and starting to brown!
In a mixing bowl, add baby carrots, avocado oil, all the spices, salt, and pepper. Combine well.
Transfer to air fryer basket and arrange in a single layer.
Air fry at 350°F (180°C) for 8 minutes. Shake the baby carrots after 8 minutes, then air fry for another 8 minutes until tender and starting to brown.
Serve with some more salt and pepper if needed and chopped parsley.
🙋🏻♂️ FAQs
The cooking time for baby carrots in an air fryer depends on the desired tenderness level and the carrots' size.
On average, baby carrots can be cooked in an air fryer for about 10-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C). However, if you prefer your carrots to be extra tender, you may need to cook them for longer, up to 20 minutes.
It's best to check on the carrots every 5 minutes and shake the basket to ensure even cooking. When the carrots are fork-tender and slightly golden, they're ready to be removed from the air fryer.
Air-fried baby carrots can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To store them properly, let the carrots cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. This will help to prevent bacteria growth and keep the carrots fresh for longer.
When reheating the air-fried baby carrots, it's best to use the oven or a pan on the stove rather than the air fryer, as this will help to prevent them from becoming too dry and overcooked. Simply place the carrots in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) or on a pan on the stove over medium heat until they're heated through, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
When air frying carrots, you want an oil with a high smoke point to prevent it from burning and creating smoke. Some good options include:
Avocado oil: This oil has a smoke point of around 520°F (271°C), making it a great choice for air frying.
Coconut oil: With a smoke point of 350°F (177°C), coconut oil is a suitable choice for air frying.
Canola oil: This oil has a smoke point of around 400°F (204°C), making it a good choice for air frying carrots.
Grapeseed oil: With a smoke point of around 420°F (215°C), grapeseed oil is another great choice for air frying.
Overall, it's important to choose an oil with a high smoke point to ensure that your carrots cook evenly and don't burn which can affect the flavor.
1. Hummus: This classic dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic is a perfect match for baby carrots. Hummus has a creamy texture and a savory flavor that complements the sweetness of the carrots.
2. Ranch dressing: Ranch dressing is a popular dip for baby carrots. The tangy and creamy flavor of the dressing pairs well with the crispness of the carrots.
3. Peanut butter dip: A simple and tasty dip for baby carrots is a peanut butter dip made with peanut butter, honey, and yogurt. The combination of the nutty and sweet flavors of the dip with the sweetness of the carrots is delicious.
4. Tzatziki: A Greek dip made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill. The cool and refreshing taste of tzatziki pairs well with the sweetness of baby carrots.
5. Guacamole: If you're looking for a healthy and flavorful dip for baby carrots, guacamole is a great option.
6. Baba ganoush: Baba ganoush is a dip made from roasted eggplant, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. The smoky flavor of the eggplant and the creamy texture of the dip pair well with the sweetness of the carrots.
🥘 Best Seasoning Combinations for Air Fryer Baby Carrots
Baby carrots are a versatile vegetable that can be seasoned in many different ways to bring out their natural sweetness. Here are some of the best seasoning combinations for baby carrots:
- Classic Seasoning: A simple combination of salt, pepper, and garlic powder will enhance the natural sweetness of the carrots and bring out their earthy flavor.
- Herbes de Provence: This blend of dried herbs, including thyme, rosemary, basil, and marjoram, will add a delicate yet savory flavor to the carrots.
- Honey and Cinnamon: A drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon will create a sweet and savory flavor profile for the carrots. This is especially good for those who enjoy a sweeter vegetable side dish.
- Balsamic Vinegar and Rosemary: Balsamic vinegar has a tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the carrots, while the addition of fresh rosemary adds a herby aroma and flavor.
- Cumin and Paprika: These spices will add a smoky, slightly spicy flavor to the carrots. They work especially well with other dishes that feature cumin and paprika, such as chili and stews.
Experiment with different combinations of seasonings to find the one that best suits your taste preferences.
⏲ Equipment
Air Fryer: This recipe has been made and tested using a Cosori Max XL Large Cooker. It has a capacity of 5.8 quarts which is quite large. You can use any air fryer for this recipe, but all air fryers are different so adjust cooking times accordingly.
Air fryer temperatures vary a little between air fryer models so use an oven thermometer to make sure your air fryer is the correct temperature for each recipe.
🍶 Storing Leftovers
Store leftover baby carrots, after they have cooled down completely, in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
These ingredients don't stand up well to freezing.
👨🏻🍳 Top tips
Don't Overcrowd the Basket: An air fryer works by circulating hot air around the food, so it's important to not overcrowd the basket. If the carrots are stacked on top of each other, the air won't circulate properly and the carrots won't cook evenly. Make sure to place the carrots in a single layer in the basket.
Season the Carrots Liberally: Carrots have a naturally sweet flavor, but they can benefit from some added seasoning. Don't be afraid to season them liberally with your favorite spices, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or dried herbs. The seasoning will help to enhance the flavor of the carrots and make them even more delicious.
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Air Fryer Baby Carrots
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 lb. baby carrots
- 1 Tbsp. avocado oil olive oil also works well
- ½ tsp. garlic powder
- 1 .tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- If your baby carrots have very different thicknesses, slice the thicker ones in half length wise.1 lb. baby carrots
- In a mixing bowl, add baby carrots, olive oil, all the spices, salt and pepper. Combine well. Transfer to air fryer basket and arrange in a single layer.1 Tbsp. avocado oil, ½ tsp. garlic powder, 1 .tsp Italian seasoning, Salt and pepper
- Air fry at 350°F (180°C) for 8 minutes. Shake the baby carrots after 8 minutes, then air fry for another 8 minutes until tender and starting to brown. Serve with some more salt and pepper if needed and chopped parsley.fresh parsley
- Serve as a snack or side dish!
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