Tired of limp, boiled carrots? Look no further than the air fryer for a simple and delicious way to transform this classic side dish. Air frying brings out the natural sweetness of carrots, creating tender-crisp perfection with a touch of caramelized goodness.
This versatile method allows you to explore endless flavor possibilities, from savory herbs and spices to sweet glazes, all in a fraction of the time compared to traditional roasting. So ditch the pot and embrace the air fryer for a healthy and exciting take on carrots!
Air frying carrots is a quick and easy way to get a delicious and healthy side dish. You can choose between a savory or sweet flavor depending on your preference.
Ingredients
- Carrots
- Olive oil
- Seasonings (For savory: garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper. For sweet: brown sugar, butter)
- Optional: Fresh herbs (parsley, dill)
- Optional: Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Prep the carrots: Wash and peel the carrots. Cut them into your desired shape. For even cooking, try to have similarly sized pieces. Here are some options:
- Slices: Cut the carrots into sticks or batons, similar to french fries.
- Chunks: Cut the carrots into bite-sized pieces.
- Baby carrots: You can leave them whole or slice them in half lengthwise.
2. Season the carrots: In a large bowl, toss the carrots with olive oil. For savory carrots, add garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. For sweet carrots, toss with melted butter and brown sugar. You can experiment with other seasonings as well!
3. Air fry the carrots: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the carrots in a single layer on the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. This allows for even air circulation and crispier carrots.
4. Cook the carrots: Air fry the carrots for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of your carrots and your desired level of tenderness. Check on them after 15 minutes and continue cooking for a few more minutes if needed.
5. Serve: Once the carrots are tender and slightly browned, remove them from the air fryer. You can garnish them with fresh chopped herbs like parsley or dill, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Tips
- For softer carrots, add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket before cooking.
- If your carrots are releasing a lot of moisture, you can preheat the air fryer to a slightly higher temperature (around 400°F) for the first few minutes to help crisp them up.
- Keep an eye on your carrots during the last few minutes of cooking to avoid burning.
Enjoy your delicious and healthy air fryer carrots!