These Air Fryer Carrots are tender in the middle and delightfully crispy and caramelized on the very edges. Fast and easy, they’re a versatile side dish perfect for rounding out any weeknight dinner!
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The quick, easy one-ingredient side we all need in our lives.
(Okay, the recipe also calls for oil, salt, and pepper. But you have those already!)
These air fryer carrots follow in the footsteps of my Roasted Carrots and Sauteed Carrots; that’s to say, they’re a ridiculously easy side dish that goes with just about anything.
They’re also a refreshing change of pace because if you’re anything like me, you’re probably a lot more likely to have potatoes, broccoli, or green beans as a side than carrots.
But maybe it’s time to change that. And maybe these humble air fryer carrots will lead the way. Carrots are a nice back pocket side because a bag will last a long time in the crisper drawer, and they’re so flavorful, you don’t really need to do that much to make them tasty. I like adding fresh herbs to zhuzh up these air fryer carrots, but they’re just as delish with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Key Ingredients
You’ll find the full list of ingredients in the recipe card below, but here are some notes to keep in mind.
- Carrots. I recommend using regular, real-deal, old school carrots, not baby carrots. They tend to be more flavorful and they’re also a better size for this recipe.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Or another oil you like to use for cooking.
- Herbs. Thyme and parsley are both fantastic pairings with carrots, although the fresh herbs are optional.
How to Make Cook Carrots in the Air Fryer
Season the Carrots. Toss the carrots with oil, salt, and pepper.
Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket. Set the carrots in a single layer. It’s okay if they touch, but you don’t want to double them up. It’s better to cook them in batches! (You can keep the first batch warm in a 250 degree F oven while the second cooks.)
Cook. Air fry carrots at 375 degrees F for 10 minutes, shaking the basket once or twice during that time, until they reach your desired level of tenderness and crispiness.
Serve. Garnish with additional salt and fresh herbs, if you’re using them, and ENJOY!
Recipe Variations
- Try Other Herbs. Rosemary is also quite tasty with carrots, as is sage.
- Add Some Spices. If you want to add spices to the equation, add them with the oil. Try garlic powder, smoked paprika, cinnamon, or cumin.
- Make Them Cheesy. After air frying, sprinkle the carrots with freshly grated Parmesan.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Carrots
As promised, this truly is a side dish that will go with just about anything. It’s like your favorite black dress that can go casual or cocktail depending on the accessories.
- Burgers and Sandwiches. Serve air fryer carrots as an alternative to fries with a Chicken Burger.
- Chicken. Speaking of chicken! This would be the perfect side with Rosemary Chicken Thighs.
- Pork. Stuffed Pork Chops are great for pairing with a light side dish like air fried carrots.
- Fish. While the carrots cook in the air fryer, make Honey Garlic Salmon in the oven.
More Easy Air Fryer Vegetables
Air Fryer Carrots
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Ingredients
- 1 pound carrots scrubbed, peeled, and cut into ½-inch thick diagonal slices
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Fresh thyme or parsley optional for serving
Instructions
- Place the carrots in a large bowl. Toss with the oil, salt, and pepper. If you’d like to keep them warm between batches, preheat your oven to 250°F.
- Place the carrots in the basket in a single layer; they can touch but shouldn’t be piling on top of one another. If necessary, cook them in batches.
- Air fry carrots at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket once or twice throughout, until they are fork tender and crisped to your liking. Transfer to a serving platter and repeat with remaining batches as needed, or transfer to a baking sheet and keep warm in the oven. When ready to serve, sprinkle with fresh thyme or parsley and additional salt to taste. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- TO STORE: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- TO REHEAT: Warm up leftover carrots in the air fryer or the microwave, or eat them cold or at room temperature. (They’re great in salads!)
- TO FREEZE: If you need to freeze your leftovers because you won’t eat them within 4 days, they’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer. You can warm them directly from frozen.
Nutrition
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I’ve never been a huge fan of carrots, but I decided to give this a try, and now I’m hooked. They cooked so quickly in the air fryer, and the flavor was incredible. I added a sprinkle of parmesan cheese at the end, and it took them to the next level. Highly recommend it!
Makes me so happy to hear, Kimberly! Thank you!
These carrots were AMAZING! I loved how they got that slightly crispy texture on the outside but were still soft and sweet inside. I sprinkled a little extra garlic powder on mine, and they were just bursting with flavor. My kids even asked for seconds—and they never ask for more vegetables!
Love to hear that, Caroline! Thank you!
Wow, I had no idea carrots could taste this good! I followed the recipe exactly, and they came out so flavorful and perfectly roasted. The air fryer really brings out the flavor, and the light seasoning made them taste gourmet. I served them as a side dish with grilled chicken. Can’t wait to make them again! Thank you, Erin!
So glad you enjoyed them, Maggie! Thank you!