Easy Air Fryer Baby Carrots Recipe

Air fryer baby carrots are a perfect quick side dish or a healthy snack.

These delicious carrots will please the whole family, even picky eaters.

Why I love this air fry baby carrots

Let me tell you why I absolutely adore this recipe. First of all, it’s effortless to make.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these delicious carrots in no time.

And the best part? You can customize the flavors to your preferences.

Cleanup is also a breeze since everything gets tossed in the air fryer basket.

Ingredients & substitutions

Baby carrots: You can use frozen or fresh baby carrots. If you use fresh ones, the cooking time will be slightly longer.

You can also use regular carrots, but I suggest cutting them into sticks instead of cooking whole ones.

Garlic: Fresh garlic or garlic powder adds a flavorful kick to the carrots.

Parmesan cheese: This ingredient adds a unique crunchiness to the air fryer carrots.

Fresh parsley: To give a touch of freshness to the dish.

Salt and black pepper: These seasonings enhance the flavor of the carrots.

Extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil

HOW TO MAKE AIR FRYER BABY CARROTS

Step 1

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

Combine the baby carrots, a little olive oil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. T

oss everything together until the carrots are evenly coated.

Step 2

Place the seasoned carrots in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.

Cook the carrots in the air fryer for about 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning.

Once the carrots are tender and golden brown, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving dish.

Garnish with fresh parsley.

Serve the air fryer baby carrots hot, and enjoy!

OVEN INSTRUCTIONS:

No air fryer? No problem! You can still enjoy these delicious baby carrots by using your oven. Here’s how:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Follow the same steps for seasoning the carrots as outlined above.
3. Spread the seasoned carrots on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast in the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the carrots are tender and nicely browned.
5. Remove from the oven and serve hot.

Tips for the perfect air fryer carrots

• Always check the food while cooking. The cooking time of an air fryer may vary depending on its model and size.
• Place carrots in a single layer of the air fryer basket for the best results.
• Remember to shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking to promote even browning.
• There’s no need to thaw or blanch frozen carrots first. Just add a couple of extra minutes of cooking time.
• I recommend finishing with a squeeze of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar glaze.

flavor variations

Here are some variations you can try with this recipe:

Sweet carrots: I love this version!

Mix carrots with some brown sugar, maple syrup, and melted butter.

The carrots will be caramelized in a delicious way; the cooking time is the same, roughly 10/12 minutes. However, I recommend using parchment paper whether you use the air fryer or the oven.

Honey Glazed Carrots: add a drizzle of honey before air frying for a touch of sweetness.

Herb-Roasted Carrots: Replace the Parmesan cheese with a mixture of fresh herbs or Italian seasoning.

Spicy Carrots: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for an extra flavor.

Add more vegetables: You can combine your favorite vegetable to make a delicious side dish of air fryer vegetables.

A winning pairing with carrots is sweet potatoes. You can cook them together.

What to serve with baby carrots

These Air Fryer Baby Carrots make a perfect side dish for any meal. 

I love serving them with this braised pork shoulder or these delicious chicken cutlets, all accompanied by delicious black pepper focaccia for a complete meal.

These carrots go well with many meat dishes, such as smoked corned beef or boneless prime rib roast.

It’s also perfect with this curried egg sandwich for an easy lunch.

How to store and reheat leftovers

Storing: You can store leftover carrots in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating: You can reheat and put them in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 5 minutes.

I don’t recommend using a microwave, as you would lose the crispness of the carrots.

FAQ’s

HOW ARE BABY CARROTS MADE?

Baby carrots are made by harvesting and trimming mature large carrots to a smaller size. They are then washed, peeled, and cut into uniform pieces, resulting in the small, bite-sized carrots we know as baby carrots.

Are baby carrots healthy?

Both regular carrots and baby carrots are a source of health benefits.

CAN YOU AIR FRY CARROTS WITHOUT BOILING THEM?

Absolutely! One of the great things about using an air fryer is that you can achieve perfectly cooked carrots without boiling them beforehand.

The hot air circulation in the air fryer ensures that the carrots cook evenly and retain their natural flavors and textures.

Simply season the carrots and place them directly in the air fryer for a delicious and hassle-free cooking experience.

Can I make these carrots in advance for a party or gathering?

While these carrots are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare them in advance and reheat them before serving.

Simply follow the storage and reheating instructions mentioned earlier.

Air Fryer Baby Carrots Recipe

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OTHER AIR FRYER SIDE DISH RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE:

Air fryer carrot fries, a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional french fries.

Sliced Potatoes In The Air Fryer, a classic side dish.

Air Fryer Mushrooms, another tasty and healthy option.

Air Fryer Cauliflower, dor a low-carb alternative, try this cauliflower.