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You are here: Home / Recipes / Side Dishes / Air Fryer Carrots

Air Fryer Carrots

Published October 24, 2022 by Lauren Vavala

Thanks for sharing!

Air fryer carrots with text overlay.
Close up of an air fried carrot on a fork with text overlay.
Air fryer carrots are the perfect, healthy side dish to add to any meal. Tossed in olive oil, garlic, and fresh thyme, they are full of hearty flavors the whole family will love. | #sidedish #airfryer #airfriedcarrots #carrotrecipes #carrots

Air fryer carrots are the perfect, healthy side dish to add to any meal. Tossed in olive oil, garlic, and fresh thyme, they are full of hearty flavors the whole family will love.

Overhead of a cream colored plated with air fried carrots on it, a second plate partially showing in the background and a gray kitchen towel on the side.

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Carrots are one of the easiest vegetables to get both of my kids to eat without any complaining. Needless to say, any kid-friendly vegetable dishes make regular appearances at our dinner table all year long.

Making carrots in the air fryer is a very easy way to prepare them. They taste just as good as oven-roasted carrots, but don’t require nearly as much time or oil. This makes them lower in fat and calories, as well.

A little sprinkle of Parmesan cheese gives a hint of salty cheese flavor which complements the flavor from the herbs and seasonings perfectly.

Looking for even more ways to enjoy carrots? Try these popular recipes for California Blend Vegetables with Parmesan Bread Crumbs and Roasted Spiced Carrots.

Why This Recipe Works

The prep for this recipe is simple and only requires a handful of ingredients. Making carrots in the air fryer is also quicker than roasting them in the oven.

These carrots have the same sweet and savory, oven roasted flavor and texture. They are a great option to serve with a countless number of main dishes and the perfect side dish for holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter, as well.

This is a healthier alternative that is lower in fat and calories because the air fryer requires less oil, or even no oil.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Ingredients

Ingredients to make air fryer carrots with text overlay.

  • 6 large carrots (peeled and cut into 1/2-inch thick slices): you can also use baby carrots but may need to increase the cook time.
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: you can use another oil, if preferred. You can also omit the oil, but the carrots will be drier.
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (minced)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Parmesan cheese (optional garnish)

The entire recipe and instructions can also be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. You can also print the recipe from the card, if needed.

Prep!

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 4-5 minutes.

Peel and cut carrots into 1/2-inch thick pieces. You can cut the carrots into coins, matchsticks or on a bias.

Chef’s Tip: cut the carrots as equal in size as possible to ensure even cooking.

Create!

Slices of carrots in a bowl with seasonings.

In a large mixing bowl, toss the carrots with olive oil, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Raw, seasoned carrot slices in an air fryer basket.

Transfer the carrots to your air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overlap the carrots.

Seasoned air fried carrots in an air fryer basket.

Air fry for 12-15 minutes, or until fork-tender and crispy on the edges. 

Present!

A fork piercing a roasted carrot slice in front of a plate of more carrots.

Garnish with Parmesan cheese and/or extra fresh thyme, if desired.

Serve immediately while hot.

Tips and Techniques

  • Make sure that you cut the carrots into equal size pieces. This helps to ensure overall even cooking.
  • If using baby carrots, you may need to increase the cook time a few minutes. Carrots are done cooking when they are fork tender.
  • You can use a different oil or omit the oil. If you omit the oil, the air fried carrots may be a bit drier.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 4-5 days.

FAQ’s

What Do You Serve With Air Fryer Carrots?

link to creamy garlic chicken, garlic butter short ribs, turkey cutlets, chipotle pork chops and anything else you think works here

Can You Air Fry Frozen Carrots?

Yes, frozen carrots can be prepared in the air fryer. You may need to add just an extra minute or two to the cook time.

Can You Freeze Cooked Carrots?

While you can freeze cooked carrots for up to 6 months in an airtight container or freezer bag, it is not recommended. The texture of the carrots will change once reheated and may have an unpleasant mouthfeel. 

More Carrot Side Dish Recipes

Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Carrots
This recipe for a sweet and savory vegetable medley uses Brussels sprouts, carrots, maple syrup and a couple basic seasonings to create a flavorful side dish. Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Carrots are easy to prepare, deliciously sweet and savory flavored, and a healthy complimentary side dish to serve alongside a variety of main courses.
Get The Recipe
Roasted brussels sprouts and carrots with a wood turner on a baking sheet
Roasted Carrots and Parsnips
Roasted Carrots and Parsnips is a great side dish to serve during the cold season and is perfect for holidays as it pairs well with many entrees.
Get The Recipe
Close up of roasted carrots and parsnips in a white bowl.
Carrot Noodles with Pesto
This is the perfect recipe for a quick lunch or easy side dish, especially since it’s vegetarian and gluten free too. Carrot Noodles with Pesto pairs well with other Italian dishes and is something both kids and adults enjoy. If you already love spiralized zucchini, be sure to try this simple, flavorful recipe!
Get The Recipe
Carrot noodles with pesto in a white bowl with basil leaves around it.

Love this Air Fryer Carrots recipe? Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook for more!

If you try this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would please leave a comment and star rating. Thanks!

Overhead of a cream colored plated with air fried carrots on it, a second plate partially showing in the background and a gray kitchen towel on the side.
Print

Air Fryer Carrots

Air fryer carrots are the perfect, healthy side dish to add to any meal. Tossed in olive oil, garlic, and fresh thyme, they are full of hearty flavors the whole family will love.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American, Gluten Free
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 70kcal
Author Lauren Harris

Ingredients

  • 6 large carrots (peeled and cut into 1/2-inch thick slices)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (see notes)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (minced)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • salt (to taste)
  • pepper (to taste)
  • Parmesan cheese optional garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 4-5 minutes.
  • In a large mixing bowl, toss the carrots with olive oil, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
    6 large carrots, 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, salt, pepper
  • Transfer the carrots to your air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overlap the carrots.
  • Air fry for 12-15 minutes, or until fork-tender and crispy on the edges. 
  • Garnish with Parmesan cheese and/or extra fresh thyme, if desired.
    Parmesan cheese
  • Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Tips and Techniques

  • Make sure that you cut the carrots into equal size pieces. This helps to ensure overall even cooking.
  • If using baby carrots, you may need to increase the cook time a few minutes. Carrots are done cooking when they are fork tender.
  • You can use a different oil or omit the oil. If you omit the oil, the air fried carrots may be a bit drier.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 4-5 days.
** Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 70kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 63mg | Potassium: 300mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 15310IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 0.4mg

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Filed Under: Gluten Free, Recipes, Side Dishes

Welcome, I'm Lauren!

Delicious Little Bites is where I share all types of recipes from appetizers to desserts. You will also find plenty of keto, gluten free, and vegetarian recipes here to help you put a delicious meal on the table every night that the whole family will love! Read More...

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