This Air Fryer Carrots recipe is my secret for making veggies crave-worthy. A little garlic and parmesan make all the difference. Ready in just 20 minutes!
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Why This Recipe Works
I’ve made these Air Fryer Carrots more times than I can count—and for good reason! Here’s why this recipe works:
- Crispy Outside, Tender Inside: The air fryer nails that texture every time. The carrots get beautifully caramelized on the outside while staying soft and sweet in the center, like my Roasted Carrots with Pesto.
- Speedy & Hands-Off: I love how quickly these come together. Toss them in seasoning, pop them in the air fryer, and boom—veggies in under 20 minutes.
- Garlicky, Smoky Flavor: That mix of garlic powder and smoked paprika adds just the right depth. It’s simple but packed with flavor.
- Parmesan Makes It Irresistible: A generous sprinkle of parmesan at the end takes these carrots to the next level, like with my Garlic Parmesan Asparagus.
Tried this recipe? Rate it and let me know what you think—I read every comment! ❤️
Ingredients
- Carrots – The star of our dish, these carrots are not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and minerals.
- Spices – A simple blend of garlic powder, smoked paprika, and kosher salt adds a ton of flavor to the carrots. Adjust the salt to your liking.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese – This adds a salty, cheesy crust to the carrots that is absolutely irresistible.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
Instructions
- Start by peeling and trimming the carrots.
- Drizzle carrots with olive oil and seasonings. Rub the seasoning in.
- Cook the carrots in the air fryer at 380℉ for 15-18 minutes.
- Toss halfway through. Top the cooked carrots with parmesan cheese and parsley.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
Here are some of our favorite variations and substitution ideas:
- Cheese: If parmesan isn’t your favorite, try crumbling some feta on top before serving.
- Spices: Feel free to play around with the spices. Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy take or some cumin for a smokier flavor.
- Carrot Fries: Cut the carrots into thin, fry-like sticks and follow the same seasoning and cheese steps for a French fry alternative.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Carrots
Main Dishes
- These crispy air fryer carrots are one of those sides that go with just about everything. We love serving them with BBQ Chicken Thighs or Pork Chops with Tarragon Sauce for an easy weeknight meal.
- They also taste amazing next to Sweet and Smoky Baked Salmon, Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs, or some Grilled Steak Kabobs if you’re firing up the grill.
- Other Sides
Air fryer carrots play well with other sides, too. We often add them to our plates with Creamy Mashed Potatoes or our go-to Beef Rice Pilaf. - During the holidays, we love adding them to the mix with Wild Mushroom and Sausage Stuffing and Apple Cranberry Sauce.
FAQs
You can use any type of carrots for this recipe. I recommend choosing carrots that are similar in size so that they cook at the same rate. However, baby carrots might not be a good choice since they won’t have the same rich, roasted flavor as larger ones.
By tossing the carrots halfway through cooking, you ensure that they cook evenly on all sides. This prevents any one side from becoming too brown or crispy while the other side is still undercooked.
The carrots are done when they are tender and slightly caramelized. You can test their doneness by piercing them with a fork. They should have a bit of a char and should be easily pierced.
While these air fryer carrots are best served fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
More Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Enjoy
- Air Fryer Ribeye Steak – This Air Fryer Ribeye Steak delivers restaurant-quality results without needing a grill.
- Air Fryer Kielbasa – Enjoy crispy Air Fryer Kielbasa in under 20 minutes! This recipe combines the smoky richness of Polish sausage with a zesty homemade mustard dip.
- Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets – These homemade Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets are a fun and kid-friendly snack!
- Sweet Potato Fries in Air Fryer – Making Sweet Potato Fries in the air fryer is a quick and easy way to whip up this classic snack or side dish.
If you try this recipe, let me know what you think! Rate and review this recipe in the comments below. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me on Instagram @lenaskitchenblog!
Air Fryer Carrots
Ingredients
- 1 pound carrots, washed and peeled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, or more to taste
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon parsley, for garnish or other fresh herbs
Instructions
- Peel and trim the carrots. If some carrots are larger, cut them in half to match the size of others.
- Add carrots to a medium rimmed baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika and kosher salt, rub the seasoning in.
- Place the carrots in the air fryer basket and cook on 400℉ for 9-12 minutes, toss halfway through. Smaller carrots will take 9 minutes and larger carrots will cook closer to 12.
- Once done, add to a serving platter and top with parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
Notes
- Store cooled, cooked carrots in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
- To reheat, pop them in the air fryer at 350℉ for 4–7 minutes until warmed through.
- You can use baby carrots, but they won’t have the same rich, roasted flavor as larger ones.
- Cooking time depends on size—smaller carrots cook faster, larger ones take longer. Check for doneness halfway through.
- This recipe is part of my Weeknight Meals Collection.
- Serve them with some BBQ Chicken Thighs or Pork Chops with Tarragon Sauce for an easy weeknight meal.
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