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!
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 Brussels Sprouts
Air Fryer Zucchini
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
Air Fryer Broccoli
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Air Fryer Carrots
Tender and crispy on the edges, these easy air fryer carrots are a tasty side dish that's quick, easy, and goes with just about anything!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutesminutes
Cook Time 10 minutesminutes
Total Time 20 minutesminutes
Servings 4servings
Calories 64kcal
Author Erin Clarke / Well Plated
Ingredients
1poundcarrotsscrubbed, peeled, and cut into ½-inch thick diagonal slices
2teaspoonsextra virgin olive oil
½teaspoonkosher salt
⅛teaspoonground black pepper
Fresh thyme or parsleyoptional 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.