These Roasted Carrots in the Air Fryer are the weeknight hero nobody talks about enough. The air fryer gives the carrots a caramelized texture outside while keeping the inside tender and sweet, all in less time than it takes to preheat the oven.
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Looking for more Air Fryer Recipes? Try my Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings, Air Fryer Bone In Pork Chops, and Air Fryer Chicken Tenders next!
Pair these juicy carrots with Smoked Chicken Thighs, Bacon-Wrapped Boneless Chicken Breasts in Air Fryer, or Frozen Shrimp in Air Fryer for a fast and easy dinner. They're also the perfect side for Air Fryer Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs or Instant Pot Chicken Breasts.
Feeling fancy? Then don't toss those carrot tops! Make this bright, herby Carrot Top Pesto to serve over top or use in pasta.
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Why You'll Love This Easy Side Dish
These flavorful carrots are crispy on the outside and soft and sweet on the inside. Plus, they cook in just 12 minutes!
They are kid-friendly, vegan, gluten-free, and great for meal prep.
Ingredients You'll Need
To make these roasted carrots in an air fryer, you'll need:
- Carrots. You can also use rainbow carrots, regular carrots, or baby carrots. For baby carrots, place whole carrots in the air fryer; you don't need to cut them, unless you want to.
- Olive oil. You can use avocado oil or melted butter instead.
- Seasoning. I used paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
See the printable recipe card for exact measurements and a complete list of ingredients.
How To Make Roasted Carrots in Air Fryer
Prep the carrots. Wash the carrots and cut off the tops and bottoms. Peel with a vegetable peeler if you like, and cut the carrots into sections about ½ inch thick.
Season. Combine olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Toss until the carrots are well coated.
Air Fry. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Arrange the carrots in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Finish. When the carrots are lightly golden brown and fork tender, remove and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill if you like. I love to serve them with my creamy Dill Mayo Sauce on the side.
Variations
- Spicy - Toss with chili powder, cayenne pepper, or Cajun seasoning.
- Other seasonings: Italian seasoning, rosemary, cinnamon, and fresh thyme.
- Cheese: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese as soon as they are done.
- Sweet Glaze: Drizzle with maple syrup, honey, or a pinch of brown sugar before serving.
- Vegetable medley: Add diced potatoes, carrots, or squash.
- Carrot fries: Cut carrots into thin sticks for crispy carrot fries.
- Oven option: Roast at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Storage Instructions
Fridge: Store leftover roasted carrots in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. They may be a bit mushy after freezing, but they're perfect for tossing into soups and stews.
Jeri's Tips
- Even pieces = even cooking. Cut the carrots into similar sizes so they roast evenly.
- Don't crowd the basket. Overcrowding = steaming, not roasting. Give them space.
- Toss carrots halfway through. This helps them get that beautiful golden brown color on all sides.
- Less time, better texture. Pull them out once fork-tender - overcooking makes them soft.
Recipe FAQs
About 12 minutes at 380°F. For softer carrots, add 1-2 minutes more.
If they're organic, just scrub them well and skip the peeling. If they're not, I would peel them.
Yes. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, run it empty for 3-5 minutes at the cooking temperature.
More Air Fryer Recipes
If you love these roasted carrots in the air fryer, don't stop there. These quick and easy side dishes come together fast:
- Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes - perfect golden on the outside with a fluffy center.
- Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus in Air Fryer - salty, savory, and ready in minutes.
- Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower - a simple way to get tender veggies.
- Air Fryer Green Beans - light, fresh, and great with any protein.
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries - seasoned and perfectly crispy without deep frying.
- Air Fryer Scalloped Potatoes - creamy, cheesy, and bubbling with a golden top.
- Crispy Gnocchi in Air Fryer - pillowy on the inside, crisp on the outside.
- Crispy Air Fryer Squash - lightly seasoned, golden brown, and a cozy fall favorite.
Printable Recipe
Easy Roasted Air Fryer Carrots
Ingredients
- 1 pound carrots, cut into ½-inch chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer. Set to 380°F and let it preheat for about 3 minutes.
- Season the carrots. In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the carrots and toss until well coated.
- Air fry. Arrange carrots in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Serve. The carrots are done when they're golden brown and fork-tender. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill if you like. Serve immediately and enjoy!
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Notes
- Cut the carrots into evenly sized pieces so they cook at the same rate.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket - this ensures a roasted texture, not steamed.
- For softer carrots, add 1-2 extra minutes of cook time.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheated in the air fryer to crisp them up again.
- These carrots are delicious dipped in my Dill Mayo Sauce.
Nutrition
The provided nutrition information is automatically calculated. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
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Dennis says
What a delicious and healthy way to make carrots! Everyone really enjoyed them with dinner last night!
Jeri says
Thanks, Dennis! I'm so glad you liked them!
Jere Cassidy says
These carrots look delicious with perfect crunch on the outside.
Jessica says
Love my air fryer and love these carrots!
Jeri says
I love my air fryer too! Such an easy recipe!