Craving a healthy yet delicious side dish that comes together in no time? Let’s talk about air fryer carrots ! These tasty, roasted carrots are golden, slightly caramelized, and seasoned to perfection—plus, they’re so easy to make in an air fryer. Surprisingly, just a handful of ingredients can transform simple carrots into something wonderfully flavorful without much effort at all.
Cooking veggies in the air fryer gives them a fantastic, roasted-like texture with minimal oil, all while locking in that vibrant flavor. And the best part? You can enjoy them in just about 12 minutes !
In this simple recipe, I’m using garlic powder for depth of flavor, a little lemon for brightness, and fresh dill or parsley to add a pop of color and freshness at the end. Give it a try, and I guarantee these air-fried carrots will become a go-to side dish for any meal!
Ingredients List
Here’s a quick rundown of everything you’ll need to make air fryer carrots :
- 1 pound medium carrots (about 8 to 10 carrots)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 medium lemon
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill or parsley leaves
These basic ingredients offer a lot of flexibility. Feel free to mix things up by experimenting with other herbs like thyme or rosemary. Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking with these simple, yet flavorful ingredients!
Prepping the Carrots and Air Frying
Now that we have all the ingredients on hand, it’s time to start prepping. Here’s how to get those carrots ready for the air fryer:
Step 1: Prepare the Carrots
First, give your carrots a good wash. If you’re working with larger carrots, peel them for that smooth, tender finish. Next, trim the ends and cut the carrots into 3-inch pieces . This size ensures they fit nicely in the air fryer, cooking evenly. If any pieces are a bit on the thicker side—like the ends of the carrot—simply slice them lengthwise until most pieces are about 1/2 to 3/4 inches thick . This will help them cook uniformly.
Step 2: Season the Carrots
Once the carrots are prepped, toss them into a large bowl. Add 2 teaspoons of olive oil for that crisp texture we all love, along with 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder . Toss everything together until the carrots are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings. The olive oil helps the outside of the carrots turn crispy while keeping the center perfectly moist.
Step 3: Air Fry the Carrots
Time to air fry! Preheat your air fryer to 360°F . Once preheated, transfer the seasoned carrots to the air fryer basket in an even layer. Don’t worry if they overlap slightly—just make sure they aren’t packed too tightly, as we need the air to circulate for that crispy finish.
Now, air fry the carrots for 10 to 12 minutes , making sure to shake the basket every 5 minutes . This allows the carrots to cook evenly, giving them those beautiful blistered, golden edges while remaining tender on the inside.
Adding Lemon and Fresh Herbs
While the air fryer is doing its magic, let’s prepare the final touches to elevate those air-fried carrots into a truly irresistible side dish.
Step 1: Prepare the Lemon
Grab your medium lemon and cut it in half. We’ll use one half to add a fresh zing to the carrots and cut the remaining half into 4 wedges for serving.
Now, squeeze 1 teaspoon of lemon juice from the juiced half of the lemon and set it aside. This little burst of acidity will help balance out the sweetness of the roasted carrots and the savoriness of the garlic seasoning.
Step 2: Chop Your Fresh Herbs
Next up, finely chop about 1 teaspoon of fresh dill or parsley —whichever you prefer. Both herbs add a bright, fresh contrast to the roasted, caramelized carrots. Dill will add a hint of tanginess, while parsley brings an earthy freshness, so it’s really up to your taste! You can even mix both herbs for a unique flavor combo.
Step 3: Toss Everything Together
Once your carrots are done air frying (they should be tender with those nice crispy, golden-brown edges), transfer them back to the large bowl that we used for seasoning. Drizzle the lemon juice over the carrots, and toss to combine. Finally, sprinkle with your chopped dill or parsley , giving everything a final toss to evenly distribute the fresh herb flavor.
Your beautifully roasted carrots, kissed with garlic, olive oil, lemon, and herbs, are now ready to hit the table! But before we plate them up, there’s one final little touch to preserve all that fresh flavor.
Serving and Final Touches
Now that your air fryer carrots are perfectly seasoned with lemon juice and fresh herbs, it’s time to serve them up!
Step 1: Plate and Serve
Transfer the warm, toasty carrots to a serving dish. The pop of fresh green from the herbs and the beautiful golden color of the blistered carrots will make your dish look as good as it tastes.
Step 2: Final Lemon Wedges
Remember those lemon wedges we cut earlier? Serve them alongside your dish, allowing everyone to squeeze a little extra lemon juice onto their carrots if they’d like even more citrusy brightness. It’s a simple addition that packs a lot of flavor.
Step 3: Pairing Suggestions
These air fryer carrots are versatile, making them a wonderful side dish for a variety of main courses. Serve them with roasted chicken, lamb chops, grilled fish, or even add them to a grain bowl for something lighter. No matter what, these carrots will elevate any meal with their smoky, tangy, and savory flavor profile.
Step 4: Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 360°F, and they’ll crisp right back up. Perfect for meal prep!
Conclusion
That’s it! In under 15 minutes, you’ve turned simple carrots into a delicious, gourmet-style side using your trusty air fryer. They’re perfectly roasted, seasoned to perfection with garlic and olive oil, and finished with a squeeze of lemon and fresh herbs for a burst of flavor. Whether you’re making them as a quick weeknight side or impressing guests at a dinner party, this air fryer carrot recipe is sure to please. 🙌
Enjoy the simplicity and bold flavors of this dish!