Air Fryer Carrot Fries are crispy, delicious, and easy to make. Much like my Butternut Squash Fries, they’re a perfect guilt-free alternative to traditional French fries. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
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Crispy Air Fryer Carrot Fries
I love using my air fryer to cook vegetables. In fact, veggies (including potatoes) are probably what I use the air fryer for the most. It's a perfect quick roasting method for broccoli, asparagus, eggplant, zucchini and potatoes, especially fries, sliced potatoes or baby potatoes.
Plus, you don't need to use much oil to achieve the perfect crispy outer layer, which makes your veggie side dishes not only delicious but also healthy, much like in my roasted green beans and carrots recipe.
Air-fried carrots are one of our family favorites, especially when turned into fries. This is one of those great recipes for picky kids who don't eat many vegetables.
I mean, who doesn't love fries?
If you're a fan of sweet potato fries, you will definitely love the carrot version, too! Seasoned carrots are cut into uniform sticks are tossed in oil and corn starch for the ultimate, tasty snack or creative side dish.
Ingredient notes
- Carrots: I recommend organic carrots for this recipe as they generally taste better.
- Olive Oil: I used extra virging olive oil but other plant oil, such as avocado oil or canola will also work.
- Corn Starch: it helps the carrot fries get crispy. Tapioca flour or potato starch can be used instead.
- Spices: I like the combo of salt and pepper, garlic powder and smoked paprika.
How to make Air Fried Carrot Fries
Step 1: Peel the carrots with a vegetable peeler and cut them into uniform sticks. I cut mine into three equal pieces, then each piece into 4-6 fries, depending on the thickness of the carrot (Images 1 & 2).
Step 2: Transfer the carrot fries to a large mixing bowl and dust with corn starch (Image 3). Stir with a spoon, then pour them into a colander and shake over the sink multiple times until each fry is coated with a thin layer of starch (Image 4).
Step 3: Move the fries back to the bowl, add olive oil and all the spices, and toss together to coat (Images 5 & 6).
Step 4: Preheat a basket-style air fryer to 400°F for a few minutes. Place carrot sticks in your air fryer basket in a single layer (Image 7), then air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket three times (Image 8). They should be golden brown but be careful not to burn them. They can get too brown very fast!
Step 5: Serve on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce.
Storage and reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Enjoy at room temperature or reheat them in a pre-heated air fryer for a few minutes.
What to serve them with
Crispy carrot fries ar best when dipped in something delicious. Here are some great dip options to try:
- Aioli: Creamy and garlicky, perfect for a flavor boost. Try them with my Dill Aioli or spicy and sweet Gochujang aioli.
- Ranch Dressing: Classic and always a hit. For a healthy, protein-rich version, check out my Cottage Cheese Ranch Dip recipe.
- Spicy Mayo: For a bit of a kick, mix mayo with sriracha and lime juice or try my delicious Gochujang Aioli.
- Hummus: A healthy and tasty option. Spiced Hummus is great with these fries!
- Guacamole: chunky or smooth, whichever you prefer!
Carrot fries are also a delicious side dish for meat and fish dishes. Try them with my Pork Kebabs, Chicken Stuffed with Spinach and Feta or healthy Buffalo Chicken Tenders.
They also go very well with burgers and sandwiches. Pair them with a veggie burger or with this high protein ham and cheese wrap for.a quick healthy lunch.
Variations
- Cooking spray (or olive oil spray) can be used in place of olive oil for a lower-calorie version. The fries won't crisp up as much as with oil, but they will still taste great.
- For parmesan carror fries, skip the smoked paprika and add 2 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese instead.
- Feel free to use whatever spices and herbs you like: onion powder, sweet paprika, dried thyme or rosemary, Cajun seasoning or even taco seasoning are all great options.
Recipe FAQs
Here are some solutions to try if your fries don't turn out crispy enough:
- Make sure the carrots are completely dry before adding the cornstarch and oil. Excess moisture can prevent crispiness.
- Ensure the carrot fries are evenly coated with a thin layer of cornstarch. This helps absorb moisture and creates a crispy exterior.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If the fries are too close together, they will steam instead of crisp up. Cook in batches if your air fryer is small.
- Shake the basket multiple times during cooking to ensure even airflow and crisping.
Technically no but I recommend preheating it just for a few minutes to ensure even cooking.
Can I make these fries with baby carrots?
Yes you can. This recipe is a great way to use up those baby carrots sitting in the back of your fridge drawer. If they're thick, cut them into quarter lengthwise.
In short: yes. For starters, air frying is much healthier than deep frying because you are using WAY less oil. Secodnly, carrots are more nutritious than potatoes - they are lower in carbs and higher in fiber and vitamins.
Recipe
Air Fryer Carrot Fries
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb carrots about 5 carrots
- 2 tablespoon cornstarch or tapioca starch
- 2 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- ½ teaspoon salt such as fine Himalayan pink salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper ground
Instructions
- Peel carrots and cut into uniform fries. In cut mine into three equal pieces and then each piece ino 4-6 fries, depending on how thck each carrot is.
- Transfer carrot fries to a bowl and dust with corn starch. Stir with a spoon. Pour into to a colander and shake over a sink multiple times until each fry is coated with a thin layer of starch.
- Move the fries back to a bowl, add olive oil and all the spices. Mix to coat.
- Preheat a basket style airfryer to 400 degrees for a few minutes, then air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket three times.
- Serve on their own or with a side of your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Nutrition
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Meet the Author
Hi, I'm Agnieszka. I'm a mom of three and recipe developer, writer and photographer behind Wholly Tasteful. I love creating comforting, delicious, family-friendly recipes that you can feel good about.
Nora says
Perfect healthy and easy snack for the little ones! They didn't mind the garlic powder!
Krystle says
These go so crispy! A fun new side to add to our rotation.
Amy Liu Dong says
Wow! This Carrot Air Fryer fries looks incredibly delicious! A perfect alternative to our classic potato fries! Plus it's healthy when cook to our reliable Air Fryer. Loved it!
Dennis says
The carrots were crisp and delicious! Their natural sweetness really came through using the airfryer!
Juyali says
What a fun, healthy, and delicious recipe! So easy and satisfying. I'm also going to send this recipe to my son who likes carrots and happens to own an air fryer as well. 😉 Thanks for the healthy twist to fries! 😊
Liz says
I usually roast my carrots, but the air fryer worked so well and didn't heat up the kitchen. Thanks for the delicious recipe.
Leslie says
Healthy, delicious, and easy to make. What a great recipe!
Nora says
Love this seasoning for air fryer carrot fries! So yummy!
Bernice says
I loved easy and quick air fryer recipes so I just had to try this one. The cornstarch really makes the carrots more like fries than if you were to just roast them. Definitely a make again!