We're using air fryers to rustle up everything from crispy bacon strips and tender whole chickens to even fresh, homemade bread. They're super versatile, easy to use, and fast — so it's no surprise why they're so popular. In fact, 58% of British households now own an air fryer according to this year's Good Food Nation Survey.
But did you know that air fryers can cook up veggies too? Yep, including delicious carrots perfect for adding more flavour (and a bit of colour) to your Sunday roasts. So, forget about firing up the oven or the hob. Here's how to cook carrots in an air fryer instead...
Why should I air fry carrots?
It feels like we're being told we can air fry almost anything these days. It might be the trendy thing to do, but are there actually any benefits to air frying carrots? Well, here are a few reasons why it's a great idea:
It's quick and easy: Just season your carrots with your favourite herbs, add them to the air fryer basket, and let the appliance do the rest. You'll have perfectly cooked carrots in only 10-15 minutes.
Delicious taste: By cooking carrots in an air fryer, you'll get a crispy and caramelised exterior with a soft, tender inside. It can also give your carrots a lovely boost in sweetness.
Healthier cooking method: If you boil carrots in a pot the old-fashioned way, you'll remove several key nutrients including vitamin C and healthy antioxidants. Cooking them in an air fryer instead means that lots of the good stuff will be retained, especially as they also take less time to cook than ovens.
Ingredients needed
To create lovely roast carrots in your air fryer, you're going to need some key ingredients:
Fresh carrots: You'll want a few carrots ideally of a similar length and width so they can cook evenly.
Olive oil: By adding a tablespoon of olive oil into the mix, those carrots should come out moist with a smooth, rich taste. A little bit of butter can help too.
Salt and pepper: Don't take this suggestion with a pinch of salt. You'll want to add these to enhance the flavour of your carrots.
Dried thyme: Sprinkling some of this on your carrots can give them a punchier taste. We’ve got some other savoury and sweet suggestions you can try too (more on those later…)
Step-by-step instructions
Preparing your carrots
Wash and peel your carrots: It’s obvious, but can be easy to forget! You could leave the skin on if you want some extra nutrients — just give them a good scrub.
Cut your carrots into even-sized pieces: You can slice them about 1cm thick, either straight or diagonally. Or cut them into strips so they turn out like chips that everyone can help themselves to.
Seasoning the carrots
Get a large mixing bowl out of the cupboard and toss all the carrot pieces in.
Add a tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle on some salt and pepper along with your herbs (just don’t overdo it).
Grab a wooden spoon and mix it all together. Make sure every carrot slice is evenly coated for the best flavour and texture.
Air frying your carrots
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F). Once it’s warmed up, pull out the basket and scoop in your seasoned carrots with your wooden spoon. Try and flatten them out into a single layer so they cook more evenly. Then all you need to do is wait for around 10-15 minutes.
To check they’re done, get a fork and pierce one of the chunks (be careful not to burn your hand on the air fryer basket). You’ll know your air fryer roast carrots are ready if they’re soft and tender with a lovely golden-brown colour.
Seasoning variations
While salt, pepper, and dried thyme can make for delicious air fried carrots — why not spice things up a bit? Here are some tasty variations you can try to wow your family and friends at your next dinner party:
Honey and thyme: Drizzle on some honey to give your carrots extra sweetness, then sprinkle on some fresh thyme leaves to balance out the flavour.
Garlic and parmesan: Give your air fryer carrots recipe an Italian twist by adding minced garlic and grated parmesan cheese.
Moroccan-inspired spices: A pinch of cumin, coriander, and cinnamon in your seasoning mix will give your air fried carrots a more exotic taste.
Chilli powder: Add some heat by sprinkling on some chilli powder, flakes, or cayenne pepper. Our mouths are watering already…
Serving suggestions
Air fried carrots are perfect for adding to a Sunday roast — try them with a joint of juicy air fried gammon. But they pair nicely with a variety of other dishes too. How about throwing them into a salad? They’ll go well with mixed leaves, feta cheese, and a balsamic dressing.
And if you ever need an afternoon pick-me-up, just eat them as a nutritious snack with a yoghurt-based dip. They’re much healthier than chips or crisps!
Storing and reheating
If you find yourself with leftover air fried carrots (though we’d be surprised if you do), stick them in an airtight container and keep them in your fridge for up to three days. It won’t take long to reheat them — just pop them back in your air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 180°C (350°F) to crisp them up again.
Need an air fryer upgrade?
If you reckon it’s time to up your air frying game, we’ve got loads of air fryers to choose from — including Ninja’s high-flying new models for 2024. And if you need help finding the right fit for your kitchen countertop, check out our helpful air fryer size guide.
