Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Carrot Fries
If you're looking for a delicious and healthy snack that satisfies your cravings for traditional fries, look no further than these Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Carrot Fries.
Not only are they a great alternative to regular fries, but they are also packed with flavor and easy to make. Let's dive into the details of this fantastic recipe!
What Makes These Carrot Fries Special?
When I first tried making carrot fries, I was skeptical. How could carrot sticks possibly replace my beloved traditional French fries? But with the right seasoning and cooking method, these air fryer carrots have become one of my favorite snacks.
They offer a crispy texture without the need for deep frying, making them a healthier option for those who love fries but want to cut down on oil.
Why I Love This Recipe
Burger night is a big deal in our household. Whether it’s lettuce wrap burgers, real burgers with buns, or burger bowls (if you haven’t tried that, you’re missing out), we always need a good side dish. These crispy carrot fries are perfect for burger night. They’re crunchy, flavorful, and a fun way to enjoy veggies.
I love that they’re slightly spicy, thanks to the crushed red pepper, but you can easily omit that if you're serving them to kids. The parmesan cheese adds a nice crunch, making them feel like a gourmet side dish. Plus, they pair well with almost any main dish, from chicken and steak to salmon.
Recommended Products
Here are some products I recommend for making these fries:
Air Fryer: My Favorite Air Fryer
Bowls: Set of Mixing Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to make these easy air fryer carrot fries:
1 lb large carrots, peeled and washed
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (divided into 1/4 cups)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Carrots
Begin by washing and drying the carrots. Using a vegetable peeler, peel the carrots and remove the tops. Cut them in half, then cut each half lengthwise. From here, cut them into sticks. Aim to keep the carrot sticks in similar sizes so they cook evenly.
Step 2: Season the Carrots
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch, 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss the avocado oil onto the carrot sticks and mix to coat. Add the seasoning mixture and toss to coat again, ensuring each carrot stick is well covered.
Step 3: Air Frying
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place the seasoned carrot sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not overcrowded; you might need to cook them in batches for the best results. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese over the carrots.
Air fry for 20-22 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on them after 15 minutes to avoid burning. The carrot fries should be golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: Serving
Once done, transfer the crispy air fryer carrot fries to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. Some great options include ketchup, mustard, ranch, or my personal favorite, avocado ranch.
Storage Tips
If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store the carrot fries in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 minutes. Note that reheating might affect the crispiness due to the moisture from storage, but they will still be delicious!
Tips for Making Crispy Carrot Fries
For the crispiest carrot fries, follow these tips:
Single Layer: Always place the carrot sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding will result in soggy fries.
Cornstarch: This is key to achieving a crispy texture. It helps absorb excess moisture.
Watch the Cooking Time: Air fryers vary, so keep an eye on the fries after 15 minutes to prevent burning.
Serve Immediately: These fries are best enjoyed right after cooking while they’re still hot and crispy.
Dips to Enjoy with Carrot Fries
Pair your carrot fries with a delicious dipping sauce. Here are some of my favorites:
Ketchup: A classic choice.
Mustard: I love a spicy mustard for an extra kick.
Ranch: Always a crowd-pleaser.
Avocado Ranch: Check out my Avocado Ranch Dressing Recipe!
Other Fries Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of sweet potato fries or looking to explore other veggie sides, try these recipes:
What to Serve with Carrot Fries
These crispy air fryer carrot fries make a great side dish. Here are some main dishes that pair perfectly with them:
FAQ
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Yes, you can make these carrot fries in the oven if you don’t have an air fryer. Preheat your oven to 400°F and spread the seasoned carrot sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. This method is great for those who want to enjoy air-fried carrots but don't have an air fryer at home.
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While you can use baby carrots, I recommend using large carrots for the best results. Baby carrots tend to be more uniform in size, which can be convenient, but they may not get as crispy due to their higher moisture content. If you use baby carrots, make sure to cut them into similar-sized sticks. This helps achieve crispier fries and ensures even cooking.
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To prevent your carrot fries from becoming soggy, make sure to follow these tips:
Place the carrot sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
Use cornstarch to absorb excess moisture and help achieve a crispy texture.
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket or baking sheet, as this can cause the fries to steam instead of crisp up. Using olive oil spray can also help in achieving that perfect crisp.
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You can customize the seasoning to your taste! Besides the garlic powder and black pepper in the recipe, you can try adding onion powder, chili powder, paprika, or even some garlic salt for extra flavor. Feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonings to create your perfect seasoned carrot fries. This flexibility makes it one of my favorite air fryer vegetable recipes.
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Store any leftover carrot fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 minutes. Keep in mind that reheating may reduce their crispiness due to moisture, but they will still be a delicious side dish. Avoid reheating in the microwave as this can make them soggy. This method helps retain the texture and taste of your healthy carrot fries.
Store any leftover carrot fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 minutes. Keep in mind that reheating may reduce their crispiness due to moisture, but they will still be a delicious side dish. Avoid reheating in the microwave as this can make them soggy. This method helps retain the texture and taste of your healthy carrot fries.
Making crispy parmesan air fryer carrot fries is a simple and delicious way to enjoy a healthy snack or side dish. With just a handful of ingredients and a short cooking time, you can transform humble carrots into a gourmet treat. Whether you’re serving them with burgers or as a standalone snack, these carrot fries are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Give them a try and let your taste buds be the judge!
Happy cooking!
Carrot Fries Air Fryer Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb large carrots, peeled and washed
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (divided into 1/4 cups)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
Instructions
- Begin by washing and drying the carrots. Peel and remove the tops. Cut them in half, in half lengthwise, and again in half. You should be able to cut 3 strips from the larger end and 2 strips from the smaller end. Aim to keep the fries in the same size so they cook evenly.
- In a bowl, mix together the cornstarch, 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, black pepper and red pepper flakes.
- Toss the avocado oil into the carrots and mix to coat. Add the seasoning mixture and toss to coat again.
- Add the carrot fries to an air fryer basket in an even layer. Sprinkle the remainder of 1/4 cup parmesan cheese to the top of the carrots. Note: It’s important to make sure they are in a single layer.
- Air fry at 350F for 20-22 minutes. Finish with chopped parsley and add your favorite dip on the side!
Hey, I’m Jazz
I’m a nutritional therapist practitioner and spent 3 years as a personal chef to NBA athletes. Follow along for easy, attainable and healthy recipes in under 30 minutes!
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