Carrot Fries
These tasty carrot fries can be made in the oven or air fryer for an easy, delicious side dish! There are tons of seasoning combinations you can enjoy to turn this simple vegetable into something crave-worthy.
I always have carrots in my fridge; whether I’m chopping them up for soups or grating them into a salad, they’re a staple at my house. I love that they’re inexpensive, but last a long time, and I can use them in various dishes. While we often eat roasted vegetables, it wasn’t until recently that I decided to make these “carrot fries.” Sure, they’re not exactly like a traditional french fry, but they’re a great way to turn carrots into a tasty side dish. They remind me a little bit of sweet potato fries.
This carrot recipe is made with simple ingredients, and it’s a great healthy snack for kids, too! Carrots are a rich source of vitamin A and beta carotene so that you can feel good about this snack idea. This healthy recipe might become a new family favorite. The next time you have a french fry craving, these carrot fries are a great option!
How to Make Carrot Fries
I highly recommend using regular carrots and cutting them into carrot sticks, rather than using baby carrots. But if you use baby carrots, cut them in half or even quarters, so you have slender carrot sticks. The more surface area of the carrot, the more caramelization you’ll get from roasting. So long, slender pieces are better than short, fat pieces.
Peel the carrots with a vegetable peeler and slice into sticks. Toss the carrots in cornstarch, then toss in olive oil or avocado oil in a small bowl then add your seasoning. You can keep it simple with just salt or you can add some of the recommended seasoning options! I’ve added a list of my favorite seasonings below.
Spread the carrot sticks on a single layer on a baking sheet or in an air fryer basket. Bake or air fry until the fries are beginning to brown. You may need to flip or stir the fries halfway through. Just be sure not to overlap the fries.
Seasoning Ideas
Add a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, and salt for a savory flavor. Or you can add a sprinkle of ranch seasoning, like the ranch seasoning blend from Trader Joe’s. For a slightly spicy flavor, add a little smoked paprika and a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper.
Dipping Sauce Ideas
Try dipping these carrot fries in ketchup, barbecue sauce, jalapeno dip, ranch, cilantro sauce, curry dip, or aioli. The possibilities are endless! Serving these carrot fries with a familiar dip can be a great way to get kids to try them as well.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these fries with your favorite burger or veggie burger or enjoy them as an afternoon snack! My spicy Chipotle Black Bean Burger is a great recipe to pair with these fries. Or try these carrot fries with my Pinto Bean Burger.
Air Fryer vs. Oven
I tried these in the air fryer and the oven, and I prefer the air fryer because it’s a bit faster. But whichever method you choose, just be sure to cut the carrots into similar-sized pieces so they roast at the same rate. In the air fryer basket, try to avoid overlapping the carrots. Shake the basket or stir the carrots halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. On a baking tray in the oven, you’ll want to use a spatula to flip them halfway through baking. These carrot fries don’t get super crispy, since they’re not starchy like potatoes, but they still taste great!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I reheat leftovers? I don’t recommend trying to reheat leftovers as the carrots tend to get a little soggy over time. If you do want to reheat them, I recommend doing it in an air fryer for 2-3 minutes until warm.
- Can I make them crispy? These carrots are tasty but it can be hard to make carrots truly crispy. That’s because carrots are lower in starch than a potato. However, tossing them in a bit of cornstarch can help create a crispy outside. Baking them in the air fryer also helps create the crispiest result possible.
- Are these carrot fries healthy? Carrots are a great source of vitamin A and beta carotene. They’re also high in fiber and low in fat.
- What kind of air fryer do you have? I have a Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 appliance, which I love! I’ve had it for a few years and it works great.
More Carrot Recipes
PrintEasy Carrot Fries
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer or Oven
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These tasty carrot fries can be made in the oven or air fryer for an easy, delicious side dish! There are tons of seasoning combinations you can enjoy to turn this simple vegetable into something crave-worthy.
Ingredients
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into thin sticks
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon olive oil or olive oil spray
- Pinch of salt
- See notes for additional seasoning ideas
Instructions
Air Fryer Directions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees.
- Toss the carrots in cornstarch, olive oil and salt. Add any additional seasonings if desired.
- Spread the carrots in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overlapping.
- Air fry for 5 minutes then stir the fries in the basket. Continue to cook for 5-7minutes until browned.
Oven Directions
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
- Toss the carrots in cornstarch, olive oil and salt. Add any additional seasonings if desired.
- Spread the carrots onto a baking sheet in a single layer. Avoid overlapping.
- Bake for 10 minutes then flip the carrots and continue to cook for 8-10 minutes or until brown.
Notes
Add a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, and salt for a savory flavor. Or you can add a sprinkle of ranch seasoning, like the ranch seasoning blend from Trader Joe’s. For a slightly spicy flavor, add a little smoked paprika and a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper.
Thank you for sharing your creative ideas and culinary expertise with the world! Your blog is a true inspiration for anyone who loves to cook healthy and delicious meals.