Air Fryer Carrots (Garlic Herb)

Name: Air Fryer Carrots (Garlic Herb)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs carrots (6-7 medium carrots); 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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If you love roasted carrots, you’ll love these herb and garlic Air Fryer Carrots! They’re perfectly tender with a simple seasoning and take just 20 minutes from start to finish. That includes time to peel, chop and season the carrots, and then air fry them to tender perfection. This side dish couldn’t be easier to make and you just need a few ingredients – including dried herbs, garlic powder, oil and fresh carrots. This is one of my go-to vegetable side dishes to pair with salmon, pork or chicken, and I love that you can easily change up the herbs and spices for different flavor variations (options included below).

Carrots served in white dish with a spoon and chopped parsley on the side.

This recipe for air fryer roasted carrots was originally published in June 2020 and included three different flavor options with the carrots cut into wavy chips. I wanted to simplify the recipe for readers and share our new favorite way to enjoy air fried carrots.

The revised post below includes new photos, changes to the recipe and more helpful tips for readers.

Ingredients and substitutions
How to roast carrots in the air fryer
Seasoning variations
Storage and reheating tips
Key recipe tips
Recipe FAQs
More air fryer side dish recipes

Ingredients and substitutions

Below is a brief overview of the ingredients and recommended substitutions. The recipe card at the end of this post includes the exact quantities used.

Ingredients to make air fryer carrots arranged individually.

Carrots – You’ll need 1 1/2 lbs of carrots for this recipe, or about 6-7 medium sized carrots.
Oil – I used olive oil, but you can also use extra virgin olive oil, canola oil or avocado oil. An equal amount of melted butter will also work and will add a buttery flavor.
Herbs – All you need is dried Italian seasoning and some fresh chopped parsley for garnish. Feel free to substitute with other dried herbs such as oregano, basil or thyme.
Garlic – For the best results, you should use garlic powder and not fresh garlic. The powder coats the carrots more evenly, while fresh minced garlic may burn a little. If you only have garlic salt, you can use that as a substitute but omit the salt in the recipe.
Salt and pepper – A little fine sea salt and ground black pepper adds extra flavor. Use more or less to suit your tastes.

How to roast carrots in the air fryer

Below is a brief overview of the steps to make this recipe along with photos. For further details, please see the recipe card at the end of this post.

Sliced carrots in glass bowl with oil and seasonings on the side. — **Step 1:** Peel, wash and pat your carrots dry. Slice into 1-inch pieces and place in a large bowl.

Sliced carrots in glass bowl tossed with oil and seasonings. — **Step 2:** Toss the carrots with oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper.

Carrots arranged in single layer in air fryer basket. — **Step 3:** Arrange the carrots in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Air fried carrots in air fryer basket. — **Step 4:** Air fry at 380F for 12-15 minutes, or until fork tender.

Seasoning variations

Change up the herbs with dried oregano, thyme, basil or rosemary.
A sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese just before serving would also be delicious.
For a sweet version, omit the herbs and garlic and add 1 1/2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup.
For a spicy version, omit the herbs and garlic and add 1/2 teaspoon each of smoked paprika and cumin along with a pinch of cayenne pepper.
We also like to add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sweet or spicy version for a little extra kick!

Storage and reheating tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will last for up to 4 days.

You can reheat air fried carrots in the microwave for 45-60 seconds or in the air fryer at 380F for 3-4 minutes.

Close up of air fried carrots in the air fryer basket.

Key recipe tips

Single layer. For the best results, air fry the carrots in a single layer and be careful not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. You’ll want air to circulate around the carrots so they cook quickly and evenly.
Size of carrots. Cutting the carrots into even sized pieces will also ensure even cooking. If you cut the carrots into smaller or bigger sized pieces, you will need to adjust the air frying time.
Shake basket. I also recommend stopping to shake the basket once or twice during cooking.
Size of air fryer. This recipe was tested in a 5.8 quart air fryer. If you have a smaller air fryer and the carrots are overlapping, you’ll need to add a few extra minutes of air frying time and be sure to stop and toss the basket a few times. You can also half the recipe or air fry the carrots in two batches.
Herbs. I used dried herbs in this recipe instead of fresh, as dried herbs coat the carrots more evenly and hold up better in the air fryer.

Recipe FAQs

Do you need to peel the carrots before air frying?

I normally peel my carrots but you can leave them unpeeled. It’s entirely up to you. If you decide not to peel them, just make sure to wash and scrub them well in order to remove any dirt or debris.

Can you use baby carrots?

Absolutely! You can substitute with 1 1/2 lbs of baby carrots. They normally air fry a little quicker so make sure to check on them after 7-8 minutes.

Can you double the recipe?

Yes! If you’d like to double the recipe, you’ll just need to increase the air frying time and stop to shake the basket a few times to ensure even cooking. You can also air fry the carrots in multiple batches.

How do you know when carrots are cooked?

Since air fryers can vary and the cooking time for your carrots depends on how thick or thin the pieces are, I suggest checking on the carrots a few times while air frying. They’re ready when they’re fork tender. If you like them a little caramelized around the edges, just air fry them for a few minutes longer.

Carrots served in dish with herbs and salt and pepper in bowls on the side.

More air fryer side dish recipes

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below!

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