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!
I’ve shared a number of different air fryer recipes over the years, but air fryer side dishes are definitely my fave! Using the air fryer to cook side dishes is quick and convenient, and it also frees up your oven and stovetop space when you’re preparing a bigger meals for a crowd.
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.
Table of contents
What makes these air fryer carrots so good?
- Quick and easy. You can have this side dish on the table in just 20 minutes, and that includes time to peel, chop and season the carrots.
- Simple ingredients. You only need fresh carrots, oil and a few seasonings, most of which you probably already have stocked in your pantry.
- Versatile. Roasted carrots go well with salmon, pork, chicken or beef, and they add flavor and texture to salads and grain bowls.
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.
- 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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
What to serve with air fried carrots
These air fryer carrots are perfect to serve for the holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving or Easter. A few weeknight main dishes we love to pair them with include:
More air fryer side recipes
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below!
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Air Fryer Carrots (Garlic Herb)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side dish
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: American, Canadian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These herb and garlic Air Fryer Carrots are a quick and easy side dish with a simple seasoning and take just 20 minutes from start to finish!
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)
Instructions
- Peel, wash and pat your carrots dry. Slice into 1-inch pieces. (I usually cut them on a diagonal).
- Place the carrots in a bowl and toss with the oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
- Arrange the carrots in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 380F for 12-15 minutes, or until fork tender. Serve with additional salt and pepper and chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
- 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.
- 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.
- Be sure to stop and shake the basket once or twice during cooking to rotate the carrots around.
- 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.
- 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.
- Be sure to check out the other sections above the recipe card for more detailed advice and suggestions for making this recipe.
The old savory version was a family favorite. Can you please send the old one?
Hi Karly! I’ve just emailed you a copy of the older recipe. I’m happy to hear it’s a family favorite 🙂
My boyfriend and I bought an air fryer and I’m looking for healthier recipes to alternate with his french fries and frozen tacos. Both of us really enjoyed the savory version of your recipe. We will definitely try the other ones and add them to our rotation. Thanks!
Hi Ana! Thanks so much for your feedback. I’m glad you liked the savoury carrots and hope you have fun trying different recipes in your new air fryer!
These would make for a fantastic snack and so healthy too! We always need some beta carotene and what better way than to get it airfried! Thanks for sharing my friend!
Thanks Christie! I definitely snacked on quite a few while recipe testing!
That spicy version is just calling my name!! Every time you post an air fryer recipe you make me want to run out and buy one. Definitely going to give them a try the next time I am at my parents’ house. Thanks for the three options, I bet my girls would love the sweet version.
Thanks Tasia! We certainly get a lot of use out of our air fryer. The sweet version is a nice change and the spicy one has a good kick to it!
Talk about taking carrots up a notch! This is a great idea!! Can’t wait to try them!
Thanks Annie! Hope you like them!
Absolutely brilliant ! So happy to pin and share……. 🙂
Thanks so much!
I absolutely love carrots but don’t eat them enough!! I love this version, Leanne!!! They look so delicious, each way! And they would be the perfect side dish for any Summer dinner 🙂
Thanks Haylie! We eat quite a few carrots so I’m always looking for ways to change it up!
I could actually snack on these at night, especially the spicy version! These sound great, Leanne. Carrots are a great side dish! I definitely need to try these in my air fryer!
Thanks Katherine! I did my share of snacking on these while recipe testing! Hope you get a chance to try them!
Carrots are in regular rotation here, but I haven’t ever air fried them! This is such a great idea, especially with the different variations to try 🙂
Definitely worth a try to air fry them! Thanks Jennifer!
I am a huge carrot fan – love the three options here! I think I would have to start with the spicy version 🙂 I just love that combination of flavour!
We eat a lot of the spicy version! Thanks Alex!