Whenever I think about quick and easy snacks, my mind instantly wanders back to afternoons spent at my grandmother’s cozy farmhouse kitchen. As a child, I’d visit her often after school, where she always had something special prepared for me—whether it was a warm bowl of soup, a slice of homemade pie, or, as I fondly remember, crispy, oven-baked carrot fries. I’ll never forget how she would toss the freshly cut carrots in her secret blend of herbs and spices before baking them to golden perfection. That crispy texture with a slight sweetness from the carrots always hit the spot, making me feel so comforted and at home.
Years later, after investing in an air fryer (one of the best kitchen gadgets I’ve ever bought), I wanted to recreate my grandmother’s beloved carrot fries with a modern twist—something a little quicker and easier, but just as satisfying. Enter these Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Carrot Fries. The air fryer has completely changed the game for me; not only does it cut down the cooking time, but it also ensures the fries come out perfectly crispy every single time, with minimal oil and effort.
I first made these for a small gathering with friends, and I can still remember the look of surprise on their faces when they found out that these crispy delights were actually made from carrots, not potatoes! They devoured every single fry, leaving no trace behind except for the occasional compliment. The garlic and Parmesan pair so well with the natural sweetness of the carrots, and the final touch of freshly chopped parsley adds a vibrant pop of color and freshness.
These carrot fries have now become my go-to snack whenever I need something light, crispy, and delicious in a hurry. And whether I’m sharing them with friends during movie night or just enjoying a plate by myself, I always feel a little closer to my grandmother, knowing she’d be proud of this updated version of her classic recipe.
Preparing Air Fried Garlic Parmesan Carrot Fries
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Ingredients
- 4 medium carrots
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese – optional for topping
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley – optional for garnish
Directions
- Start by peeling the carrots with a vegetable peeler. Once peeled, cut off the ends and slice them into sticks about 1/4-inch thick. If the carrots are particularly long, cut them in half before slicing into sticks.
- In a mixing bowl, combine garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the carrot sticks with avocado oil and toss them in the garlic mixture until evenly coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and lightly spray the basket with cooking oil. Place the carrots in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them.
- Air fry the carrots for 8-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. The thinner the carrot sticks, the crispier they will become.
- Once finished, let the carrot fries cool for a minute. If desired, top with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley before serving.
Storing Suggestion
Store leftover carrot fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the air fryer again for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
Cooking Tips
For a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to the seasoning mixture. If you prefer softer fries, cut the carrots a bit thicker and reduce the air frying time slightly.
Serving Suggestions
These carrot fries pair well with a variety of dips, such as garlic aioli, ranch dressing, or a simple Greek yogurt dip. Serve them alongside burgers or grilled chicken for a complete meal.
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to swap out avocado oil for olive oil if desired. For a dairy-free version, omit the Parmesan cheese, or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
Seasonal Variations
During the fall season, add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the seasoning mix for a warm, spiced flavor. In the spring, try adding a bit of lemon zest for a bright and refreshing twist.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy from the Parmesan cheese. To make it allergen-friendly, omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
FAQ:
Can I make these carrot fries without an air fryer?
Yes! You can bake them in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
Do I have to peel the carrots?
Peeling the carrots is optional. If you prefer more fiber and texture, you can leave the skin on, but be sure to wash them thoroughly.
What can I serve with carrot fries?
Carrot fries go well with dipping sauces like ranch, hummus, or garlic aioli. They also make a great side dish for grilled meats or sandwiches.
Can I use baby carrots instead of whole carrots?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time, as baby carrots are often thicker. Cut them into thinner strips for best results.
How do I prevent the fries from getting soggy?
To keep the fries crisp, make sure to arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer and avoid overcrowding the basket.
Can I freeze leftover carrot fries?
It’s not recommended to freeze carrot fries, as they may become soggy upon reheating. It’s best to enjoy them fresh.
Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Carrot Fries
Ingredients
- 4 medium carrots
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese – optional for topping
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley – optional for topping
Instructions
- Peel and slice the carrots. Start by using a vegetable peeler to remove the outer skin of the carrots. Trim the ends, then cut the carrots into 1/4-inch thick sticks. If the carrots are long, you may need to halve them first. Tip: Cutting the fries thinner will result in a crisper texture and shorter cooking time.
- Season the carrot sticks. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle the carrot sticks with avocado oil and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle with the garlic mixture and toss again until the carrots are well-seasoned.
- Cook the fries. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Lightly spray the basket with oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the carrot sticks in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 8-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Garnish and serve. After cooking, let the carrot fries cool for a minute. Serve on a plate and, if desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
