Air Fryer Roasted Carrots

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) Carrots: You can use whole baby carrots or large carrots cut into sticks. If using large carrots, peel them and cut them into uniform 2-inch batons (about ½ inch thick). Uniformity is key for even cooking.
• 1.5 tablespoons Olive Oil or Avocado Oil: Avocado oil has a higher smoke point, which is great for air frying, but olive oil works perfectly fine.
• ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt: Flaky salt is best for finishing, but kosher salt is ideal for roasting.
• ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly ground.

• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder: Granulated garlic adheres better than fresh garlic, which can burn in the air fryer.
• 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme or Rosemary: These woody herbs hold up well to the circulating hot air.
• 1 tablespoon Honey or Maple Syrup: For a hint of glaze (add in the last 2 minutes).
• 1 teaspoon Balsamic Vinegar: For a tangy finish (add after cooking).

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for color).
• Flaky sea salt (like Maldon).

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation (Intensity: Low)

1. Time: 5 Minutes
2. If you are using whole carrots, wash and peel them. Cut them into uniform pieces. If you are using baby carrots, simply rinse and pat them dry.
3. Crucial Tip: Dry your carrots thoroughly. Excess moisture on the surface of the carrots will steam them rather than roast them. Pat them dry with a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel.

Step 2: Seasoning (Intensity: Low)

1. Time: 3 Minutes
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried carrots, oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried herbs.
3. Toss with your hands or a spoon until every carrot is glistening and coated evenly. The oil creates the barrier that allows the air fryer to “fry” the exterior, creating that lovely blistery skin.

Step 3: Preheating (Intensity: Low)

1. Time: 3 Minutes
2. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes. While some air fryers don’t require preheating, doing so for carrots ensures they start cooking immediately and develop a better sear.

Step 4: The First Roast (Intensity: Medium)

1. Time: 8 Minutes
2. Place the seasoned carrots into the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket. If you pile them too high, the ones in the middle will steam instead of roast. Cook in batches if necessary.
3. Set the temperature to 380°F (193°C) and set the timer for 8 minutes .

Step 5: The Shake (Intensity: Medium)

1. Time: 1 Minute
2. At the 8-minute mark, pull the basket out. Shake the basket vigorously to toss the carrots. This ensures that all sides get exposure to the hot air. If you see any carrots sticking, use tongs to separate them.

Step 6: The Finish (Intensity: Medium)

1. Time: 4–7 Minutes
2. Return the basket to the air fryer. Increase the temperature to 400°F (204°C) for the final stretch. This higher heat is what creates the “char” and caramelization.
3. Cook for an additional 4 to 7 minutes , depending on the thickness of your carrots.
4. Check at 4 minutes: Pierce a carrot with a fork. It should be tender but offer slight resistance.
5. For softer carrots: Cook the full 7 minutes.
6. For honey glaze: If using honey, drizzle it over the carrots now and toss. Cook for just 1 more minute. Watch closely—honey burns very quickly.

Step 7: Serving

1. Time: 2 Minutes
2. Remove the carrots from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving platter. If using balsamic vinegar, drizzle it now (do not cook it in the air fryer, as the acid can damage the non-stick coating over time).
3. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and a pinch of flaky sea salt. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 110 kcal · Protein: 1g · Fat: 5g (Saturated Fat: 0.7g) · Carbohydrates: 15g Dietary · Saturated Fat: 0.7g) Cholesterol: 0mg · Fiber: 4g · Sugar: 8g (Natural · Sodium: 320mg