Why You’ll Love These Carrot Fries
Carrot fries offer a lower-calorie alternative to traditional potato fries, making them a great choice for health-conscious snackers. Their natural sweetness caramelizes beautifully in the oven, giving them an irresistible flavor without the need for deep frying.
With minimal ingredients and a simple preparation process, these crispy baked carrot fries come together quickly, making them perfect for a last-minute healthy snack or served alongside a juicy hamburger.
Whether you prefer baking or using an air fryer, I’ll show you how to ensure crispy, golden-brown fries with a tender interior each and every time. Plus, they pair well with a variety of dipping sauces, like a spicy mayo (My favorite sauce! I’ll share the recipe below), honey mustard sauce, classic ketchup, or a creamy jalapeno ranch.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Carrots: Use fresh, whole carrots, peeled and cut into evenly sized sticks for uniform cooking.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a deep, smoky flavor that enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots.
- Garlic powder & onion powder: Bring a savory depth to the fries.
- Kosher salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the seasoning.
- Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast): Creates a crispy coating with a rich, umami taste. Using nutritional yeast would make them dairy-free.
- Cornstarch or arrowroot powder: Both gluten-free, these powders help absorb excess moisture for extra crispiness.
- Olive oil: Helps the seasonings adhere and helps the carrots brown. Avocado oil is another great option.
- Fresh chopped parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish before serving.
For the Spicy Mayo:
- Mayonnaise: Provides a creamy, rich base for the dipping sauce.
- Sriracha: Adds a kick of heat that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the carrots.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the dip with a touch of acidity for balance.
Success tip: surface starch is important for regular french fries and carrot fries. Carrots are lower in starch compared to potatoes, so we’re adding our own to make them ultra crispy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Step 1: Set your oven or air fryer to 425°F (220°C).
- Step 2: On a cutting board, peel the carrots and trim the ends. Cut them in half crosswise, then slice each piece into 1/4-inch sticks.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, make the seasoning mix by combining the garlic powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, onion powder, and parmesan cheese.
- Step 4: Place the carrot sticks in a large bowl. Sprinkle with cornstarch and toss to coat evenly. Drizzle with olive oil, then add the seasoning mixture. Toss until all pieces are well-coated.
Step 5:
Oven: Arrange the carrots in a single layer on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake for 18-22 minutes, making sure to flip halfway through. Bake until golden brown and crispy.
Air Fryer: Place the carrots in a single even layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 16-18 minutes, making sure to shake the basket halfway, until crispy and tender. You may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Step 6: While the fries are cooking, mix mayo, sriracha, and a squeeze of lemon juice in a small bowl. Adjust the sriracha to your heat preference. Once the fries are done, garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately with the spicy mayo dipping sauce.
Expert Tips
- To make sure the carrots cook evenly, cut the carrots into uniform sizes
- Tossing the carrots in cornstarch or arrowroot powder before seasoning helps achieve that yummy, crispy exterior.
- Whether baking or air frying, arrange the carrots in a single layer to allow proper air circulation, which is key for crispiness.
- Try different flavors and spices like curry powder, lime zest, and chili powder or even a sprinkle of cinnamon and drizzle of honey for a sweet-savory twist.
Serving Tips
Carrot fries are best enjoyed fresh and crispy, straight from the oven or air fryer. Serve them on a large platter with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and an extra dusting of parmesan for added flavor. Pair them with the spicy mayo dipping sauce or something more classic like ketchup or ranch.
Other ways to serve these crispy carrot fries:
- If you’re feeling creative, top them with crumbled feta, a drizzle of hot sauce, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra flavor boost.
- For a full meal, serve them alongside a juicy burger bowl, grilled chicken, or a veggie-packed grain bowl.
- Add toothpicks or small serving cups with sweet potato hummus or whipped goat cheese for an easy appetizer.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers (which is rare because they’re so tasty!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
To reheat and retain crispiness, place them in a preheated oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can omit the olive oil for an oil-free version. However, note that the fries may be less crispy. Using a parchment paper-lined baking sheet can help keep the carrots from sticking.
Yes, but keep in mind that baby carrots are often more moist and may result in a softer texture. Ensure they’re cut uniformly for even cooking.
Use a light drizzle of olive oil and line your baking sheet with parchment paper to keep them from sticking. If using an air fryer, lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
If your fries turn out soggy, it’s likely due to excess moisture or overcrowding on the pan. Make sure to:
-Pat carrots dry after washing them.
-Toss with cornstarch before seasoning to absorb extra moisture.
-Spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet or air fryer basket.
More Delicious Carrot Recipes
Thanksgiving
Maple Glazed Carrots
Side Dishes
Roasted Broccoli and Carrots
Side Dishes
Roasted Rainbow Carrots with Honey and Thyme
Side Dishes
Roasted Root Vegetables
If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a star rating ★ below. You can also tag me on Instagram so I can see it!
Crispy Carrot Fries Recipe (Baked or Air Fried)
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Ingredients
- 2 lbs carrots peeled and cut into 1/4 inch-thick sticks
- 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven or the air fryer to 425°F. If you haven’t already, peel the carrots and trim the root and ends. Cut them in half crosswise. Cut both pieces of the carrot in half lengthwise. You’ll need to cut the top portion of the carrot in half lengthwise again because it’s thicker. Even sized carrots are important for even cooking.2 lbs carrots
- Mix the seasonings and parmesan cheese in a small bowl.1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 cup parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast
- Place the carrots in a large bowl and sprinkle the cornstarch on top. Toss to coat the carrot sticks. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle the seasoning on top. Use your hands to toss the carrots in the seasoning and cheese until they’re combined.1 Tablespoon cornstarch, 2 Tablespoons olive oil
Crispy Baked Carrot Fries
- Transfer the carrots to a large baking sheet and spread them out in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, until the carrots are fork tender, golden brown, and the parmesan is crispy.
Crispy Air Fryer Carrot Fries
- Place the carrots in an even layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 12-16 minutes, until they're fork-tender and golden brown. You may need to work in batches to fit all of the carrots without overcrowding the air fryer.
- Cool slightly and serve with chopped parsley and the dipping sauce.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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I was skeptical that this would work out because I have shredded parm and not grated parm, but OH WOW, it is delicious! I made some of them in the air fryer and some in the oven; both ways are perfect. Carrots are my favorite veggie and my husband sent me the Reel of your recipe yesterday. I can’t wait for him to get home and try these! I will definitely make them again (and again!) Thank you for sharing the technique and the seasonings on this delicious preparation of awesome carrots. <3
Thanks so much! What a compliment.
Do you use sweet or hot smoked paprika?
Hey Carol! I use sweet!
Can’t wait to make tomorrow !!!! It says 6 servings . About how many is a serving size?
Awesome! About 1/2 a cup or so!
I am wondering if okay to use egg beaters in place of oil for the recipe. Thanks!
Hey there! I haven’t tried this so I can’t confirm, but I’m guessing it will yield a very different texture and add an eggy flavor. Let me know if you try it!
You didn’t add the temperature if we decided to bake them. What’s the temperature?
Hey Traci! Make sure you jump down to the bottom of the post to read the full recipe card. It has exact measurements and the oven temperature there. The blog post with step by step photos are just a walk through. The oven temp is 425 (reflected in the recipe card). Thanks!
I’m obsessed with this recipe now; it’s so good! I ended up using rainbow carrots and it added a little fun color to the dish. Definitely plan to make these again and keep them in mind as a side dish or appetizer.
Thanks, Aubrey! Love that you used rainbow carrots. You should try my roasted rainbow carrots recipe next!
You don’t mention the air fryer temperature
Thanks, Emily! I added that!
Tried these out for a reception with college students and they quickly disappeared. Also had requests for the recipe. I cooked them in my convection oven and they were great. I’m thinking of doing them again for Easter.
Thanks so much for sharing, Quita!