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This crunchy twist on carrot sticks is super easy to make in your air fryer. They’re a tasty, guilt-free snack or side dish that highlights the carrots' natural sweetness with a nice kick of seasoning and a crispy bite you’ll keep coming back for.
I whipped these up when I wanted something lighter than classic fries but still satisfying. Now they’re my go-to for movie nights or whenever I want a crunchy, tasty treat.
What You’ll Need
- Fresh large carrots cut like fries: firm veggies bring out the best sweet and crunchy texture
- Two big spoons olive oil: helps seasonings stick and fries get crispy
- Spoonful of salt: boosts all those natural flavors
- One spoon of pepper: adds a mild spicy touch to balance the sweetness
- Garlic powder, one spoon: gives subtle savory notes without overwhelming
- Paprika, one spoon: adds a warm, smoky edge – Spanish or smoked ones work best for extra depth
How to Make Them
- Heat the Air Fryer:
- First, crank your air fryer up to 400°F (or 200°C). Preheating means your carrot sticks get extra crispy right away.
- Mix Carrots and Spices:
- In a big bowl, drizzle the carrots with olive oil and sprinkle in salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss well so every piece gets covered.
- Arrange in Basket:
- Lay the carrot pieces in a single layer inside the basket. Don’t pile them up, or they won’t crisp up properly.
- Cook and Give a Shake:
- Let them cook for about 15 to 20 minutes. Halfway through, give the basket a shake to turn the fries—this helps get an even cook and crunch.
- Check and Finish Up:
- After 15 minutes, peek at your fries. If you like them crispier, cook a few more minutes but watch closely so they don’t burn.
- Enjoy While Hot:
- Take them out and dig in right away for the best crunch and flavor.
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I really like how the smoky paprika blends perfectly with the sweet carrot flavor. These fries remind me of lazy weekends trying out different spices, aiming for a snack that's both good for you and really tasty.
Keeping Leftovers
Put any extras in a sealed container in the fridge. Warm them up in the air fryer or oven to get that crunch back instead of using the microwave which makes them soggy.
Switching Ingredients
Don’t have paprika? Try a pinch of cumin or chili powder for a different but still fresh taste. You can swap garlic powder for onion powder though it changes the flavor a bit.
Serving Ideas
These fries go great with garlic aioli or your go-to dip like ketchup or spicy mustard. Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley on top for a clean, fresh touch.
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Common Questions
- → What type of carrots work best for these fries?
Use fresh carrots that are firm for the best taste and texture. Avoid limp or really big ones so they cook evenly.
- → Can I adjust the seasoning to make the fries spicier?
Definitely! Just add more paprika or toss in chili powder or cayenne to kick up the heat.
- → How do I ensure the fries cook evenly in the air fryer?
Lay the carrot sticks flat in one layer and give the basket a good shake halfway through cooking so they crisp up evenly.
- → Is olive oil the only suitable oil for these fries?
Olive oil adds nice flavor, but you can swap it with oils like avocado or canola if you want oils that handle heat better.
- → How crispy do the carrot fries get after cooking?
The outside turns nicely golden and crunchy while the inside stays tender, giving a great mix of textures.
- → Can these fries be made ahead and reheated?
Yep, pop leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. Warm them up in the air fryer or oven to get that crisp back.