Are you tired of boring, mushy vegetable sides that nobody wants to eat? Get ready to transform ordinary carrots into a culinary sensation with this incredibly easy and mouthwatering Air Fryer Carrots Savory recipe! In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality side dish that's crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with herb-infused flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb carrots, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and peel the carrots, then slice them diagonally into approximately 1/2-inch thick pieces to ensure even cooking and attractive presentation.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced carrots with olive oil, ensuring each carrot piece is evenly coated with the oil for optimal roasting and flavor absorption.
- Sprinkle dried thyme and rosemary over the carrots, then season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Gently toss the carrots to distribute the herbs and seasonings uniformly.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-4 minutes to create the perfect cooking environment for crispy and tender carrots.
- Arrange the seasoned carrot slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Cook the carrots in the air fryer for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the carrots halfway through cooking to ensure all sides are evenly golden and caramelized.
- Check the carrots for desired tenderness and caramelization. They should be fork-tender with slightly crispy edges when fully cooked.
- Remove the carrots from the air fryer and transfer to a serving dish. Let them rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to settle.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before serving for added flavor and visual appeal.
Tips
- Choose medium-sized carrots for the best texture and even cooking. Avoid very thin or extremely thick pieces.
- Make sure to slice carrots diagonally and relatively uniform in size to ensure consistent cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to allow proper air circulation.
- Shake or flip the carrots midway through cooking to achieve an even, golden-brown caramelization.
- Experiment with different herb combinations like thyme, rosemary, or even add a sprinkle of garlic powder for extra flavor.
- For a touch of sweetness, you can add a light drizzle of honey or maple syrup before the final few minutes of cooking.
- Let the carrots rest for a couple of minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to settle and develop.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: 11g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
