Whether you want sweet or spicy, these air fryer carrots make an absolute winning side dish. Simple to prepare, with two incredible flavour options, and a perfectly delicious veggie to add to your dinner rotation.

white plate filled with air fried carrots

When you need to add some colour to your meal or a nutritious veggie that still tastes incredible, these air fryer carrots are a great choice.

Pair them with my chickpea meatloaf for an incredible Thanksgiving menu option. Or enjoy them on the side of a burger and skip the fries! Either way, you can’t go wrong!

PS. If you’re loving all things air fried, be sure to also check out my incredibly crispy air fryer hash browns or delicious and simple air fryer spaghetti squash.

two plates with air fried carrots, one version is sweet and the other is spicy

Why you’ll love these!

They’re simple to make! With just a few ingredients, depending on your flavour choice, you can get these carrots on the table in 25 minutes.
It’s a fun way to enjoy carrots, when compared to plain ole steamed.
The’re kid friendly and kiddo approved! Mine particularly enjoyed the spicy version and thought they resembled potato wedges!
They’re healthy, like most recipes you’ll find here on the blog. And if you’re avoiding oil or on a low fat diet, just skip the optional butter in the sweet version and sub veggie broth for the oil in the spicy version.
Simple! All you need is carrots and few other ingredients to season (depending on which option you choose) and you probably already have everything you need in your fridge or pantry.

air fryer carrots with spicy seasoning resting in a white dish

How to make them

(This is a summary with step by step photos, full recipe measurements and instructions are in the recipe card below.)

Gather your ingredients, for either the spicy or sweet version.

ingredients to make air fryer carrots in either spicy or sweet flavouring

How to make the sweet version

Chop your carrots into one inch pieces. (I cut mine on a diagonal, but this is not necessary.)

Place the chopped carrots in a mixing bowl and add all the seasoning for the sweet version and mix well. (photos 1-2)

bowl of chopped carrots with cinnamon and melted butter on top

Now transfer the seasoned carrots to an oven safe dish that fits inside your basket and cook for 15-18 minutes, or until tender. (photos 3-4)

NOTE: I’ve tried making these, both with and without the bowl. With the bowl, the carrots get more caramelized and absorb more flavour.

chopped carrots inside white dish inside air fryer

Transfer the cooked air fryer carrots to a serving dish and enjoy!

air fryer sweet carrots in white serving dish with spoon holding up two pieces of the carrots

How to make the spicy version

Chop your carrots in one inch pieces and place them in a mixing bowl. Add all the seasoning for the spicy version and then mix well. (photos 1-2)

bowl of raw carrots with seasoning on top

Transfer them directly into the basket and cook them for 15-18 minutes, until edges are browned and crispy and carrots are fork tender. (photos 3-4)

seasoned carrots inside air fryer before and after cooking

Serve with an extra sprinkling of parsley and enjoy!

spicy air fried carrots in white serving plate with parsley sprinkled on top

What kind of air fryer should I use?

I’m using an 8qt Ninja Foodi and the spicy version was ready in 16 minutes and the sweet version in 18 minutes.

However, any model with a basket will work for this recipe.

If you’re using a smaller model, your carrots will likely cook faster so start checking them around the 12 minute mark. Cook until tender or crispy.

Can I make these oil free?

Yes! For the sweet version, simply skip the optional butter.

For the spicy version, omit the oil and toss the carrots in vegetable broth instead.

sweet glazed carrots in white serving dish

How long do they keep?

These air fryer carrots are best enjoyed freshly made. However, you may keep leftovers in a sealed container in your fridge for 2-3 days.

To reheat, line them in a single layer and warm them up in your oven or toaster oven for best results.

You may also microwave them, however, watch carefully and don’t leave them too long or they may change texture and get a little rubbery.

Expert Tips

Cut your carrots as uniform as possible for even cooking. If you have some larger pieces, they won’t be as tender. If any pieces are too small, they may burn.
Cooking time will vary depending on your Air Fryer model, and the size you cut all your carrots, so check on them while they’re cooking to get them just right.
Use dried herbs over fresh as they tend to hold up better in this recipe.
For less spice, omit the cayenne pepper, or increase to ¼ teaspoon for even spicier air fryer carrots.
These carrots are so versatile so play with the seasoning to make your own unique combo. Some smoked paprika would add a nice smoky flavour, or add more depth with some cumin.

More delicious vegetable side dishes!

Buffalo Cauliflower – These incredibly tasty and spicy bites are the perfect healthy dish when you’re craving pub food.
Lemony Greek Potatoes – Who doesn’t love a good potato? These ones are crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy in the middle and completely bursting with flavour!
Plantain Chips – These are sweet and spicy, super crispy (but baked) and incredibly addictive!
Air Fryer Eggplant – No breading and no oil, just a tasty, simple, and healthy side dish for a nice alternative to roasted potatoes.
Air Fryer Broccoli – Crispy, garlickly and slightly spicy makes this broccoli unforgettable! The perfect side to virtually any meal.

If you tried this recipe, please let me know about it in the comments below. I always love hearing from you! Don’t forget to Subscribe to This Healthy Kitchen to be among the first to get my new recipes! You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter to see more delicious food and get all the latest updates.

Buon appetito

Rosa

Air Fryer Carrots [Two Ways!]