Roasted Garlic Air Fryer Carrots – Sweet, Savory, and Perfectly Crispy
Air fryer garlic carrots
These roasted garlic air fryer carrots are the ultimate healthy side dish carrots you didn’t know you needed. With crispy golden brown edges and a tender inside, they combine the savory punch of garlic powder with a subtle sweetness from brown sugar. Perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to party snack vegetables or salad toppers, these air fryer carrots are fast, easy, and downright addictive. Whether you're using whole carrots or tri-color carrots, this recipe ensures every bite is flavorful, evenly cooked, and beautifully caramelized. Made without butter or olive oil and relying on avocado oil spray, they’re naturally gluten free and can be adapted for paleo or vegan diets. Ready in under 20 minutes, these garlic air fryer carrots are the oven alternative your air fryer has been waiting for.
Recipe at a Glance
· Prep Time: 5 minutes
· Cook Time: 15 minutes
· Total Time: 20 minutes
· Servings: 2
· Calories: 120 per serving
· Protein: 2g per serving
Why You’ll Love This recipe
· Made with just 4 pantry staples
· Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal cleanup.
· Roasted garlic flavor without peeling garlic cloves.
· Crispy, caramelized exterior with a tender center.
· A perfect healthy side dish for busy weeknights.
· Vegan, gluten free, paleo and keto-friendly adaptable.
· Perfect air fryer veggies for meal prep or party platters.
· Great for kids, lunchboxes, and salad bowl toppers.
Ingredients
2 large carrots, peeled and sliced into ½-inch sticks
2 tablespoons brown sugar (or coconut sugar for paleo)
3 tablespoons garlic powder
Olive oil spray
Instructions
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3–5 minutes.
2. Peel and slice carrots into uniform ½-inch sticks for matching size and even cooking.
3. In a mixing bowl, toss carrots with garlic powder and brown sugar until well coated.
4. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil spray.
5. Place carrots in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
6. Air fry at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, stirring halfway through the cooking time.
7. Cook until softened, crisp, and golden brown.
8. Let cool slightly and serve warm or room temp.
Nutrition
· Calories: 120
· Protein: 2g
· Fiber: 4g
Tips & Customizations
Use garlic rosemary seasoning for a savory herb twist.
Swap brown sugar for honey or maple syrup for honey garlic air fryer carrots.
Omit brown sugar for keto air fryer carrots.
Add chili powder for spicy garlic air fryer carrots.
Add rosemary or smoked paprika for a savory layer.
Try frozen carrots in the air fryer by increasing cook time by 3–4 minutes.
Use baby carrots or tri-color carrots for variety.
Meal Prep & Storage
Make a double batch for easy meal prep throughout the week.
Store airtight carrots in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat air fryer carrots at 375°F for 3–4 minutes until crispy.
Do not freeze after cooking, as texture may become mushy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these without oil?
A: Yes, they’ll still roast well, though less crispy. A light spray helps caramelization.
Q: What’s the best temperature for air fryer carrots?
A: 400°F ensures a crispy outside and soft interior.
Q: Can I use this recipe for baby carrots?
A: Yes! Just increase the cooking time slightly for larger pieces.
Q: Are these roasted garlic air fryer carrots vegan?
A: Yes—just use a vegan sugar like coconut or maple sugar.
Q: Can I bake these in the oven instead?
A: Absolutely! Bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the ultimate way to elevate your air fryer veggies, these roasted garlic air fryer carrots are the answer. Crispy, flavorful, and easy to adapt to any diet, they’re a go-to healthy side dish carrots recipe that also doubles as a snack, a salad topper, or even a party appetizer. With minimal ingredients, big garlic flavor, and simple prep, this air fryer carrots recipe deserves a spot in your weekly rotation. Give them a try—and don’t forget to stir halfway through and keep them in a single layer for that perfect golden finish!
Tried this recipe? Let us know what you think and leave a comment below—What twist would you add
“Who cares if a carrot has a slight bend? They’re all the same when they end up on the plate.”
