For a veggie side that will be devoured by kids and adults alike, you have to try air fryer carrot fries! These crispy sticks are finished with grated parmesan for an irresistible bite.

White plate full of air fryer carrot fries

I’m always looking for new ways to cook veggies that I know my kids will eat. But I can’t believe it took me this long to make air fryer carrot fries!

This dish is so easy to prep and cooks in about 15 minutes. When the fries are done, just sprinkle on a little parmesan and dig in. Once your family tries this crispy goodness, they won’t even realize they’re eating something healthy!

Here’s what I’m going to teach you in this post:

How to make crispy carrot fries in the air fryer
Sweet and savory variations for this recipe
What to serve with air fryer carrot fries
How to reheat leftover carrot fries

These fries are my favorite way to cook carrots in the air fryer. I love that it only takes a few minutes to prep these tasty bites! They’re great for an after school snack, or you can get the rest of dinner ready while they cook. It’s such a convenient and tasty way to enjoy veggies!

Air Fryer I recommend: Large, easy to clean, square basket, burner on top and bottom. Click to see it.

prepared ingredients for air fryer carrot fries

How to Make Carrot Fries in the Air Fryer

A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

STEP ONE: Peel the carrots, then cut each one in half to make shorter fries. Next, cut them in half lengthwise twice.

STEP TWO: In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch, parsley, garlic powder, and salt.

STEP THREE: Transfer the carrots to a dish, drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with the seasoning. Mix until all the pieces are well-coated.

STEP FOUR: Place the carrots in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

place carrots in single layer in air fryer

STEP FIVE: Cook at 400 degrees F for 13 to 15 minutes until the carrots are fork tender but hold their shape.

STEP SIX: Let the carrots rest for a few minutes before transferring them to a plate. Sprinkle them with parmesan cheese. Serve.

Tips to Make Crispy Carrot Fries in the Air Fryer

When slicing the carrots, the pieces should all be about the same size to ensure even cooking.
A thicker carrot may need to be cut lengthwise once more.
When you toss the carrots in the cornstarch mixture, make sure each one is well-coated.
Lay the carrots in a single layer in the air fryer basket so the hot air can circulate properly.
Let the carrots rest for a few minutes after air frying to allow them to crisp up.

Variations of this Recipe

The base for this parmesan carrot fries recipe is very versatile. That means you can get as creative as you want with your seasonings and spices!

When you’re combining the cornstarch, parsley, and garlic powder, and salt, feel free to add in anything else you like. Cumin or smoked paprika would add a fun pop of flavor, or you can throw in a little cayenne for some heat. You could even swap out the parsley for cilantro if you prefer.

You can also turn this savory side into a fun dessert dish similar to my Air Fryer Dessert Fries recipe! Just make sure you omit the parsley, garlic powder, and salt, then replace the olive oil with butter. The sweet cinnamon carrot fries are sure to be an instant hit!

close up of carrot fries cooked in air fryer

What to Serve with Air Fryer Carrot Fries

Or if you’re looking for something else in the air fryer, try out these Air Fryer Dinner Ideas!

What Makes the Carrots Crispy?

The winning combination for this recipe is the cornstarch and the magic of the air fryer! Cornstarch is a great way to get a light yet crispy crust on any fried foods while the convection-style cooking of the air fryer allows the outside of the carrots to get truly crispy.

hand holding up a single carrot fry in front of plate of fries

Is This Recipe Healthier than Normal French Fries?

In general, carrots are considered healthier than potatoes because they’re lower in calories and carbs. They’re also a great source of beta carotene.

But potatoes come with plenty of their own health benefits as well! If you’re craving potato fries, make sure you check out my air fryer recipes for Steak Fries, Crinkle Cut Fries, Sweet Potato Fries, or regular French Fries.

Can I Make This Recipe with Baby Carrots?

You can, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it.

Baby carrots hold more water than regular carrots, so they won’t get as crispy. Plus, they’re way harder to cut! If you’re looking for a fun way to use baby carrots, I recommend trying my Roasted Air Fryer Carrots or Air Fryer Baby Carrots recipes instead.

How to Reheat Carrot Fries in the Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F.
Lay the leftover carrot fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until heated through.

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