Discover the perfect side dish or snack with these delicious and easy air fryer potatoes and carrots. Enjoy crispy, golden-brown potatoes and tender, flavorful carrots, all cooked to perfection in your air fryer. This healthy and satisfying recipe is versatile, customizable, and pairs well with a variety of meals. Try different seasonings and spices to add your own twist. Get ready for a hassle-free and tasty dish that the whole family will love!
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Ever since I got my air fryer I have been using it at least once a week. It makes dinner so convenient and quick. I spend less time in the kitchen with cook time and prep time by using the air fryer. I find that vegetables cook up very nicely, especially carrots and potatoes because of their similar cook times. The air fryer ensures a crispy outside and a soft flavorful inside every single time. This simple recipe only requires a few ingredients. I can't wait for you to give it a try. Next time you're looking for another healthy side dish to make in the air fryer, I highly recommend you try my air fryer recipes which include greek potatoes and air fryer broccoli and cauliflower.
Jump to:
- Reasons You'll Love Air Fryer Potatoes and Carrots
- Are Air Fryer Potatoes and Carrots Healthy?
- Ingredients
- Equipment Needed to Make Baby Potatoes and Carrots in Air Fryer
- How to Make Air Fryer Potatoes and Carrots
- Ways to Serve Air Fryer Potatoes and Carrots
- Tips and Tricks
- Other Must Try Flavor Variations
- Storing and Reheating
- Easy Air Fryer Potatoes and Carrots
Reasons You'll Love Air Fryer Potatoes and Carrots
Healthier Option: Air frying requires minimal oil compared to traditional deep-frying methods. By using hot air circulation, air fryers can achieve crispy and delicious veggies without all the extra oil.
Crispy Texture: The air fryer creates a crispy golden brown exterior while keeping the inside of the potatoes and carrots tender. This combination of textures adds a delightful crunch to your dish.
Time-Saving: Air fryers cook food faster than conventional ovens, making them a convenient choice for busy weeknights. Air fryer potatoes and carrots can be cooked to perfection in a fraction of the time compared to roasting or boiling methods.
Versatility: Air fryer roasted carrots and potatoes are incredibly versatile. You can season them with various herbs, spices, or even toss them in different sauces to create a wide range of flavors. They can be served as a side dish, used in salads, or even incorporated into main courses like stir-fries or roasted vegetable medleys.
Easy Cleanup: Air fryers are known for their easy cleanup process. Since they require less oil, there is minimal grease and splatter to deal with. Most air fryer baskets are dishwasher-safe or can be quickly hand-washed, making cleanup a breeze.
Nutritional Value: Potatoes and carrots are both nutrient-rich vegetables seasoned with simple ingredients. They are excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. By air frying them, you can preserve their natural nutritional value while enjoying a delicious side dish.
Family-Friendly: Air fryer roasted potatoes and carrots are generally loved by families with kids. Their mild flavors and crispy texture make it a great option for family meals or gatherings.
Are Air Fryer Potatoes and Carrots Healthy?
Yes air fryer carrots and potatoes are healthy. They are also vegan and gluten free. Air frying requires significantly less oil compared to traditional deep frying methods. By using hot air circulation, air fryers can achieve a crispy texture with minimal oil. This can contribute to lower calorie and fat content compared to deep-fried versions.These vegetables are also excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Air frying helps to preserve these nutrients making them a healthy choice.
Ingredients
1lb baby red potatoes chopped - I chose baby red potatoes because I love the color variation it brings. However, any type of potato that you have on hand can be used, even sweet potatoes. I personally prefer baby potatoes because they're smaller and easy to cut into small pieces around the same size as the carrots.
1lb large carrots sliced - I chose to use whole carrots and I used the top portion of the carrots since they're the thickest. Baby carrots can be used but don't slice them or they'll cook way too fast.
2 tablespoons olive oil - Choose a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. Avocado oil can be used for another healthy option.
4 cloves garlic minced - Fresh garlic gives the best flavor in the recipe. Garlic powder can be substituted.
1 teaspoon paprika - For color and subtle flavor, try using a smoked paprika for added smoky flavor
Salt and black pepper to taste - An easy way to enhance the other ingredients
2 teaspoons italian seasoning - Contains oregano, basil, thyme, marjoram, and rosemary. It's a great way to elevate the dish.
Equipment Needed to Make Baby Potatoes and Carrots in Air Fryer
Air Fryer: This is the main equipment required to cook the potatoes and carrots.
Cutting Board and Knife: A cutting board and a sharp knife are essential for chopping the potatoes and carrots into equal sizes and shapes.
Mixing Bowl: A large bowl will be useful for tossing the potatoes and carrots with oil and seasonings, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Measuring Utensils: To accurately measure oil, herbs, and other spices.
How to Make Air Fryer Potatoes and Carrots
Step 1. Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees for about 2-3 minutes.
Step 2. In a large mixing bowl bowl, toss the potatoes and carrots with olive oil to coat them evenly. Add the garlic, paprika, salt and pepper, and italian seasoning. Mix well to ensure the vegetables are coated with the seasoning on all sides.
Step 3. Arrange the seasoned potatoes and carrots in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Place the air fryer basket into the air fryer and set the cook time for 12 minutes. Depending on the thickness of the potatoes and carrots you may need to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Midway through cooking shake the vegetables to ensure they cook evenly.
Step 4. When the timer goes off and the air fryer is done cooking, pierce a piece of potato or carrot with a fork or toothpick to check for doneness. Once done transfer the air-fried potatoes and carrots to a serving dish and serve immediately.
Ways to Serve Air Fryer Potatoes and Carrots
Side Dish
The most popular way to serve this recipe is as an easy side dish. I recommend serving alongside your favorite protein, such as grilled chicken, steak, or fish. The crispy texture and savory flavors complement a variety of main courses.
Salad Topping
Use air fried potatoes and carrots as a topping for salads. Let them cool slightly after cooking, then add them to a bed of fresh greens, along with other vegetables, proteins, and dressings of your choice. Carrots are common salad toppings, potatoes not so much but they would be a good change up. It would also make the salad more filling.
Roasted Vegetable Medley
Combine air fryer potatoes and carrots with other roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or brussels sprouts, to create a colorful and flavorful medley. Consider using vegetables that are in season to make air fryer potatoes and vegetables.
Breakfast Hash
Turn your air fryer potatoes and carrots into a hearty breakfast hash. Add diced onions, bell peppers, and breakfast sauce to the air fryer with the potatoes and carrots. Top it off with a fried or poached egg for a satisfying morning meal.
Snack or Appetizer
Serve air fryer potatoes and carrots as a tasty snack or appetizer. Arrange them on a platter and offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, ketchup, or aioli, for a delightful finger food experience.
Stir-Fry or Skillet Meal
Incorporate air fryer potatoes and carrots into stir-fries or skillet meals. Add them to a pan with other vegetables, proteins, and your choice of sauces or seasonings. Sauté them until heated through and serve as a delicious and filling main course. This is the best way to serve leftovers.
Vegetable Bowl
Create a wholesome vegetable bowl by combining air fryer potatoes and carrots with other roasted or sautéed vegetables, grains, and protein sources like chickpeas or grilled tofu. Drizzle with a flavorful sauce or dressing to complete the bowl.
Add Chicken
Add chopped chicken breasts to make air fryer chicken with potatoes and carrots. This will complete the meal by adding protein and making it more filling.
Tips and Tricks
Cut the vegetables uniformly: To ensure even cooking, try to cut the potatoes and regular carrots into uniform sizes. This will help them cook at the same rate, preventing some pieces from being undercooked or overcooked.
Preheat the air fryer: Be sure not to skip this step. Preheating the air fryer before adding the vegetables helps create a crispier exterior. It also ensures that the cooking process starts immediately, resulting in more consistent results.
Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket: Give the vegetables enough space to allow air circulation for optimal crispiness. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking and prevent the vegetables from getting crispy.
Shake or flip the vegetables: During the cooking process, shake the air fryer basket to promote even browning. This will help ensure that all sides of the potatoes and carrots get crispy and golden.
Experiment with seasoning: Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs, spices, and seasonings to add flavor to your potatoes and carrots. Try a seasoning blend that you already have on hand.
Serve immediately: Air fryer potatoes and carrots are best enjoyed immediately after cooking. They are at their crispiest and most flavorful when served hot and fresh from the air fryer.
Other Must Try Flavor Variations
Herb Roasted: Toss the potatoes and carrots with a combination of dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano before air frying. The aromatic herbs will infuse the vegetables with a savory and earthy flavor.
Spicy Cajun: Add a Cajun spice blend or a combination of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to give the potatoes and carrots a spicy kick. Adjust the spice level according to your preference.
Garlic Parmesan: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and minced garlic over the potatoes and carrots before air frying. The cheese will create a slightly crispy and cheesy coating, while the garlic adds a delicious aromatic flavor.
Smoky BBQ: Toss the vegetables in a smoky BBQ spice rub or drizzle them with BBQ sauce before air frying. This will infuse the potatoes and carrots with a smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor profile.
Lemon Herb: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the potatoes and carrots and sprinkle them with a mixture of fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and basil after air frying. The citrusy notes and bright herbs will add a refreshing twist to the dish.
Italian Seasoning: Combine dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of red pepper flakes. Toss the potatoes and carrots in this seasoning blend before air frying to give them an Italian-inspired flavor profile.
Maple Glazed: Drizzle the potatoes and carrots with maple syrup or brown sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon before air frying. The sweet and slightly caramelized glaze will add a delightful hint of sweetness to the dish.
Curry Spice: Coat the vegetables with a mixture of curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. This will lend a warm and aromatic Indian-inspired flavor to your air fryer potatoes and carrots. Finish with fresh cilantro and lemon juice.
Storing and Reheating
To store air fryer potatoes and carrots, allow the cooked potatoes and carrots to cool completely to room temperature before storing them. This helps prevent condensation and moisture buildup, which can make the vegetables soggy. Place the potatoes and carrots into an airtight container then refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
There are multiple ways to reheat the air fryer potatoes and carrots:
Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the potatoes and carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the potatoes and carrots in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If needed, you can lightly coat them with a little olive oil or cooking spray for added crispness. Air fry for approximately 5-8 minutes or until heated through, shaking or flipping them halfway through for even reheating.
Microwave: Place the potatoes and carrots in a microwave safe container and microwave for 1 minute. Remove, stir, and place back in the microwave for 30 seconds. Continue until the vegetables are completely heated through.
Easy Air Fryer Potatoes and Carrots
Ingredients
- 1 lb baby red potatoes chopped
- 1 lb large carrots sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon paprika minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees for about 2-3 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl bowl, toss the potatoes and carrots with olive oil to coat them evenly. Add the garlic, paprika, salt and pepper, and italian seasoning. Mix well to ensure the vegetables are coated with the seasoning on all sides.
- Arrange the seasoned potatoes and carrots in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Place the air fryer basket into the air fryer and set the cook time for 12 minutes. Depending on the thickness of the potatoes and carrots you may need to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Midway through cooking shake the vegetables to ensure they cook evenly.
- When the timer goes off and the air fryer is done cooking, pierce a piece of potato or carrot with a fork or toothpick to check for doneness. Once done transfer the air-fried potatoes and carrots to a serving dish and serve immediately.
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