If you’re in the mood for a quick, colorful, and utterly irresistible veggie side, let me introduce you to Air Fryer Baby Carrots. This dish turns a humble bag of baby carrots into sweet, tender bites with gorgeously caramelized edges in under 20 minutes. A toss in olive oil and a sprinkle of seasonings is all it takes for the air fryer to work its flavor magic, making these carrots the perfect companion for just about any meal. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or rounding out a holiday dinner, Air Fryer Baby Carrots are a deliciously simple win that you’ll want to make again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of kitchen staples to make this recipe, and each one brings its own charm to the table! These ingredients work together to make Air Fryer Baby Carrots truly stand out with vibrant flavor and a wholesome finish.
- Baby carrots: Conveniently peeled and prepped, they roast up perfectly bite-sized and sweet.
- Olive oil: Coats each carrot for an extra-tender texture and helps the seasonings stick for maximum flavor.
- Italian seasoning: Adds a herby, aromatic boost that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the carrots.
- Salt: Brings out the subtle flavors and makes every bite pop.
- Pepper: For just a touch of mild heat and complexity.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A bright, fresh garnish to finish the dish with a flourish of color and a hint of earthiness.
How to Make Air Fryer Baby Carrots
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 370°F. This helps the Air Fryer Baby Carrots cook evenly and guarantees those golden, caramelized edges from the very first minute. While the air fryer heats up, you can gather and prepare the rest of your ingredients.
Step 2: Toss Carrots with Oil and Seasoning
Place the baby carrots into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil, then sprinkle over the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use a spatula or your hands to toss everything together until each carrot is thoroughly coated. This simple prep ensures every carrot gets a flavorful hug and will roast up beautifully in the air fryer.
Step 3: Air Fry Until Tender
Transfer the seasoned carrots into the air fryer basket, spreading them out so there’s a bit of space between each one. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes total, shaking the basket halfway through so they brown evenly. The Air Fryer Baby Carrots are finished when they’re fork-tender and caramelized in spots—just begging to be eaten!
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once the carrots are done, carefully transfer them to a serving plate and, if you like, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for the perfect pop of green. Serve warm, fresh from the air fryer, for maximum flavor and texture.
How to Serve Air Fryer Baby Carrots

Garnishes
No plate of Air Fryer Baby Carrots is complete without a flourish of finishing touches! A shower of fresh parsley instantly brightens up the dish, but you can also experiment with crumbled feta, a squeeze of lemon, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for extra flair.
Side Dishes
Pair your Air Fryer Baby Carrots with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or weeknight meatloaf for a balanced, colorful meal. They’re also right at home alongside mashed potatoes, quinoa, or a bright green salad to round things out.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, try serving the carrots on a rustic wooden board with other air-fried veggies for a gorgeous, family-style spread. You can even skewer the cooked carrots onto toothpicks for a fun, bite-sized party appetizer—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra Air Fryer Baby Carrots, simply transfer them to an airtight container once cooled. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days, making them a super convenient veggie to prep ahead for busy weeks.
Freezing
While you can freeze leftover carrots, keep in mind the texture may soften a bit upon thawing. To freeze, spread cooled carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container for up to two months.
Reheating
For best results, pop your leftover Air Fryer Baby Carrots back into the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through. They’ll regain their roasted edges and delicious flavor, turning leftovers into a treat all over again!
FAQs
Can I use regular carrots instead of baby carrots?
Absolutely! Just peel and slice regular carrots into similar-sized sticks or rounds. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the thickness, but they’ll turn out just as tasty.
What other seasonings work well with Air Fryer Baby Carrots?
Feel free to get creative—smoked paprika, cumin, curry powder, or even a drizzle of honey all work beautifully. The air fryer method highlights natural sweetness, so bold seasonings are always welcome.
Do I need to boil the carrots before air frying?
No need at all! The air fryer does a fantastic job of tenderizing and caramelizing the carrots straight from raw, so you can skip the extra step and save time.
How do I avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket?
Make sure to spread the carrots in a relatively even layer. If making a double batch, air fry in two rounds. Crowding can prevent that lovely browning and cause the carrots to steam.
Are Air Fryer Baby Carrots suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! They hold up well in the fridge and reheat beautifully, making them a reliable, nutritious addition to lunches, grain bowls, and more throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend these Air Fryer Baby Carrots enough—they’re quick, wildly satisfying, and honestly a little addicting! Whether you’re new to air frying or just looking for a no-fuss veggie side, this recipe is about to become a regular in your rotation. Give them a try and watch everyone reach for seconds!
Print
Air Fryer Baby Carrots Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These perfectly seasoned air fryer baby carrots are a delightful and healthy side dish option that can be whipped up in no time. Tender and flavorful, they make a great addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 pound baby carrots
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 370 F.
- Coat carrots: In a medium bowl, toss the baby carrots with olive oil and seasonings until coated.
- Cook: Transfer carrots to the air fryer basket and cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 47 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 236mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg