If you’re looking for a vegetable side dish that is super simple but feels a little special, these air fryer parmesan baby carrots are it!
You only need a few ingredients and the slightly crisp, cheesy edges make them extra delicious. It’s an easy side that pairs well with lots of different main dishes.
We love making these when we’re short on time since the baby carrots require no prep (compared to regular carrots) and cook quickly in the air fryer.
Ingredients
- Baby carrots – Use firm baby carrots without soft spots for the best results.
- Oil – We use avocado oil, but you can also use olive, canola, sunflower oil, or similar.
- Garlic powder – For extra flavor. Granulated garlic also works. Adjust to taste.
- Salt – Enhances the overall flavor; adjust to taste.
- Black pepper – For extra flavor.
- Parmesan cheese – Use freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano or Grana Padano for the best taste.
- Chopped parsley – Optional garnish.
Recipe Tips
- Use finely grated Parmesan so the carrots are more evenly coated. You can also add more cheese if you like.
- You can adjust the seasonings depending on your preference. You can also try some paprika, Italian seasoning or a drizzle of maple syrup for a change of flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer so the carrots have enough room to cook and crisp evenly. Also don’t overcook the carrots, or they may get mushy.
- Serve the baby carrots right away while they are warm and slightly crispy.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Add the washed baby carrots, oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to a bowl. Toss to coat.
Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Then add the baby carrots in one even layer.
Air fry for 12-14 minutes, shaking the basket every 4-5 minutes. Then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the carrots are tender (check this with a fork) and the cheese is melted and starting to crisp.
Remove the carrots from the air fryer and serve right away. You can garnish them with fresh chopped parsley (optional). Enjoy!
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, allow them to cool and then store them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
You can reheat them in the air fryer at a lower temperature, like 300 degrees Fahrenheit (about 150 degrees Celsius), for a few minutes until hot again.
Related Recipes
Here are some more easy air fryer side dishes that you can make – some of them include carrots:
- Air Fryer Winter Vegetable Medley
- Air Fryer Zucchini
- Air Fryer Carrots and Potatoes
- Air Fryer Root Vegetable Medley
- Air Fryer Parsnip Fries
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Air Fryer Parmesan Baby Carrots
Ingredients
- 1 pound baby carrots
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, preferably Parmigiano Reggiano or Grana Padano
- chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Add 1 pound baby carrots to a mixing bowl along with 1 tablespoon oil, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
- Add the baby carrots to the preheated air fryer and give the air fryer basket a shake to settle them in an even layer.
- Air fry at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) for 12-14 minutes, shaking the basket every 4-5 minutes to help with even cooking.
- Sprinkle with 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the carrots are soft to your liking and the cheese is melted and starts to crisp.
- Remove the carrots from the air fryer and garnish with chopped parsley before serving (optional).
Nutrition
This nutritional information has been estimated by an online nutrition calculator. It should only be seen as a rough calculation and not a replacement for professional dietary advice.
Trying the baby carrots tonight and just wondering instead of shaking the fryer would it be OK to use a wooden spoon to stir the carrots? I’m not much of a cook, kind of learning. Any tips are appreciated.
Thank you
Donna Craven
Hi Donna, yes, you can use a wooden spoon to stir the carrots around too! Just try to avoid using metal utensils since they can scratch the air fryer tray. Always feel free to get in touch if you have any questions! I hope you’ll like the carrots.