Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how fast and easy this recipe is—just 25 minutes from start to finish. The air fryer makes the carrots beautifully caramelized without needing a lot of oil. The garlic and rosemary bring out a savory, herby aroma that pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of the carrots. Whether I’m adding a side to a weeknight dinner or prepping for a holiday table, this dish always fits in beautifully.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
carrots
-
extra virgin olive oil
-
garlic powder
-
chopped rosemary
-
salt and pepper
Directions
-
I start by peeling the carrots and slicing them lengthwise into quarters.
-
I place the carrots in a mixing bowl.
-
I add olive oil, garlic powder, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper.
-
I toss everything together until the carrots are evenly coated.
-
I place the carrots in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
-
I set the air fryer to 400°F and cook the carrots for 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they’re tender and golden.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 2 servings and takes about 25 minutes total—about 5 minutes to prep and 15–20 minutes to cook, depending on your air fryer and carrot thickness.
Variations
-
I sometimes add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for a sweet-savory twist.
-
For a spicier version, I toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika.
-
I use thyme or oregano if I’m out of rosemary.
-
I cut the carrots into coins or diagonal slices instead of quarters for a different texture.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover carrots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes until warmed through and crisped up again. The microwave works too, but the texture is softer.
FAQs
Can I use baby carrots?
Yes, I can use baby carrots, but I make sure to cut them in half lengthwise so they cook evenly and get that nice roasted texture.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
I usually don’t, but if my air fryer recommends preheating, I do it for 2–3 minutes at 400°F before adding the carrots.
Can I use dried rosemary?
Yes, I use 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary if I don’t have fresh. I crush it a bit between my fingers to release the flavor before adding it.
What other vegetables work with this method?
I’ve used the same seasoning on parsnips, sweet potatoes, or green beans—all roast well in the air fryer.
Can I make a larger batch?
I can, but I cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. The carrots need room to roast, not steam.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Garlic Rosemary Carrots are one of my favorite quick side dishes. They’re rustic, flavorful, and surprisingly elegant for how easy they are to make. Whether I’m serving them with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a cozy grain bowl, they always bring warmth and freshness to the plate.
Print
Air Fryer Garlic Rosemary Carrots
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy, tender, and packed with flavor, these air fryer garlic rosemary carrots make a fast and healthy side dish ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
1 lb carrots
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
½ tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prep Carrots:
Peel the carrots and quarter them lengthwise into evenly sized sticks.
Season:
Place carrots in a large mixing bowl. Add olive oil, garlic powder, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper. Toss until the carrots are fully coated.
Air Fry:
Arrange carrots in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you may need to cook in batches for best results).
Set air fryer to 400°F and cook for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway through, until carrots are golden and tender with crispy edges.
Serve:
Remove from air fryer and serve hot. Garnish with extra rosemary if desired.
Notes
Cut carrots evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.
For extra crispiness, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
You can substitute dried rosemary (use 1 tsp) if fresh isn’t available.
These pair well with chicken, salmon, or holiday roasts.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
