These healthy, low-carb carrot chips/ carrot fries are baked or air-fried until crisp and lightly caramelized, perfect for enjoying as a side or snack! Plus, they are super versatile, require just 3 base ingredients, and are ready in as little as 25 minutes!
Along with potatoes, carrots are one of our favorite low-budget, highly versatile 'humble' ingredients to have in your vegan kitchen. Not only can you boil, steam, roast, fry, mash, stuff, etc., them, but you can also make them into a creamy salad dressing, carrot cake muffins, soup, and delicious low-carb snack or side like these simple carrot fries/carrot chips.
Having tried and failed to make 'wow'-worthy baked carrot fries several times (not enough crispiness!), we ditched the knife and turned to a vegetable peeler, and the results were WOW+. They're crispy, crunchy, and super versatile. And at only $.50 per portion, you'll be wanting to make these time and time again.
Luckily, we hadn't entirely given up creating a carrot fries recipe either, though. While we still aren't 100% satisfied with the baked version, the air fryer carrot fries/chips steal the show and are a simple, impressive crowd-pleaser! So now you can choose from multiple options to enjoy these baked or air fryer carrots!
Either way, the results are wonderfully moreish sweet-savory carrots that are lightly crisp, wonderfully caramelized, and beyond tasty! Perfect for serving with the dip/side of your choice and encouraging children (and adults) to eat more veggies!
All you need are three elements for these carrot chips/fries, including the carrots, oil, and seasonings of your choice. What you choose for the latter can make a snack that’s paleo, keto, whole30, gluten-free, etc.
Just like regular fries, there are plenty of ways to boost and adapt the flavor of this carrot fries recipe. Just a few of our favorite options include:
1) First, preheat the oven to 350F/177C. Then, rinse the carrots well and use a vegetable peeler or a mandoline at 1-2mm's to slice the carrots into long thin strips. Then transfer to a large bowl. Pat them dry first if they seem very 'wet' (this will encourage additional crispiness when cooked).
Alternatively, you can peel them into small rounds (like potato chips).
2) Then, drizzle the carrot chips with the oil and seasonings and toss well, to coat.
3) Transfer the chips to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, spreading them into a single layer.
4) Bake for 14-16 minutes, flipping over at the 7-minute mark.
As ovens can vary, we recommend you keep a close eye on them in the second half of cooking time to ensure they don't burn.
5) Remove the carrot chips from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes (this will further crisp them up) before serving with your condiments or sides of choice!
For slightly crispier results, optionally broil them at the end.
The method for creating oven-roasted carrot fries is similar to the above, with just a couple of differences.
We also HIGHLY recommend adding one tablespoon of starch to the seasoning blend when preparing the carrot fries for the crispiest baked results.
Carrot Chips/Crisps: Preheat your air fryer to 400F/200C and spread the seasoned carrot chips in a single layer (only very slight overlapping is allowed) at the bottom of your air fryer basket. Air fry for 6 minutes, then flip the carrot chips and cook for a further 3-6 minutes to your desired crispness.
These air fryer carrot chips will continue to harden/ crisp up as they cool.
Carrot Fries: Preheat the air fryer to 400F/200C. Then spread the carrot fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, with space in-between (cook in batches if necessary). Air fry for 8 minutes, then flip and continue to air fry for a further 5-8 minutes to your desired level of crispiness.
The exact cooking time will vary based on the thickness of the fries and your individual Air Fryer.
You can chop/peel the carrots in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator overnight. Then, allow them to come back to room temperature before seasoning and cooking.
Once baked, these baked/air fryer carrot fries/chips are best enjoyed immediately for the optimal flavor and texture. However, if you want to store any leftovers, let them cool first. Then transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 2-3 additional days.
To reheat the carrots, place them back in the oven/air-fryer for a few minutes. Avoid the microwave, though, as it will turn them 'soggy' (and limp).
Enjoy the carrot chips/fries as a simple, low-carb snack (optionally with the dipping sauces of your choice like ketchup, vegan mayo, spicy mayo, vegan ranch, etc.) or serve them as a side in place of regular fries with:
I also love to serve the baked/air fryer carrot fries as nacho fries, topped with guacamole, beans, corn, salsa, parsley, and vegan melty cheese like this nacho cheese.
Should I peel the carrots?
If you wash the carrots well, then it isn't vital. However, we prefer to peel non-organic carrots. So basically, the choice is up to you.
Are carrot fries healthy?
Carrots are low calorie, high fiber, and a great source of beta carotene, potassium, vitamin A, C, K, fiber, and antioxidants. When paired with minimal amounts of heart-healthy oil, you can't go wrong!
Are the carrot fries crispy?
The baked carrot fries are crisp without being crispy-crunchy (more so when using cornstarch). In comparison, the air fryer carrot fries are crispier with a slight crunch, though they don’t become as crispy-crunchy as regular fries. If you want super crispy results, make the carrot chips instead.
Photos by Alfonso Revilla
Jay says
Carrot fries so unique, definitely a healthy snack too
Michelle Cehn says
What a creative way to use carrots!
Andrea White says
So fun and tasty!
Teodora Grujic says
Perfect snack for kids! They love it!
Andrea White says
It's always nice to have a healthy snack that kiddos actually enjoy on hand!
Gina House says
Carrot fries are delicious! This is such a great recipe!
Andrea White says
They're the best kind of snack!
Amanda Meth says
I LOVE anything made out of carrots! These look so good!!
Andrea White says
You'd love these yummy carrot snacks!
Amanda Scarlati says
LOVED these so much. My new favorite "veggie" fries and BONUS ... the kids loved them too!
Andrea White says
Niceee! That's so awesome that your kids loved them also! Big hit!
Nancy Wu says
what a great idea for using carrots as chips
Andrea White says
Yes! Crispy and satisfying, just like chips!
Tina G says
Oh wow! Love this snack idea.
Andrea White says
They're the best kind of snack!
Nora Breyer says
What an amazing, healthy treat! Love it!
Andrea White says
Crispy, delicious, and healthy! Can't go wrong with that!
Kayla DiMaggio says
What a great idea! Such a fun snack!
Andrea White says
Nothing like a quick and delicious air fryer snack!
Natalie Knezic says
Oh wow what idea. I have to try this out. My son will love this as a snack.
Andrea White says
They're the best snack! Hope he enjoys them!
Megan Ellam says
So simple and delicious. Such a great way to serve for the little kids and the big kids
Andrea White says
Yess! It's an easy one for everyone to enjoy 🙂
Andrea White says
Such a nutritious snack!