If you’re looking for a new way to cook up carrots, try these air fryer smashed carrots. This recipe is so simple – just pop the carrots in the air fryer until they’re soft, then take them out and give them a good smash with the bottom of a mug. From there, all you need to do is sprinkle on some ranch seasoning and parmesan cheese before air frying them one last time. The result is a perfectly crispy, flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with anything from grilled chicken to a hearty steak.
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I experimented with a trending recipe for smashed carrots topped with parmesan cheese. While most versions involve popping the carrots into an oven, I decided to take a different approach and use my trusty air fryer. With just a few seasonings and a drizzle of olive oil, I watched as the carrots turned crispy and golden brown. The savory goodness of parmesan paired with the natural sweetness of carrots was adorable.
How to Make Parmesan Smashed Carrots in Air Fryer
Making air fryer smashed carrots with melted parmesan is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and prep the carrots. Wash and dry your baby carrots. Place the carrots in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, or any other spices you prefer. For regular carrots, slice them into even sticks to ensure they cook evenly.
Air Fry the Carrots. Place the carrots in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes at 400F (200C), shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. You’ll know they are ready when they are fork-tender and slightly crispy on the edges. You can parboil carrots for 10 minutes instead before air frying, or use steamed carrots.
Add the Parmesan. Once the carrots are tender and slightly crispy, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a baking sheet or plate. Smash each one, using the bottom of the mug or Mason glass jar (see picture above). Return the carrots to the air fryer and sprinkle generously with Ranch seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese over them. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes per side, or until the cheese has melted and is golden brown.
Garnish and Serve. Transfer the carrots to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture. May I recommend dipping them in the Homemade Chipotle Mayo Sauce? I love the combination of sweet, savory, and spicy.
Serving Suggestions
As a Side Dish. These Air Fryer Parmesan carrots make an excellent side dish for grilled chicken, steak, or fish. Their sweet and savory flavor complements a variety of main courses.
In a Salad. Add the cooked carrots to a fresh salad for a warm, crunchy element. They pair well with mixed greens, nuts, and a light vinaigrette.
Snack Time. Enjoy these crispy carrots as a healthy snack. They’re perfect for dipping in a creamy yogurt sauce or Homemade Chick-fil-a Sauce.
Raw carrots have never been my thing. I always worry about chomping down too hard and breaking a tooth. However, in just one bite, I was hooked. I love that air frying retains the nutrients in the carrots. And let me tell you, just like Air Fryer Roasted Carrots, these smashed Parmesan carrots are irresistible. I devoured 10 pieces in one sitting – something I thought I’d never do with raw carrots. Air frying truly takes carrots to a whole new level.
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Air Fryer Smashed Carrots Parmesan
Ingredients
- 1/2 Pounds Baby carrots Choose fresh, organic carrots for the best flavor and nutrition. You can use baby carrots or regular carrots cut into sticks.
- 1 Tablespoon Oil Extra Virgin Olive oil or avocado oil
- 2 Tablespoons Ranch seasoning seasoning of choice. I use the Organic Veggie blend to season my carrots and Roast Vegetables and Fries Spice Blend. Feel free to use other spices like garlic, onion powder, paprika, thyme, chipotle and so on.
- 1/2 Cup Grated Parmesan cheese I used Pre-grated cheese. However, you can use freshly grated Parmesan.
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt + Pepper to taste
- 1/2 Teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Wash and peel your carrots. If you're using baby carrots, there's no need to cut them. For regular carrots, slice them into even sticks to ensure they cook evenly.
- Place the carrots in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika or any other spices you prefer. Toss the carrots until they are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the carrots in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Or cook them until fork tender.
- Once the carrots are tender and slightly crispy, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a baking sheet or plate. Smash each one, using the bottom of the mug or Mason glass jar.
- Return the carrots to the air fryer, lined with parchment paper, and sprinkle generously with Ranch seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese over them.
- Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes per side, or until the cheese has melted and is golden brown.When they’re done, the carrots should be tender with crispy caramelized edges and a satisfying crunch. Sprinkle with fresh parsley. Enjoy with your favorite dip!
really makes a change. scrummy