Air Fryer Smashed Carrots Parmesan
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.
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!
Notes
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.
Nutrition
Calories: 232kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 8gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 22mgSodium: 1152mgPotassium: 335mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 16100IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 259mgIron: 1mg
Nutrition Disclaimer Nutritional information is an estimate and may change based on products used.
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