Carrot fries are the perfect weeknight side dish! Carrot fries are a healthy alternative to traditional fries and are packed full of nutrition. These ancho chili cinnamon carrot fries are so easy to make and they pair well with almost any recipe. Even better, they are gluten free, grain free, paleo, Whole30, vegan and a great way to get in more veggies!
Why this recipe works:
- Carrot fries are baked in the oven and not fried! Guilt-free fries that taste even better than sweet potato fries.
- Great for snacking! Carrot fries are a great snack for kids or adults, don’t be surprised when they disappear quickly!
- Perfect for any occasion! Who can say no to fries! These are perfect for weeknight dinners or for parties with friends! Great for dipping too!
- No peeling required, these carrot fries are pretty simple to make and are done in about 30 minutes. Pair them with air fryer chicken nuggets or simple salmon bites for a finger food evening everyone will love!
- A healthy recipe that your kids are sure to love! This recipe is naturally Whole30, vegan, and gluten-free.
Why Eat Carrot Fries?
- Carrots are full of fiber, vitamins and beta-carotene (which is great for eyesight)!
- Since carrot fries are made from carrots instead of potatoes, these fries are naturally lower in calories than traditional fries.
- Give your kids carrots a new way! Turning them into fries are a great way to reintroduce carrots to both kids and adults!
- Carrot fries are super versatile and literally go with everything. Burgers, chicken, wraps, they are the perfect side dish to your favorite meal.
How to Make Carrots into Fries:
- Step 1: Start by cutting the top and bottom off the carrot and then dividing the carrot in half to create a top and a bottom.
- Step 2: Take one of the halves created, and cut that in half from top to bottom longwise, creating two long half moon shaped carrot pieces.
- Step 3: Take one of the half moon shaped pieces and cut it either one or two times (depending on how thick it is) from top to bottom longwise to create carrot spears.
- Step 4: Repeat this process with the rest of the carrot. I normally get between 8 and 12 “fries”
Tip: You can use baby carrots cut in half (will make fries sweeter) or crinkle-cut carrots but cook time may vary according to the size of the carrots.
Instructions:
- Once the carrots are cut down into fries, add a silicone mat or parchment paper to a rimmed cookie sheet.
- Spray the silicone mat/parchment with non-stick spray and add the carrots.
- Sprinkle the seasoning over the carrots evenly and toss with clean hands or a large spoon.
- After tossing the carrots, be sure to try to re-distribute them on the cookie sheet so they can cook evenly.
- Bake in the oven in high heat (425F-450F) for 20-30 minutes, flipping at least one time.
How to make air fryer carrot fries:
Check out all the steps on how to make carrot fries in the air fryer!
How to make these fries extra crispy
To make fries extra crispy, toss carrot fries in 1 tbsp. of arrowroot or tapioca starch before you season and cook the fries.
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FAQ’s
Do you need to peel carrots before making them into fries?
If you use organic carrots, you will not have to peel them. Make sure to wash carrots before baking. If using baby carrots, make sure to cut in half.
Storage:
- Fridge: The carrot fries can easily be prepped ahead of time and kept in the fridge for a few days until you are ready to bake and serve them.
- After baking, these carrot fries are good for up to 5 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Yes, bake the fries as instructed and store in an airtight freezer bag. Store for 2 months in the freezer.
- To reheat, simply take out of the fridge or freezer and reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes or cook in a preheated 400F oven for 5 minutes (from the fridge) or 10 minutes (from frozen) on a baking sheet.
Substitutions
Carrots- You can also use parsnips instead of carrots to get a similar texture, but the flavor will be different! You can substitute baby carrots for traditional carrots, but the fries will have a sweeter flavor.
Avocado Oil- Can use Coconut oil or ghee. Make sure to use a quality oil or cooking spray that has a high yield temperature.
Chili Powder- You can use whatever your favorite seasoning is! Some other great ideas include
- Cajun Seasoning
- Ranch Seasoning
- Curry Powder
What is the best dip?
What to serve with carrot fries?
- Air Fryer Nuggets
- 10 Minute Taco Chicken
- 5 Ingredient Black Bean Burgers
- Sundried Tomato Turkey Sliders
If you love this recipe, you should try:
- Cajun Parsnip Fries
- Curry Carrot Fries with Cilantro Lime Tahini
- Sweet Potato Tots
- Healthy Broccoli Tots
- Sweet Potato Patties
What you need to make this recipe:
Carrot Fries (Whole30, Vegan)
Guided Recipe Video
Ingredients
- 2 lbs organic carrots, cut into sticks
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tsp ancho chili powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450F
- Cut the carrots into sticks, about the size of your pinky finger. (see Notes for tips)
- Place parchment paper or a silicone mat on a rimmed baking sheet. Add the carrots and drizzle 1 tbsp. avocado oil and the seasoning over the carrots.
- Stir the carrots well until the seasoning has been distributed evenly.
- Place in the oven for 20 minutes. Take out of the oven and stir around. Bake for an additional 10 minutes
- Take out of the oven and serve warm.
Notes
- Step 1: Start by cutting the top and bottom off the carrot and then dividing the carrot in half to create a top and a bottom.
- Step 2: Take one of the halves created, and cut that in half from top to bottom longwise, creating two long half moon shaped carrot pieces.
- Step 3: Take one of the half moon shaped pieces and cut it either one or two times (depending on how thick it is) from top to bottom longwise to create carrot spears.
- Step 4: Repeat this process with the rest of the carrot. I normally get between 8 and 12 “fries”.
- Once the carrots are cut down into fries, spray the carrots with avocado oil.
- Sprinkle the seasoning over the carrots evenly and toss with clean hands or a large spoon.
- After tossing the carrots, be sure to try to re-distribute them in the air fryer so they can cook evenly.
- Bake in the oven in high heat (400F) for 12 minutes, shaking the carrots at least one time.
- Tip: Make sure to not over stuff the air fryer. If needed, make carrot fries in batches.
- Cajun Seasoning
- Ranch Seasoning
- Curry Powder
Jenny
My family absolutely loves these!