Crispy Carrot Fries are a delightful twist on traditional French fries that will have both kids and adults raving. With their golden-brown exterior and tender interior, these carrot fries make for a tasty and nutritious side dish or snack. If you’re looking to add a fun and healthy option to your meals, you’ve landed in the right place!
Why Make This Recipe
There are endless reasons to whip up a batch of Crispy Carrot Fries! Made from wholesome ingredients, they offer an excellent alternative to standard potato fries, providing a boost of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin A. These fries are a guilt-free pleasure that can satisfy your cravings while still being nutritious. Plus, they are super easy to prepare and cook up quickly in the oven. Whether you’re aiming to eat healthier, seeking a new snack, or just want something delicious to complement your meal, these carrot fries won’t disappoint!
How to Make Crispy Carrot Fries
Making Crispy Carrot Fries is as simple as it is rewarding. Follow this guide for a snack that’s both satisfying and unforgettable.
Ingredients
- 2 lb carrots
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (see notes)
- 1 tablespoon EACH: garlic powder and onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon EACH: salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or another neutral-flavored oil)
- Finely minced parsley (to serve)
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line 2 – 13×18" baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Cut the carrots into thin sticks. The thinner the sticks, the crispier they will become, so aim for even cuts.
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Place the carrot fries in a large bowl and toss with the cornstarch until all the fries are coated.
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Add the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then toss again until evenly distributed.
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Drizzle the oil over the top and use your hands to toss the mixture one more time, ensuring the spices create a light batter coating over the fries.
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Divide the carrot fries evenly between the two baking sheets, making sure none of the fries are touching each other for optimal crispiness.
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Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the trays from the oven. Carefully turn each fry over for even cooking.
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Return the trays to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
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Serve immediately with a sprinkle of finely minced parsley over the top for added flavor and presentation.
Pro Tips for Success Crispy Carrot Fries
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Cut Evenly: For consistent cooking results, be sure to cut the fries evenly. This helps all the pieces crisp up at the same time.
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Toss with Hands: Using your hands to toss the carrot fries with seasoning ensures an even coating, leading to a burst of flavor in every bite.
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Avoid Overcrowding: Give each carrot fry space on the baking sheet. Overcrowding will steam the fries and impact the crispiness.
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Experiment with Cooking Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your fries during the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning.
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Healthier Oil Options: If you prefer, replace avocado oil with olive oil or another neutral-flavored oil. Each will yield great results!
Flavor Variations for Crispy Carrot Fries
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Sweet and Spicy: Add a sprinkle of cayenne or chili powder for a kick of heat, or a drizzle of honey after baking for a sweet touch.
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Herb Garden: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme combined with garlic. This will brighten the flavor and add depth to your carrot fries.
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Cheesy Delight: Toss the fries with a bit of grated parmesan before baking for a delicious cheesy flavor.
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Zesty Lemon: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fries just before serving for a bright and refreshing contrast to the savory seasonings.
Serving Suggestions for Crispy Carrot Fries
Crispy Carrot Fries can stand alone or be paired with various dips and sides to elevate your meal:
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Dip it: Serve with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch dressing, aioli, or a spicy sriracha mayo.
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Burger Companion: These carrot fries make an excellent side with burgers, sandwiches, or wraps for a nutritious meal.
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Plate it Up: Serve alongside grilled chicken, fish, or tofu for a heartier dish that balances taste and nutrition.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Crispy Carrot Fries
To keep your Crispy Carrot Fries fresh, consider the following storage options:
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Refrigeration: Store any leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for about 2-3 days, although they will lose some crispiness.
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Reheating: To revive the crispness, reheat leftover fries in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes, checking to avoid burning.
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Freezing: If you want to make a larger batch, you can freeze raw carrot fries. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually for a few hours, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They will keep for about 3 months. Just bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 160
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 230mg
FAQ About Crispy Carrot Fries
Can I use baby carrots for this recipe?
Yes! Baby carrots can be used, but keep in mind that you will need to cut them into fry-like shapes to ensure even cooking. The taste and texture will be a little different but still delicious!
Can I bake these carrot fries without cornstarch?
You can omit the cornstarch, but you’ll likely lose some of the crispiness. The cornstarch helps create that desirable crunchy exterior. If you’re looking for a substitute, consider using arrowroot starch.
What can I do if my fries aren’t crispy?
If your carrot fries aren’t turning out crispy, it might be due to overcrowding the baking sheet or not having enough oil. Ensure each fry is spread out evenly and consider increasing the oil slightly.
Is it possible to make these carrot fries in advance?
Crispy Carrot Fries are best served fresh, but you can prep them up to a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just remember to bake them right before serving to regain their crispiness.
Can I use this recipe with other vegetables?
Absolutely! Other root vegetables like sweet potatoes, parsnips, or even zucchini can be delicious when prepared this way. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary, as some vegetables might require more or less time to get crispy.
Final Thoughts
Crispy Carrot Fries are not only a fun and healthy alternative to traditional fries, but they also bring vibrant color and a boost of essential nutrients to your table. With minimal effort and a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a delightful snack or side dish that everyone will enjoy. Experiment with flavors and serving suggestions, and watch how these crunchy treats become a household favorite! Make a batch today and enjoy the irresistible taste of Crispy Carrot Fries!
Print
Crispy Carrot Fries
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful twist on traditional French fries, these Crispy Carrot Fries are a healthy and tasty side dish or snack.
Ingredients
- 2 lb carrots
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- Finely minced parsley (to serve)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and line 2 – 13×18″ baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cut the carrots into thin sticks, aiming for even sizes.
- In a large bowl, toss the carrot sticks with cornstarch until coated.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and toss again.
- Drizzle oil over the mixture and toss until well coated.
- Spread the carrot fries evenly on the baking sheets, ensuring they are not touching.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then turn each fry over and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve immediately with a sprinkle of minced parsley.
Notes
For even cooking, cut the carrots evenly. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
