Description
Crispy Carrot Fries are a healthy and flavorful alternative to traditional fries, offering a golden crunch and vibrant texture with simple ingredients. Baked, not fried, they make a guilt-free snack or side dish that is quick to prepare and versatile for many occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4–5 medium fresh carrots, peeled and cut into ¼ to ½ inch thick sticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder (to increase crispiness)
- Cayenne pepper or chili powder (for spice)
- Fresh or dried rosemary, thyme, or oregano (for herb infusion)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for a cheesy crunch)
- Dash of cinnamon and smoked paprika (for sweet and smoky flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the Carrots: Start by washing and peeling your carrots. Cut them into evenly sized sticks, about ¼ to ½ inch thick, ensuring they cook evenly and get a crispy exterior while staying tender inside.
- Season the Fries: In a large mixing bowl, toss the carrot sticks with olive oil to coat evenly. Sprinkle in ground paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. If using cornstarch or arrowroot powder, add it now to absorb excess moisture and help crispiness.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Lay the carrot sticks in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding to ensure each fry crisps up rather than steams.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the sheet in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through to promote even browning on all sides.
- Final Crisp and Serve: For extra crispiness, broil the fries for an additional 2-3 minutes while watching carefully to avoid burning. Serve immediately to enjoy at peak freshness.
Notes
- Cut carrots uniformly for even cooking and texture.
- Pat carrots dry after washing to minimize moisture and enhance crispiness.
- Space fries apart on the baking sheet to prevent steaming.
- Use a high baking temperature (425°F) for the best crisp texture.
- Flip fries halfway through baking for even browning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup fries)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg