Buzz
I’ve developed a bad habit of overlooking carrots. They’re so common—found in lunchboxes with hummus, next to potatoes and pearl onions in a pot roast, or chopped in fresh salads at mid-range chain restaurants. Their constant presence somewhat works against them: carrots are often included but rarely treated as a star ingredient.
But carrots are genuinely delicious, and with just a bit of effort, they can be transformed into something truly amazing. A little fat, heat, and salt is all it takes to turn them into a sweet and savory dish with a crispy exterior and a soft, velvety interior. Toss them in an air fryer, and within 10-15 minutes, you’ll have a delightful snack or side dish reminiscent of fries.
Carrot fries live up to their name with their shape and irresistible snackability. When coated in duck fat or bacon grease, seasoned with garlic salt, a dash of MSG, and a sprinkle of parmesan, then air-fried to crispy perfection, carrot sticks become a savory, umami-filled treat that I devour with a hunger usually reserved for classic french fries.
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Ranch is a classic choice for dipping—it’s the go-to for carrots, and for good reason—but if you have whipped labneh on hand, try it instead. Add a bit of za’atar to the labneh if possible. The tangy, creamy yogurt paired with the warm, crispy, and salty carrot makes for a surprising and delightful combination.
Air fryer carrot fries, a healthier and crispy alternative to traditional fries, offer a delicious twist on the classic vegetable side dish.
Ingredients you’ll need for this tasty dish:
4 medium carrots
2 teaspoons of duck fat (or substitute with bacon fat or olive oil)
Garlic salt
MSG
2 teaspoons of powdered parmesan cheese
Start by washing and peeling the carrots. Slice them in half lengthwise to separate the thicker top portion from the thinner end. Cut the thicker half into four sticks, and the thinner half into two or three pieces.
Heat the fat in the microwave for 30 seconds if necessary. Toss the carrot pieces in a large bowl, drizzle with the melted fat, and stir well to coat. Sprinkle with garlic salt, toss again, add another few shakes of garlic salt, and stir again. Finish with a few pinches of MSG and toss to combine.
Preheat the air fryer to 365℉. Once ready, spread the carrots in a single layer and cook for 5 minutes. Afterward, transfer them back to the bowl and toss with parmesan. Return them to the air fryer and cook for another 10-15 minutes, adjusting the time to your preferred level of browning. Serve with ranch dressing or za’atar-spiced labneh for dipping.
