Crispy, flavorful, and naturally sweet, these Oven-Baked Carrot Fries are a healthier twist on classic fries.
Packed with fiber and plant-based nutrients, they’re lightly seasoned with paprika and a touch of parmesan for extra flavor.
Quick to prepare and low in saturated fat, they make a satisfying snack, side, or meal-prep favorite for busy weekdays.
Healthy Baked Carrot Fries
Equipment
- 1 large sheet pan
- Aluminum foil (for lining pan)
- Knife
- Cutting board
- large mixing bowl
- large mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
Ingredients
For Carrot Fries:
- 4 large carrots peeled and cut lengthwise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese optional
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
For Sriracha Mayo Sauce:
- ¼ cup avocado mayo
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Pinch of sea salt
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures the carrot fries will cook evenly and become perfectly crispy on the outside while staying tender on the inside. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup and set it aside.
- Prepare the Carrots: Wash each carrot thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Peel the carrots using a vegetable peeler, and trim off both ends. Cut each carrot in half lengthwise. Depending on the thickness, slice each half into 2–3 long sticks to create evenly sized fries. Uniformity ensures even cooking.
- Season the Carrots: Place all carrot sticks into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over the carrots, then sprinkle paprika, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper evenly. If you like a cheesy touch, add the optional grated parmesan at this stage. Using clean hands or a large spoon, toss the carrots gently but thoroughly until every piece is coated with the seasoning.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Transfer the seasoned carrot sticks to the prepared baking sheet. Spread them out in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. Crowding the pan will prevent them from crisping properly.If necessary, use a second sheet to give each fry enough space.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the carrot fries for 20–25 minutes, flipping or turning them halfway through to ensure all sides are golden and crisp. Keep an eye on them in the last 5 minutes, as thinner fries can brown quickly.
- Prepare the Sriracha Mayo: While the fries are baking, mix the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine the avocado mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, lemon juice, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Optionally, finely chop fresh parsley or cilantro and set aside for garnish.
- Check for Doneness: The carrot fries are ready when they are tender inside and lightly browned on the edges. Use a fork to test tenderness; it should slide easily through the carrot. Remove the baking sheet from the oven carefully.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the fries to a serving plate. Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro over the top for a fresh, vibrant touch. Serve immediately with the prepared sriracha mayo on the side for dipping. These fries are best enjoyed hot while they retain their crispiness.
- Air Fryer Option (Optional): If using an air fryer, follow steps 2–3 to prepare the carrots. Place the fries in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re in a single layer. Cook at 425°F (220°C) for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crisping. Serve with the same garnishes and sauce as the oven-baked version.
Notes
- For uniform cooking, cut carrot fries to similar thickness.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; this ensures crispiness.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a subtle, savory flavor.
- Adjust the spice in the sriracha mayo to taste.
- Flip fries halfway through baking for even browning.
- Fresh parsley or cilantro enhances flavor and presentation.
- Air fryer works well for a quicker, equally crispy result.
- Best served immediately; fries can soften if left too long.
Chef’s Secrets To Perfect Fries
Achieving perfectly crispy carrot fries comes down to a few small but important techniques.
First, slicing the carrots evenly is essential—thicker fries take longer to cook and may not crisp as well, while thinner fries can burn quickly.
Coating them lightly with olive oil allows the spices to adhere and promotes a golden exterior without excess fat.
For an extra layer of flavor, adding parmesan cheese before baking creates a subtle savory crust.
Finally, avoid overcrowding the pan or basket; each fry needs space for air to circulate and crisp evenly.
These simple tricks ensure every bite is tender inside and golden outside.
Serving Suggestions For Maximum Enjoyment
These carrot fries are wonderfully versatile and pair well with a variety of dips and meals.
Serve them alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or fish for a nutritious side dish.
They also make a satisfying snack on their own, especially when paired with creamy sriracha mayo, garlic aioli, or hummus.
Garnishing with fresh parsley, cilantro, or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika enhances both flavor and visual appeal.
For gatherings or meal prep, arrange them on a platter with a few dipping sauces to create an inviting, restaurant-style presentation.
Storage Tips For Freshness
Carrot fries are best enjoyed immediately for peak crispiness, but leftovers can be stored for later use.
Place cooled fries in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2–3 days.
Reheat them in a preheated oven or air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore some crunch. Avoid microwaving, as this can make fries soggy.
The sriracha mayo should be stored separately in a small jar in the refrigerator for up to a week.
For meal prep, consider prepping the carrots and seasoning in advance, then baking just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other vegetables instead?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes, parsnips, or zucchini can be cut into fries and baked similarly. Adjust baking time depending on the vegetable’s density and moisture content.
2. How can I make these fries extra crispy?
Make sure the carrots are evenly sliced and lightly coated in oil. Avoid overcrowding the pan or air fryer, and flip the fries halfway through baking. Using a hot oven (425°F) helps create a crispy exterior.
3. Is it okay to skip parmesan cheese?
Yes, parmesan is optional. The fries are still flavorful and delicious without it. You can also try nutritional yeast for a vegan, cheesy flavor alternative.
4. Can I make these fries ahead of time?
You can prep the carrots and seasoning ahead, but it’s best to bake them right before serving. Leftover fries can be refrigerated and reheated in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
5. How spicy is the sriracha mayo?
The spiciness depends on the amount of sriracha used. Start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to taste. You can also reduce heat by mixing with extra mayonnaise or a touch of honey for a milder dip.
