Carrots are a nutritious and versatile side dish that’s great for Easter or even just a weeknight. Give them a little bit of a glam up with my hasselback carrots in the air fryer! You’ll get a gorgeous dish packed with flavor, and the air fryer makes everything quick and easy too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’ve ever made Hasselback Potatoes then you already have an idea of what you’re in for! Here, I’m swapping in carrots instead of potatoes for a new twist on this simple vegetable side dish. They’re still naturally vegetarian and gluten free, though, so they’ll fit a variety of diets.
I’m using the same concept, though! Cut some thin slices into a whole carrot, then add some seasonings and roast them to perfection. That job goes to the air fryer, which gives you nice caramelization on the carrots in less time than the oven.
If you’re looking for an even faster option, though, make sure to check out my sliced Roasted Air Fryer Carrots With Brown Sugar which cook in only 10 minutes!
Just like their potato counterparts, you can season these hasselback carrots in a ton of different ways. They lend themselves well to sweet, savory, and spicy blends. I’m going with a bit of each, but I’ll give you some other options as well so you can make this recipe your own!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound carrots (trimmed and peeled)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- ½ Tbsp honey
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
For Topping
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- You can use regular or rainbow carrots. Mine are what I’d consider a medium size – depending on the actual size of your particular carrots you may need to adjust cooking time slightly
- All seasonings are adjustable to taste, including omitting and swapping them around. Other great pairings include thyme, rosemary, cumin, coriander, onion powder, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, basil, or oregano
- The honey can be swapped for maple syrup or brown sugar if preferred
- You can use parmesan or goat cheese instead of the feta and any other fresh herbs you like instead of the parsley on top!
How to Make Hasselback Carrots in the Air Fryer
- Slice your carrots crosswise into thin slices (about ⅛” to ¼” thick) without cutting all the way through. Pro tip: use two wooden spoon handles, chopsticks, or skewers on either side of the carrot to serve as a stopper as you cut, to prevent cutting through
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, honey, and seasonings (just not the cheese and parsley) together and mix well
- Brush or spoon half the mixture over the carrots, trying to get some between slices (don’t force it, though, or you’ll snap your carrots)
- Place the carrots into your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer with air space between each one
- Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 10 minutes. Then, spoon or brush the remaining half the seasoning mixture over the carrots and cook an additional 5-10 minutes until caramelized and tender (time will vary based on your specific air fryer and the size of your carrots)
- Sprinkle the cheese and parsley over top and serve!
Alternate Oven Directions
- Bake in a regular oven on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F for 30-40 minutes until browned and tender
What to Serve With Roasted Hasselback Carrots
- Roasted chicken
- BBQ chicken
- Italian sausage
- Steaks
- Roasted duck
- Korean short ribs
- Pork roast
- Ham
- Scallops
- Salmon
- Tuna casserole
- Farro
- Lentils
- Quinoa
- Couscous
- Garlic bread
There are lots of different dishes that pair well with carrots, so you can find one that suits your tastes!
I serve air fryer hasselback carrots with my Air Fryer Tuna Casserole, Air Fryer Ham Steak, Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Leg Quarters, Korean Beef Short Ribs in the Air Fryer, Bacon Wrapped Filet in the Air Fryer, or Air Fryer Breaded Scallops for an easy side!
Recipe FAQs
What Are Hasselback Carrots?
Hasselback carrots are a delicious and visually appealing side dish made by thinly slicing carrots while leaving them connected at the base.
They are then seasoned, and roasted or air fried until tender and caramelized.
How Do I Prepare Hasselback Carrots for Air Frying?
To prepare hasselback carrots for air frying, wash and peel the carrots, then make thin slices along the length of each carrot, being careful not to cut all the way through.
Season them as desired, and then place the prepared carrots into your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer.
What Seasonings Can I Use for Hasselback Carrots?
You can season hasselback carrots with a variety of herbs and spices to enhance their flavor.
Popular options include garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, paprika, or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
What Temperature and Time Should I Air Fry Hasselback Carrots?
Usually, hasselback carrots are air fried at a temperature of 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes total. They are done when the carrots are tender and the edges are caramelized and browned to your liking.
Actual times will vary based on the size of your specific carrots, as well as different air fryers.
Can I Customize Hasselback Carrots with Different Ingredients?
Absolutely! Get creative with your hasselback carrots by adding ingredients like honey or maple syrup for sweetness, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
You can also top them with chopped nuts, fresh herbs, or cheeses before serving.
Are Hasselback Carrots a Healthy Side Dish Option?
Yes, hasselback carrots are generally considered a nutritious side dish option. Carrots are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and air frying them requires minimal oil, making them a healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks.
That said, if you are following a specific diet, make sure to check with your doctor or nutritionist if carrots are part of it. Ensure that all seasonings you choose to add also meet your needs.
What Can I Serve with Hasselback Carrots?
Hasselback carrots pair well with a variety of main dishes, such as roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked fish.
They also make a delicious addition to holiday meals or weeknight dinners.
Recipe Pro Tips
- I recommend using a spatula to transfer the carrots after cooking for the extra support, as they get a little fragile when they’re soft (I totally broke one myself)
- If your carrots are vastly different sizes, feel free to remove the smaller ones and leave the larger ones in for a few extra minutes. This prevents overcooking and burning of the smaller ones
- The honey can be difficult to spread so feel free to microwave it for 10-15 seconds to soften it. Alternatively, you can also drizzle it over the carrots after cooking instead, and simple stick to the oil and seasonings during cooking
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store any leftover roasted carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
- To reheat hasselback carrots, try to remove as much of the cheese as possible. Then, air fry at 350°F for 2-3 minutes, or microwave for about 1 minute on high. Add the cheese back on (or add fresh) before enjoying
More Hasselback Vegetable Recipes
- Air Fryer Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
- Microwave Hasselback Potatoes
- Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes
- Hasselback Butternut Squash in the Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Hasselback Parsnips
- Hasselback Eggplant in the Air Fryer
Final Thoughts
These hasselback carrots in the air fryer are an easy yet elegant side dish! They’re perfect for your holiday table at Easter, but so simple that you could serve them on a weeknight. In addition, they’re naturally vegetarian and gluten free, so they fit a variety of dietary needs.
They pair with a variety of proteins, like chicken, beef, pork, and fish, and you can season them any way you like, from sweet to savory to spicy. Compliment your main course!
Making these roasted carrots in your air fryer is quick, easy, and a low-fuss way to get a delicious side on the table! It saves time compared to the oven, but also leaves it open for your main roast so you can multitask as well.
Roasted Hasselback Carrots Air Fryer Recipe
Equipment
- Skewers (or similar, for cutting guide)
- Flat spatula (recommended for transfer)
Ingredients
- 1 Pound carrots (trimmed and peeled)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- ½ Tbsp honey
- ½ Tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ Tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- ½ Tsp garlic powder
- ½ Tsp paprika
- ⅛ Tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
For Topping
- ¼ Cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Slice your carrots crosswise into thin slices (about ⅛” to ¼” thick) without cutting all the way through. Pro tip: use two wooden spoon handles, chopsticks, or skewers on either side of the carrot to serve as a stopper as you cut, to prevent cutting through1 Pound carrots
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, honey, and seasonings together and mix well1 Tbsp olive oil, ½ Tbsp honey, ½ Tsp salt, ¼ Tsp black pepper, ½ Tsp garlic powder, ½ Tsp paprika, ⅛ Tsp cayenne pepper
- Place the carrots into your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer with air space between each one
- Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 10 minutes. Then, spoon or brush the remaining half the seasoning mixture over the carrots and cook an additional 5-10 minutes until caramelized and tender (time will vary based on your specific air fryer and the size of your carrots)
- Sprinkle the cheese and parsley over top and serve!¼ Cup crumbled feta cheese, 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Alternate Oven Directions
- Bake in a regular oven on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F for 30-40 minutes until browned and tender
Notes
- You can use regular or rainbow carrots. Mine are medium size – depending on the actual size of your particular carrots you may need to adjust cooking time slightly
- All seasonings are adjustable to taste, including omitting and swapping them around. Other great pairings include thyme, rosemary, cumin, coriander, onion powder, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, basil, or oregano
- The honey can be swapped for maple syrup or brown sugar if preferred
- You can use parmesan or goat cheese instead of the feta and any other fresh herbs you like instead of the parsley on top!
- I recommend using a spatula to transfer the carrots after cooking for the extra support, as they get a little fragile when they’re soft
- If your carrots are vastly different sizes, feel free to remove the smaller ones and leave the larger ones in for a few extra minutes
- The honey can be difficult to spread so feel free to microwave it for 10-15 seconds to soften it. Alternatively, you can also drizzle it over the carrots after cooking instead, and simple stick to the oil and seasonings during cooking
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, size of carrots, any swaps or additions, and total quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
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