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Air Fryer Carrot Fries With Honey Mustard – Crispy, Sweet, and Simple

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Carrots (1 to 1.5 pounds; larger carrots work best for fry-shaped pieces)
  • Olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • Garlic powder
  • Smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Cornstarch (optional, for extra crispness)
  • Fresh parsley or chives (optional, for garnish)
  • Dijon mustard
  • Honey
  • Mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
  • Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
  • Pinch of cayenne or hot sauce (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Prep the carrots: Peel the carrots and trim the ends. Cut into fry-shaped sticks about 3 to 4 inches long and 1/2-inch thick. Try to keep them even so they cook at the same rate.
  2. Dry them well: Pat the carrot sticks dry with a clean towel. Removing moisture helps them crisp up in the air fryer.
  3. Season: In a large bowl, toss the carrots with 1 to 1.5 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon salt, and a few grinds of pepper. For extra crunch, add 1 to 2 teaspoons cornstarch and toss again until lightly coated.
  4. Preheat the air fryer: Set it to 385°F (195°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. A preheated basket helps the fries start crisping immediately.
  5. Air fry in a single layer: Arrange the carrots in one layer without crowding. Work in batches if needed. Cook for 12 to 16 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until edges are browned and the centers are tender. Thinner fries cook faster.
  6. Mix the honey mustard: In a small bowl, stir together 2 tablespoons Dijon, 1.5 to 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons mayo (or Greek yogurt), and 1 to 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar. Add a pinch of cayenne and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust sweetness or tang to your liking.
  7. Finish and serve: Transfer carrot fries to a plate, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and garnish with chopped parsley or chives. Serve hot with the honey mustard on the side.