Crispy Carrot Fries

Featured in: Snacks and Appetizers for Every Gathering

Roasted carrot fries seasoned with paprika and garlic deliver a perfect mix of crunch and flavor. Tossed in arrowroot for a crisp finish, these baked treats cook up golden in under 20 minutes. Served with a creamy garlic-paprika mayo dip for added zest, they’re ideal for weeknight meals or casual gatherings. Quick to prep, naturally gluten-free, and vegetarian-friendly. A fun way to sneak in veggies without losing out on taste.
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Updated on Fri, 09 May 2025 15:06:12 GMT
A bowl of roasted carrots with creamy dip. Pin it
A bowl of roasted carrots with creamy dip. | tastefullyrecipe.com

Roasted carrot sticks turn everyday root veggies into something special. These bright orange treats get nice and crispy outside while staying soft inside when cooked at high temps. Baking brings out the carrots' natural sweetness, making them a tasty swap for regular potato fries.

I found this idea one winter when my local farmers' market had tons of carrots. The first time I tried them, I knew they weren't just a healthy option—they were actually mouthwatering on their own.

Exceptional Ingredients

  • Carrots: Go for sturdy, vivid orange ones with unblemished skin. Bigger carrots cut into more even fry shapes.
  • Avocado Oil: Handles high heat cooking for crunchiness without masking the sweet carrot flavor.
  • Flavor Boosters: Smoky paprika and garlic powder add richness without taking over.
  • Fresh Thyme: Brings an earthy touch and lets out fragrant oils while cooking.
  • Arrowroot Powder: Creates a light layer that helps make the outside crispy.
  • Good Salt: Sea salt boosts taste, and flaky Maldon salt gives a nice texture contrast.

Cooking Method

Get Everything Ready:
Clean and dry the carrots. Slice them into same-sized sticks about ¼-inch thick and 3-4 inches long.
Add Base Flavors:
Mix carrots with avocado oil. Dust with arrowroot powder and mix again until coated everywhere.
Season Thoroughly:
Mix in paprika, garlic powder, fresh thyme, and sea salt. Stir well so everything's evenly spread.
Lay Them Out:
Put them on a baking sheet with parchment paper, giving each piece some room. Use two sheets if they're crowded.
Watch While Cooking:
Cook in a hot oven at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, turning them over halfway. They're done when the edges brown and the middle feels tender.
A plate of fried carrots. Pin it
A plate of fried carrots. | tastefullyrecipe.com

When I was little, my grandma always grew carrots in her garden. She showed me how roasting completely changes them from the boring steamed carrots that many folks don't like.

Ideal Pairings

Enjoy them with some grilled chicken or fish for a healthy meal. They taste great next to a juicy burger instead of regular fries. When you want to impress guests, put them on a platter with other roasted veggies and some dips.

Fun Variations

Mix up the flavors with curry powder and cumin for an Indian-style taste. Sprinkle on some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without using dairy. Try making them with multicolored carrots for a pretty look. If you like sweet things, drizzle them with honey and cinnamon.

Keeping Them Fresh

Once cooled, put leftover fries in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. Warm them up in a 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes to get them crispy again. Don't use the microwave or they'll go soggy. You can also wash and season the raw carrots two days ahead for quick cooking later.

Dip Making

Whip up the paprika garlic dip by stirring together avocado oil mayo with crushed garlic, smoky paprika, fresh lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes before serving so the flavors can blend together.

A bowl of fries with a dipping sauce. Pin it
A bowl of fries with a dipping sauce. | tastefullyrecipe.com

I've tried tons of veggie sides over the years, but these carrot fries are still my top pick. Their mix of sweetness, crunch, and that amazing dip makes them the star of any dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What can I use instead of arrowroot powder?
Try cornstarch as a replacement, or skip it altogether. While arrowroot adds crispiness, the fries will still turn out tasty either way.
→ How do I get carrot sticks the right size?
Start by trimming the carrot ends. Slice in half horizontally, then cut each section lengthwise into thin planks. Chop those planks into even sticks so they bake evenly.
→ Can I make the dip in advance?
For sure! Whip up the dip and store it in a sealed container in your fridge for up to three days. The flavors will even improve over time.
→ What meals go well with carrot fries?
These fries are great with burgers, wraps, pan-seared chicken, or fish. They can also stand alone as a snack or appetizer, especially with that tasty dip!
→ Are vegan swaps possible for this dish?
Totally! Use a vegan mayo for the dip while keeping the fries as they are. The rest of the recipe is already vegan.

Crispy Carrot Fries

Flavor-packed roasted carrot fries seasoned with paprika and thyme, paired with a zesty garlic paprika dip. A nutritious and tasty bite!

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Patricia


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American, Healthy Twist

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Carrot Sticks

01 1 lb of carrots, cleaned and sliced into fry-shaped pieces
02 2 tbsp avocado oil
03 1 tsp garlic powder
04 1 tsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
05 1/2 tsp sea salt, or as needed
06 1 tsp sweet paprika
07 2 tbsp arrowroot starch
08 Extra flakey salt and fresh thyme to sprinkle on top

→ Zesty Aioli Dip

09 1/2 cup mayo made with avocado oil
10 1-2 small cloves of garlic, grated fresh
11 2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
12 A pinch or two of cayenne for heat, optional
13 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
14 1/4 tsp sweet paprika
15 1 tsp dijon mustard
16 Salt to taste

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 425°F and get two baking trays ready with some parchment paper for an easy cleanup later.

Step 02

Grab a big bowl and mix the carrot pieces with avocado oil, paprika, garlic powder, thyme, arrowroot, and sea salt. Make sure each piece is nicely covered.

Step 03

Lay the coated carrot fries out on the baking sheets, spreading them out so there’s space for them to crisp up instead of steaming.

Step 04

Bake for about 15 minutes, flip them over, and give them another 5-10 minutes until they’re soft on the inside but satisfyingly crispy outside.

Step 05

While those fries are in the oven, combine all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Taste it and tweak the seasoning if needed.

Step 06

Once the fries are ready, sprinkle them with flakey salt and a little thyme for that extra burst of flavor. Serve them warm with the aioli for dipping.

Notes

  1. These crispy carrot fries are a lighter, tasty swap for regular potato fries.
  2. Arrowroot adds the perfect crunch factor to the outside.
  3. They’re best eaten fresh out of the oven for optimal crunch and flavor.

Tools You'll Need

  • Two baking trays
  • Parchment paper sheets
  • A big bowl for mixing
  • A small bowl for the dip

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs are in the mayo
  • Has mustard

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 165
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 12 g
  • Protein: 1.5 g