Carrot fries are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional potato fries. They are easy to make and packed with flavor, perfect for a quick snack or a side dish. The combination of cumin and paprika gives these fries a warm and smoky taste, while the chipotle mayo dip adds a zesty kick.
While most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples, you might need to purchase chipotle if you don't already have it. Chipotle can usually be found in the spice aisle or the international foods section of your supermarket. Additionally, make sure to pick up fresh carrots if you don't have any on hand.
Ingredients for Easy Carrot Fries Recipe
Carrots: The main ingredient, providing a sweet and earthy flavor.
Olive oil: Used for tossing the carrots, it helps them crisp up in the oven.
Cumin: Adds a warm and slightly nutty flavor to the fries.
Paprika: Provides a smoky and slightly sweet taste.
Kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the fries.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity.
Mayo: Forms the base of the dipping sauce, adding creaminess.
Chipotle: Gives the dipping sauce a spicy, smoky flavor.
Lime: Adds a tangy and fresh element to the dipping sauce.
One reader, Emilio Hall says:
This easy carrot fries recipe is fantastic! The carrots turn out perfectly tender with a delightful crisp at the ends. The cumin and paprika add a wonderful flavor, and the chipotle mayo is the perfect dipping sauce. A healthy and delicious snack or side dish!
Techniques Required for Making Carrot Fries
How to peel carrots: Use a vegetable peeler to remove the outer skin of the carrots. How to cut carrots lengthwise: Slice the peeled carrots in half lengthwise, then cut each half in half again to create carrot sticks. How to toss with seasoning: Combine the carrots with olive oil, cumin, and paprika in a bowl, then mix until the carrots are evenly coated. How to spread on a baking sheet: Arrange the seasoned carrot sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet to ensure even cooking. How to whisk ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the mayo, chipotle, and lime juice, then whisk until smooth.
How To Make Easy Carrot Fries
If you’re craving fries but worry about carbs, these easy-to-make carrot fries makes for a spicy and healthy alternative! Whip this up in just 30 minutes.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lbcarrots
- 2tbspolive oil
- ½tspcumin
- ½tsppaprika
- kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- ⅓cupmayo
- 2tspchipotle,canned
- ½lime,juiced
Instructions
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Heat the oven to 425 degrees F.
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Peel the carrots and cut them lengthwise in half, and then in half again
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Toss the carrots with olive oil, cumin and paprika. Season with salt and pepper.
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Spread the carrots in an even layer on a baking sheet, then bake for 20 minutes, or until tender and crisp at the ends.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, chipotle, and lime juice
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Serve the carrot fries with sauce, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 245.11kcal
- Fat: 21.97g
- Saturated Fat: 3.21g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8.70g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 9.78g
- Carbohydrates: 12.38g
- Fiber: 3.67g
- Sugar: 5.60g
- Protein: 1.26g
- Cholesterol: 7.51mg
- Sodium: 349.26mg
- Calcium: 45.53mg
- Potassium: 391.38mg
- Iron: 0.72mg
- Vitamin A: 962.84µg
- Vitamin C: 10.11mg
Crucial Technique for Perfect Carrot Fries
When cutting the carrots, aim for uniform thickness to ensure even cooking. This helps the carrot fries bake evenly, resulting in a consistent texture with crispy ends and tender centers.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Carrot Fries
Preheat the oven: Start preheating the oven while you prepare the carrots to save time.
Use baby carrots: Opt for baby carrots to skip the peeling and cutting steps.
Mix spices in advance: Pre-mix the cumin and paprika to streamline the seasoning process.
Line the baking sheet: Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to reduce cleanup time.
Make sauce ahead: Prepare the mayo, chipotle, and lime sauce in advance and store it in the fridge.
Substitute Ingredients For Easy Carrot Fries Recipe
carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a similar texture and sweetness when roasted, making them a great alternative to carrots.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil in roasting.
cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander provides a similar earthy and slightly citrusy flavor, which can complement the other spices in the recipe.
paprika - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder adds a bit of heat and a similar smoky flavor, making it a good substitute for paprika.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it an easy swap for kosher salt.
freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a slightly different flavor but can still provide the necessary heat and depth to the dish.
mayo - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt offers a creamy texture and tangy flavor, making it a healthier alternative to mayo.
chipotle - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika can provide a similar smoky flavor without the heat, or you can add a bit of cayenne pepper for spice.
lime - Substitute with lemon: Lemon juice provides a similar acidity and brightness, making it a good substitute for lime.
Best Way to Serve Carrot Fries
Serve smaller portion sizes: Cut the carrot fries into uniform, elegant sticks and arrange them in a small, neat pile on the plate to create a refined presentation.
Use decoration: Garnish the plate with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to add a pop of color and freshness.
Elegant dipping sauce presentation: Serve the chipotle mayo in a small, stylish ramekin or drizzle it artistically over the carrot fries for a sophisticated touch.
Add texture contrast: Sprinkle a few toasted sesame seeds or crushed nuts over the carrot fries to add a crunchy element and visual interest.
Use a high-quality plate: Choose a sleek, modern plate with a neutral color to let the vibrant orange of the carrot fries stand out and make the dish look more professional.
Incorporate microgreens: Add a small handful of microgreens on top of the carrot fries to enhance the visual appeal and add a touch of elegance.
Create height: Stack the carrot fries in a crisscross pattern to create height and dimension on the plate, making the dish look more dynamic and appealing.
Finish with a citrus zest: Grate a bit of lime zest over the carrot fries just before serving to add a burst of color and a hint of citrus aroma.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Carrot Fries
Oven: Preheat and bake the carrot fries to achieve a tender and crisp texture.
Peeler: Remove the outer skin of the carrots for a smoother texture.
Knife: Cut the carrots lengthwise into quarters for even cooking.
Cutting board: Provide a stable surface for cutting the carrots safely.
Mixing bowl: Toss the carrots with olive oil, cumin, and paprika to ensure even coating.
Baking sheet: Spread the carrots in an even layer for uniform baking.
Small bowl: Whisk together the mayo, chipotle, and lime juice to create the dipping sauce.
Whisk: Mix the mayo, chipotle, and lime juice thoroughly for a smooth sauce.
Measuring spoons: Measure out the olive oil, cumin, paprika, and chipotle accurately.
Measuring cup: Measure the mayo to ensure the correct amount for the sauce.
Tongs: Toss the carrots with the seasoning and olive oil for even distribution.
Serving plate: Present the carrot fries attractively with the dipping sauce.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Carrot Fries
- Let the carrot fries cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze the carrot fries, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about an hour, or until the fries are frozen solid.
- Once frozen, transfer the carrot fries to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Frozen carrot fries can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat the frozen carrot fries, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the frozen fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Note: There's no need to thaw the fries before reheating.
- For best results, consume the reheated carrot fries immediately, as they may become soggy if left to sit for too long.
How To Reheat Leftover Carrot Fries
To reheat leftover carrot fries, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they're heated through and crispy again. This method helps to restore their crunchiness and prevents them from becoming soggy.
Another option is to reheat the carrot fries in an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the fries in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they're hot and crispy. This method is quick and helps to maintain the fries' texture.
For a quick and easy reheat, you can also use a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the carrot fries and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes or until they're heated through and slightly crispy. This method adds a bit of extra flavor to the fries.
If you're in a hurry, you can reheat the carrot fries in the microwave, although this method may result in softer fries. Place the fries on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until they're heated through. To help maintain some crispiness, you can place a damp paper towel over the fries while microwaving.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure not to overcrowd the fries, as this can lead to uneven heating and soggy results. Reheat the fries in batches if necessary to ensure they heat through evenly and maintain their texture.
Interesting Fact About Carrot Fries
A random fact about this recipe is that carrot fries are a healthier alternative to traditional potato fries, offering a good source of vitamin A and beta-carotene.
Is Making Carrot Fries at Home Cost-Effective?
This easy carrot fries recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Carrots are generally inexpensive, and the other ingredients like olive oil, cumin, and paprika are common pantry staples. The chipotle mayo adds a gourmet touch without breaking the bank. Overall, this recipe scores an 8 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $5-$7 USD.
Are Carrot Fries Healthy or Unhealthy?
This carrot fries recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried french fries. Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, fiber, vitamin K1, potassium, and antioxidants. Baking the carrots instead of frying them reduces the calorie and fat content, making this recipe a more nutritious option.
However, there are a few aspects of this recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:
- The mayo-based dipping sauce contains saturated fat and may not be the most nutritious choice. Consider using a yogurt-based sauce instead, which would provide protein and probiotics.
- While olive oil is a healthy fat, the recipe could be further improved by reducing the amount used or substituting it with a cooking spray to minimize added calories.
- The recipe could benefit from the addition of more herbs and spices, such as garlic powder or rosemary, to enhance flavor without increasing calorie content.
To make this recipe even more nutritious, you could:
- Experiment with different root vegetables, such as parsnips or sweet potatoes, to vary the nutrient profile and add more fiber to the dish.
- Serve the carrot fries alongside a lean protein source, such as grilled chicken or fish, to create a balanced meal.
- Add a side salad or steamed vegetables to increase the overall vitamin and mineral content of the meal.
- Instead of a dipping sauce, try seasoning the carrot fries with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of herbs like parsley or cilantro for a bright, fresh flavor.
Editor's Opinion on This Carrot Fries Recipe
This easy carrot fries recipe is a delightful twist on traditional fries, offering a healthier yet equally satisfying alternative. The combination of cumin and paprika adds a warm, smoky flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the carrots. The chipotle mayo dipping sauce provides a zesty kick, enhancing the overall taste experience. Baking at 425 degrees ensures the carrots become tender with crispy edges, making them an irresistible snack or side dish. Simple to prepare and packed with flavor, this recipe is a fantastic addition to any meal.
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Why trust this Easy Carrot Fries Recipe:
This recipe for carrot fries is a must-try because it combines simplicity with bold flavors. The use of olive oil ensures a crispy texture, while cumin and paprika add a delightful spice. The chipotle mayo dipping sauce, with a hint of lime, perfectly complements the fries, making it a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it's a healthier alternative to traditional fries, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
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