Oven-Baked Carrot Fries
Oven-Baked Carrot Fries
Healthy and Delicious Carrot Fries Recipe for Kids and Adults
Did you know that carrots are better absorbed by our bodies when cooked with oil, rather than eaten raw? While carrots might seem limited in their uses beyond smoothies, carrot wraps, or stir-fries, this recipe transforms them into a delightful treat! We’re cutting this root vegetable into familiar fry shapes, tossing them with olive oil and savory seasonings, and baking them until perfectly crispy. These aren’t just fries; they’re a healthy snack or an elegant appetizer that pairs wonderfully with a homemade ranch dip. The exterior gets a slight crisp, while the inside remains tender and moist. Elevate your snack game with these delicious and nutritious carrot fries – perfect for both kids and special occasions!
Carrot Fries Ingredients- 300g fresh carrots
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika powder
- 1/2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 Tbsp finely grated Parmesan cheese
- Pinch of whole black pepper
- 1/2 tsp herb salt
- 2 Tbsp potato starch
Homemade Ranch Dressing Ingredients- 1 Tbsp cream cheese
- 1 Tbsp plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- Pinch of chopped parsley
- 1/3 tsp herb salt
- Pinch of minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp cream cheese
- 1 Tbsp plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- Pinch of chopped parsley
- 1/3 tsp herb salt
- Pinch of minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by thoroughly washing the carrots under running water. Peel them using a vegetable peeler, then cut them into sticks approximately 1 cm thick. Cutting them to a similar thickness as potato fries will ensure they bake evenly.
Step 2
In a large bowl, combine the 300g of cut carrot sticks. Add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika powder, 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or honey, and 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese. Season with a pinch of freshly ground black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon of herb salt. Gently toss everything with your hands to ensure the carrots are evenly coated with the seasoning.
Step 3
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the seasoned carrot sticks in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. This allows for even baking and crisping.
Step 4
Place the carrots in an oven or air fryer preheated to 175°C (350°F). Bake for approximately 20 minutes. You can flip them halfway through for more uniform browning. The carrots are ready when they are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 5
While the carrot fries are baking, let’s prepare the ranch dressing. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of cream cheese and 1 tablespoon of plain Greek yogurt. Stir in 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice, a pinch of chopped parsley, 1/3 teaspoon of herb salt, and a small pinch of minced garlic. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Step 6
Arrange the golden-brown carrot fries on a serving plate. They are delicious when dipped into the homemade ranch dressing!
Step 7
While delicious on their own, if you have Padano cheese or Grana Padano cheese, consider grating some over the baked carrot fries for an extra layer of flavor and sophistication.
Step 8
These carrot fries boast a slightly chewy exterior and a moist, tender interior. Dipping them into the creamy ranch sauce transforms them into a sophisticated appetizer, perfect for a wine pairing. They’re a fantastic option for a special treat or when you want to add a touch of elegance to your meal.
