You can cook carrots and potatoes in an air fryer, and it’s honestly one of the easiest, tastiest side dishes you’ll ever make.
When you cook carrots and potatoes in the air fryer, you get crispy edges, tender insides, and a fraction of the oil you’d use in a skillet or deep fryer.
It’s a simple combo that works for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a last-minute potluck dish.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to cook carrots and potatoes in an air fryer, including prep, seasoning, timing, and tips for getting them perfectly done every single time.
Let’s dive in.
Why Cook Carrots and Potatoes in an Air Fryer
Cooking carrots and potatoes in an air fryer is a game-changer for anyone who wants fast, healthy, and delicious results.
Here’s why this method works so well.
1. It’s Faster Than the Oven
An air fryer circulates hot air at high speed, so carrots and potatoes cook way faster than in a traditional oven.
While oven-roasted veggies can take 35 to 45 minutes, cooking carrots and potatoes in an air fryer usually takes 18 to 25 minutes.
That’s a huge win on busy nights when you don’t want to wait around.
2. You Use Way Less Oil
When you cook carrots and potatoes in an air fryer, a single tablespoon of oil is often enough for a full batch.
The hot air does the crisping work, so you still get that golden, roasted texture without drenching everything in fat.
It’s a lighter way to enjoy roasted veggies without sacrificing flavor.
3. The Texture Is Incredible
Cooking carrots and potatoes in an air fryer gives you the best of both worlds: crispy outsides and fluffy, tender insides.
Potatoes turn golden brown while carrots get slightly caramelized and sweet.
It’s the kind of texture that makes people go back for seconds.
How to Cook Carrots and Potatoes in Air Fryer: Step-by-Step
Cooking carrots and potatoes in an air fryer is straightforward, but a few key steps make all the difference.
Follow this method for consistent, delicious results every time.
1. Prep the Carrots and Potatoes
Start by washing your potatoes and carrots thoroughly.
Peel the carrots if you like, though leaving the skin on adds extra texture and nutrients.
Cut the potatoes into 1-inch cubes and the carrots into 1-inch chunks so they cook evenly.
If your potato pieces are much bigger than your carrot pieces, the carrots will overcook before the potatoes are done.
2. Soak the Potatoes (Optional but Recommended)
If you want extra-crispy potatoes when you cook carrots and potatoes in an air fryer, soak the potato cubes in cold water for 15 to 20 minutes.
This removes excess starch that can make them gummy.
Just drain and pat them completely dry before seasoning.
3. Season Everything Well
In a large bowl, toss the carrots and potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
You can also add rosemary, thyme, or onion powder for extra flavor.
Make sure every piece gets coated so you don’t end up with bland bites.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheating your air fryer at 380°F (193°C) for 3 to 5 minutes helps the carrots and potatoes start crisping right away.
It’s a small step that makes a big difference in texture.
5. Arrange in a Single Layer
Place the seasoned carrots and potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Don’t overcrowd them, or they’ll steam instead of roast.
If you’re cooking a large batch, work in two rounds for the best results.
6. Cook and Shake
Cook carrots and potatoes in the air fryer at 380°F for 18 to 22 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Shaking ensures even browning on all sides.
Check for doneness by piercing a potato cube with a fork; it should slide in easily.
Tips for Perfect Carrots and Potatoes in the Air Fryer
Want to nail this dish every time?
Keep these tips in mind when you cook carrots and potatoes in an air fryer.
1. Cut Pieces the Same Size
Even sizing is the number one rule for cooking carrots and potatoes in an air fryer.
Uniform pieces cook at the same rate, so nothing turns out burnt or underdone.
2. Don’t Skip the Oil Entirely
A little oil helps seasonings stick and encourages browning when you cook carrots and potatoes in an air fryer.
One tablespoon is usually plenty for two cups of veggies.
3. Adjust Time for Smaller Batches
If you’re cooking a smaller batch of carrots and potatoes in an air fryer, reduce the time by 3 to 5 minutes.
Smaller batches cook faster because there’s more airflow around each piece.
4. Add Fresh Herbs at the End
Dried herbs can go in before cooking, but fresh parsley, dill, or cilantro should be added after.
That way they stay bright and fragrant instead of turning bitter.
5. Reheat Leftovers in the Air Fryer
Leftover carrots and potatoes reheat beautifully in the air fryer at 350°F for 4 to 5 minutes.
They come back crispy instead of soggy like they would in a microwave.
So, How Do You Cook Carrots and Potatoes in an Air Fryer?
You cook carrots and potatoes in an air fryer by cutting them into even pieces, tossing them with oil and seasonings, and air frying at 380°F for about 18 to 22 minutes, shaking halfway through.
It’s fast, easy, and delivers crispy, flavorful results every time.
Whether you’re making a quick side for dinner or meal-prepping for the week, cooking carrots and potatoes in an air fryer is a method worth mastering.
Give it a try tonight and see just how good simple veggies can taste.