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How to Roast Potatoes and Carrots in an Air Fryer
To roast potatoes and carrots in an air fryer, toss them with oil and seasonings, then cook at 400°F for about 20–25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
It really is that simple, and the results are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside every single time.
If you’ve been wondering how to roast potatoes and carrots in an air fryer without turning them into a soggy mess, you’re in the right place.
This method works for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a quick side dish that tastes like you spent way more effort than you did.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to roast potatoes and carrots in the air fryer, from prepping the veggies to seasoning them right and avoiding the common mistakes that ruin the texture.
Let’s get cooking.
Why Roasting Potatoes and Carrots in an Air Fryer Works So Well
Roasting potatoes and carrots in an air fryer works so well because the circulating hot air mimics a convection oven, giving you even browning with far less oil.
Here’s why this method deserves a spot in your rotation:
1. The Air Fryer Creates Serious Crisp
The powerful fan inside an air fryer moves hot air around the food constantly, which dries the surface of the potatoes and carrots and creates that golden crust you want.
That’s why roasted potatoes and carrots come out with crispy edges instead of steaming in their own moisture.
2. You Use Way Less Oil
When you roast potatoes and carrots in an air fryer, a single tablespoon of oil is often enough for the whole batch.
Compare that to oven roasting, where you typically need two or three times as much.
Less oil means lighter results without sacrificing flavor.
3. It’s Faster Than the Oven
An air fryer preheats in minutes and cooks roasted potatoes and carrots in roughly half the time of a traditional oven.
You’ll have a hot, delicious side dish on the table in under 30 minutes.
How to Prep Potatoes and Carrots for Air Fryer Roasting
Good prep is the difference between mediocre and amazing roasted potatoes and carrots, so let’s cover the basics.
1. Cut Them Into Even Pieces
Cut your potatoes into roughly 1-inch chunks and your carrots into similar-sized coins or sticks.
Even sizing matters because if you roast potatoes and carrots in uneven pieces, the small ones burn before the big ones are done.
2. Dry Them Thoroughly
Pat the potatoes and carrots dry with a paper towel before adding oil.
Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so this step is non-negotiable when you roast potatoes and carrots in an air fryer.
3. Toss With Oil and Seasonings
Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Toss everything until the potatoes and carrots are evenly coated so every piece roasts to golden perfection.
How Long to Roast Potatoes and Carrots in an Air Fryer
The sweet spot for roasting potatoes and carrots in an air fryer is 400°F for 20–25 minutes, depending on how big you cut them.
1. Preheat and Arrange in a Single Layer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 3 minutes.
Then arrange the potatoes and carrots in a single layer in the basket.
Don’t overcrowd them, or they’ll steam instead of roast.
2. Shake the Basket Halfway Through
Around the 10–12 minute mark, pull out the basket and give it a good shake.
This helps the potatoes and carrots brown evenly on all sides.
3. Check for Doneness
Pierce a potato with a fork; if it slides in easily, they’re done.
For extra crispy roasted potatoes and carrots, add 2–3 more minutes.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes and Carrots
Here are a few extra pointers to keep in mind when you roast potatoes and carrots in an air fryer:
1. Don’t Skip the Shake
Shaking the basket is what ensures every piece of your roasted potatoes and carrots gets that crispy exterior.
2. Work in Batches for Big Families
If you’re feeding a crowd, roast potatoes and carrots in two batches rather than stuffing the basket.
Crowding is the number one reason air fryer veggies turn out soft and pale.
3. Add Fresh Herbs at the End
Sprinkle chopped rosemary or parsley over the potatoes and carrots right after cooking.
The residual heat releases the aroma without burning the herbs.
So, How Do You Roast Potatoes and Carrots in an Air Fryer?
You roast potatoes and carrots in an air fryer by cutting them into even pieces, drying them well, tossing with oil and seasonings, and cooking at 400°F for 20–25 minutes with a shake halfway through.
The air fryer gives you crispy, golden roasted potatoes and carrots with minimal oil and cleanup.
Follow the prep steps and timing above, and you’ll have a reliable side dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Happy roasting.