Your Cool Home is supported by its readers. Please assume all links are affiliate links. If you purchase something from one of our links, we make a small commission from Amazon. Thank you!
You can cook carrots and potatoes in an air fryer easily, and the result is a crispy, golden side dish that tastes like it came out of a fancy oven.
When you cook carrots and potatoes in an air fryer, the hot circulating air roasts them evenly, giving you tender insides and crunchy edges with barely any oil.
If you’ve been wondering how to cook carrots and potatoes in an air fryer without turning them into a mushy mess, you’re in the right place.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to cook carrots and potatoes in an air fryer, from prepping and seasoning to choosing the right temperature and time.
Let’s get roasting.
How to Cook Carrots and Potatoes in Air Fryer
To cook carrots and potatoes in an air fryer, you need two simple things: chopped veggies and a hot air fryer.
The method is forgiving, but a few key steps make the difference between bland and amazing.
Here’s how to cook carrots and potatoes in an air fryer step by step.
1. Cut Them Into Similar-Sized Pieces
When you cook carrots and potatoes in an air fryer, size matters more than you think.
Cut carrots into sticks or coins about 1/2 inch thick.
Cut potatoes into cubes roughly the same size, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch.
This way, the carrots and potatoes cook at the same rate in the air fryer.
If your potato cubes are bigger than your carrot coins, the carrots will burn before the potatoes soften.
Uneven pieces are the number one reason people struggle with how to cook carrots and potatoes in an air fryer.
2. Soak the Potatoes (Optional but Helpful)
If you want extra crispy potatoes when you cook carrots and potatoes in an air fryer, soak the potato cubes in cold water for 10 to 15 minutes.
This removes excess starch that can make them gummy.
Carrots don’t need soaking when you cook carrots and potatoes in an air fryer.
Just drain the potatoes and pat everything dry with a clean towel.
Dry veggies = crispy results.
Wet veggies = steamed, sad results.
3. Toss With Oil and Seasonings
To cook carrots and potatoes in an air fryer, drizzle about one tablespoon of olive oil or avocado oil over the veggies.
Toss until every piece is lightly coated.
Then season generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
You can also add dried rosemary, thyme, or onion powder when you cook carrots and potatoes in an air fryer.
A pinch of cayenne adds a nice kick if you like heat.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheating helps when you cook carrots and potatoes in an air fryer because it jump-starts the roasting process.
Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and let it run for 3 to 5 minutes.
If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat setting, just run it empty for a few minutes.
This simple step makes a big difference in how to cook carrots and potatoes in an air fryer with crispy edges.
5. Arrange in a Single Layer
When you cook carrots and potatoes in an air fryer, never overcrowd the basket.
Spread the carrots and potatoes in a single layer with a little space between pieces.
If they’re piled up, they’ll steam instead of roast.
Cook in batches if you have a small air fryer.
Trust me, the extra few minutes are worth it when you cook carrots and potatoes in an air fryer.
6. Cook at the Right Temperature and Time
The sweet spot to cook carrots and potatoes in an air fryer is 380°F (193°C) for 20 to 25 minutes.
Shake the basket halfway through so everything browns evenly.
If your pieces are small, check at 18 minutes.
If they’re larger, you might need 28 to 30 minutes.
The exact time depends on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on them the first time you cook carrots and potatoes in an air fryer.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Carrots and Potatoes
Want to nail how to cook carrots and potatoes in an air fryer every single time?
Here are a few pro tips that make a real difference.
1. Add Carrots Later if They’re Thin
Potatoes take longer to cook than carrots when you cook carrots and potatoes in an air fryer.
If your carrots are on the thin side, add them 5 minutes after the potatoes start cooking.
This keeps them from turning into shriveled little sticks.
2. Don’t Skip the Shake
Shaking the basket halfway through is key when you cook carrots and potatoes in an air fryer.
It prevents sticking and helps every piece get that beautiful golden crust.
Set a timer so you don’t forget.
3. Finish With Fresh Herbs or Parmesan
Once you cook carrots and potatoes in an air fryer, sprinkle fresh parsley, dill, or grated parmesan on top.
A squeeze of lemon juice brightens everything up.
These little touches take your air fryer carrots and potatoes from good to unforgettable.
So, How to Cook Carrots and Potatoes in Air Fryer?
To cook carrots and potatoes in an air fryer, chop them evenly, toss with oil and seasonings, and roast at 380°F for 20 to 25 minutes, shaking halfway.
The air fryer gives you roasted carrots and potatoes with crispy outsides and tender insides using way less oil than a traditional oven.
Whether you’re making a quick weeknight side or a holiday dish, knowing how to cook carrots and potatoes in an air fryer is a skill worth having.
So grab your veggies, fire up that air fryer, and enjoy a batch of perfectly roasted carrots and potatoes tonight.