When you’re in the mood for french fries, reach for Carrot Fries instead! Not only do they taste better, but they are lower in carbs than potatoes!
Baked Carrot Fries are a perfect side dish to your main meal and great if you’re trying to lose weight while eating low carb.
I have featured this recipe in several of my 17 Day Diet Cycle 1 Challenges and they were always a huge hit, so I thought I’d publish the recipe on this blog to share them with the world!
Carrots have a wonderful natural sweetness to them and when you bake them, they taste even better!
This recipe is so very easy to make, that you’ll start making them without the recipe!
Plus, if you have little kids who don’t like vegetables, these baked crispy fries will make eating veggies more fun for them!
How to Make Crispy Carrot Fries
I love my veggies roasted! They have such a nutty flavor to them and make eating vegetables more enjoyable!
If you want your carrot fries to be extra crispy, make sure you cut them thinner prior to baking.
The thinner, the crispier they will be. If you cut them thicker, they will still get crispy edges, but they won’t be crispy on the inside.
Baked Carrot Fries
You’ll preheat your oven to 425 degrees F so it’s nice and hot and ready for your carrots.
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange your seasoned and oiled sliced carrots in a single layer (use two baking sheets if you don’t have enough room).
Bake at 425 for 20 to 25 minutes tossing half way through the bake time.
If you cut your carrots on the thinner side, they will likely done sooner, so keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
Once they are finished baking, sprinkle them with a little sea salt!
Carrot Fries Air Fryer
If you prefer to use your air fryer for carrot fries, especially during the warmer months, then you’re in luck! The air fryer is an easy and quick way to roast up your veggies!
Here are the steps to air fry:
- Preheat the air fryer at 400 degrees F for 3 minutes.
- Add carrot fries to the basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for 10 minutes, gently tossing half way through.
- If your fries are ready then, you’re finished! If needed, air fry a few minutes longer to crisp up!
- If you air fry in batches, keep your conventional oven on 200 degrees F so you may keep the first batch warm while the other batches are air frying. It’s best to put them in a single layer in the oven so they stay crispy!
All air fryers are different in terms of power (wattage), so a rule of thumb when you’re trying a recipe for the first time is to check the progress every few minutes (after tossing) to make sure you don’t burn your carrot fries!
Carrot Fries Ingredients
This particular recipe is fairy simple. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
- Carrots
- Paprika
- Onion powder
- Garlic Powder
- Olive Oil
- Sea Salt (I like this Maldon Flaky Sea Salt from England to sprinkle over my carrot fries)
Carrot Fries Flavors
If you like to experiment with different carrot fries flavors, here are a few ideas:
Mexican-inspired – use a combo of chili powder, cumin and oregano.
Italian-inspired – use a sprinkle of Italian Seasoning or a combo of oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary and marjoram.
Chipotle – use a chipotle seasoning for a little smoky flavor! I like use this no-salt added chipotle seasoning.
Asian-inspired – a sprinkle of ginger powder and/or cinnamon would give the sweet carrots a little warmth.
Carrot Fries Dipping Sauce
If you like to dip your carrot fries in a sauce, here are a few ideas:
- Sriracha Mayo
- Honey Mustard
- Ranch Dip (see recipe below for this)
- BBQ sauce (no sugar added)
Homemade Ranch Dressing
This carrot fries recipe features a homemade ranch dressing that is both mayo-free and buttermilk-free so it’s 100% compliant with the 17 Day Diet.
It does call for two dairy products – Greek yogurt and sour cream.
Along with a few herbs and fresh lemon juice, your healthier and lighter version of a Homemade Ranch Dressing will be a great dipping sauce for your crispy carrot fries.
Carrot Fries for the 17 Day Diet
If you happen to be on the 17 Day Diet and you’re craving low carb carrot fries, you’re in the right place!
This Carrot Fries recipe can be eaten on all cycles of the 17 Day Diet.
The only thing to watch for is the sauce you use. If you use the Ranch Dip in this recipe, you’ll be good to go!
If you’re not sure which foods are allowed when, make sure you head on over to my 17 Day Diet Cycle 1 Food List.
You can also check out my book on Amazon called Fast Track Your Weight Loss With the 17 Day Diet which has all the food lists (and a 7 day meal plan, too!).
Can I have Carrot Fries on the Kickstart Diet?
If you want to feast on these yummy baked carrot fries on the 17 Day Kickstart Diet, you can definitely enjoy them on all phases.
The Ranch Dipping Sauce will need to wait until the 10-Day Stabilize Phase when certain dairy is allowed.
If you’re new to the Kickstart Diet and not sure which foods are allowed in each phase, take a look at my 17 Day Kickstart Diet Food List for all the details!
Carrot Fries Keto
Carrots are a little higher in carbohydrates than their leafy green counterparts. Depending on your macros, you will likely be able to fit a smaller amount of carrots into your day.
While these yummy carrot fries can be eaten on a Keto Diet, you may need to keep your portion small.
A cup of carrots contains roughly 9 net grams of carbs, so adjust your day’s meals accordingly.
If you’re new to keto, make sure you check out my Keto Diet Beginner’s Guide.
Are you unsure of which foods are keto friendly? Make sure you check out my Keto Diet Food List.
What to Serve with Carrot Fries
You can serve these carrot fries with most burger patties, meatballs or kebabs and they are the perfect addition to any Summer BBQ recipe. Here are a few ideas:
- Chicken Feta Spinach Patties
- Buffalo Chicken Meatballs With Roasted Cabbage and Blue Cheese Dressing
- Low Carb Turkey Meatballs with Marinara Sauce
- Greek Turkey Meatballs with Yogurt Tzatziki Sauce
- Bang Bang Chicken Kebabs
- Grilled Pesto Chicken and Tomato Kebabs
- Chicken or Beef Skewers (Shish Kabobs)
- Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Yogurt Sauce
Other Carrot Recipes
If you’re a fan of carrots and want more side dishes to try out, give these a shot:
Other Low Carb Side Dish Recipes
Here are a few more ideas for side dishes that are low carb to help with your weight loss while still keeping dinner time fun and yummy!
- Roasted Acorn Squash
- Zucchini Fries with Ranch Dressing
- Italian Roasted Vegetables
- Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Faux Fried Rice (Riced Cauliflower)
- Spicy Lime Cauliflower Steaks
- Peach Caprese Salad
- Mock Mashed Potatoes (Cauliflower)
- Sautéed Green Beans with Crimini Mushrooms
If you make these yummy crispy carrot fries, please come back and review the recipe card below.
If you happen to be on social media, make sure you tag me @17ddblog so I can see your pretty carrot fries!
Carrot Fries With Ranch Dressing
These crispy carrot fries can be baked in your oven or air fryer and will definitely be enjoyed with the healthy homemade Ranch Dressing!
Ingredients
- 6-8 large carrots, sliced into sticks (cut in half, then slice 3-4 times lengthwise)
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Homemade Ranch Dressing
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 ½ teaspoons chopped fresh dill (or ½ teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 ½ teaspoons chopped fresh parsley (or ½ teaspoon dried parsley)
- 1 ½ teaspoons chopped fresh chives (or ½ teaspoon dried chives)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ teaspoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet pan with parchment paper or foil.
- Prepare your carrots and make sure they are dry.
- Place carrots onto a baking sheet pan and add all remaining ingredients and toss to coat.
- Spread them out in a single layer (use two baking sheet pans if necessary) and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, turning half way.
- When finished baking, lightly sprinkle salt (and/or pepper) over the top.
- Serve with homemade Ranch Dressing for dipping.
- Preheat the air fryer at 400 degrees F for 3 minutes.
- Add carrot fries to the basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for 10 minutes, gently tossing half way through.
- If your fries are ready then, you’re finished! If needed, air fry a few minutes longer to crisp up!
- If you air fry in batches, keep your conventional oven on 200 degrees F so you may keep the first batch warm while the other batches are air frying. It's best to put them in a single layer in the oven so they stay crispy!
- Season with salt (and/or pepper) over the top.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt and sour cream and stir until smooth.
- Add the chopped dill, parsley, and chives, along with the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add the lemon juice and stir again until everything is well mixed.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If the dressing is too thick, you can thin it out with a little bit of water.
Air Fryer Instructions:
All air fryers are different in terms of power (wattage), so a rule of thumb when you're trying a recipe for the first time is to check the progress every few minutes (after tossing) to make sure you don't burn your carrot fries!
Homemade Ranch Dressing Instructions:
Notes
Approved for:
17 Day Diet Diet - all cycles
17 Day Kickstart Diet - all phases (wait until 10-Day Stabilize Phase to use ranch dressing)
Keto Diet - depending on your own macros, your portion size should be no larger than 1 cup.
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I’ve been loving the 17 Day Diet since 2011. I love sharing my favorite healthy recipes and meal plans to keep you motivated and on the right path to success!
When I’m not hanging out here, I enjoy quick trips to the Oregon Coast, designing my jewelry line, being a proud Swiftie, and tinkering with my personal Youtube Channel!
Are you new to the 17 Day Diet? Check out my latest book, Fast Track Your Weight Loss With The 17 Day Diet on Amazon! (aff link)