How To Roast Carrots In The Oven

Roasting carrots in the oven is a simple and delicious way to highlight this humble vegetable’s natural sweetness and flavor.

With a crispy caramelized exterior and a tender, juicy interior, oven-roasted carrots are the perfect side dish for just about any meal! Plus, roasted carrots are easy and inexpensive to make.

Whether you’re new to cooking carrots or looking for a quick, healthy side dish, this roasted carrot recipe is a must-try.

Why You’ll Love Roasted Carrots

• Naturally sweet and tender: Roasting brings out the best flavors in carrots, making them tender and sweet with crispy, golden edges.
• Minimal (and healthy) ingredients: With only 4 simple ingredients, roasting carrots in the oven makes for a quick, no-fuss side dish. Carrots are loaded with fiber & vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, too, for an extra health boost.
• Perfect for any meal: This simple side pairs well with just about anything from roasted meats to grain bowls. And, they keep in the fridge for up to 4 days so you can make them ahead.
• Meal prep: Roasted carrots are easy to make and hold up their texture well as leftovers or meal prep.

Oven-Roasted Carrots Ingredients

• Whole carrots: Fresh, whole carrots are essential for this recipe. Choose firm, vibrant carrots for the best flavor. You can use orange carrots or grab a bunch of rainbow carrots for some extra color (they all taste similar!). Cut them into similar-sized pieces (we like 2-inch pieces) to ensure they roast evenly.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Olive oil adds richness and helps the carrots achieve that golden, crispy exterior. It also enhances the natural flavors of the carrots. Coating vegetables in oil (fat) raises the surface temperature of the veggie to help it brown and achieve that wonderful roasted flavor and texture. You can use any healthy cooking oil or fat. Avocado oil, ghee, or your favorite high-temp cooking fat works.
• Sea salt or Kosher salt: Salt helps to balance the natural sweet flavor of the carrots.
• Freshly ground back pepper: Ground pepper adds depth and a hint of heat. Always grind pepper fresh!

How To Roast Carrots In The Oven

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (to 218°C). Prepare a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking sheet.
2. Cut the carrots crosswise into 2-inch barrels. If large, cut in half lengthwise for even cooking.  Place in a bowl and toss with extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper, until evenly coated. 
3. Spread the coated carrots out evenly on the lined baking sheet and roast until golden and tender, 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the thickness. Try to not overlap any pieces so they can roast evenly.
4. Serve warm.

Air Fryer Roasted Carrots

You can also make this roasted carrots recipe in an air fryer or convection oven by cooking them at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking or stirring halfway through for even browning.

Tips & Variations

• Top with fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, dill, or parsley take roasted carrots to the next level.
  • For heartier herbs like thyme, rosemary, or tarragon, chop them up and add to the carrots before roasting them for an aromatic, earthy flavor.
  • For fresh green leafy herbs like parsley, cilantro, dill, or basil, sprinkle them on top of the roasted carrots after removing them from the oven, right before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
• Sweeten them up: Carrots naturally have a hint of sweetness, but if you want to enhance that flavor, try drizzling a little honey or maple syrup over them before roasting. It adds a subtle caramelization that’s absolutely delicious. Just be mindful that the sugar can make them brown a little faster, so keep an eye on them toward the end of the roasting time.
• Spice it up: If you’re into a little heat, sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or chili flakes before roasting. The contrast between the sweet, tender carrots and a little bit of spice is incredible. You could even add a dash of ground cumin or coriander for a warm, earthy note.
• Add a citrus boost: The acidity in a squeeze of fresh lemon or orange juice right after roasting brightens the flavors and balances the natural sweetness of the carrots. You can even add a little zest before roasting for a citrusy twist.
• Add a splash of vinegar: Vinegar is another acidic element that can boost the flavor of your roasted carrots. A drizzle of balsamic, apple cider, or red wine vinegar after roasting adds a tangy brightness that balances the natural sweetness of the carrots and deepens their flavor.
• Make it a meal: Roasted carrots pair well with just about anything. Serve them alongside roasted chicken, grilled fish like my easy roasted salmon, or even as part of a veggie grain bowl. They’re also great chopped up and tossed into a salad for a hearty, veggie-forward side.
• Meal prep magic: Roasted carrots keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store them in an airtight container and reheat in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispy texture. You can also enjoy them cold in a salad or grain bowl – they’re super versatile.

Storage

Store cooled roasted carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.

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