Air Fryer Carrot Tots Recipe
If you are on the hunt for a fun, crunchy snack that’s both colorful and packed with flavor, these Air Fryer Carrot Tots are about to become your new obsession. Imagine tender, sweet carrots combined with melty Mexican style cheese and just the right amount of seasoning, all crisped to perfection in your air fryer. These little bites offer a delightful twist on traditional tots, boasting vibrant orange hues and a satisfying crunch that will have you reaching for more. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, a side, or simply snack on them straight from the basket, Air Fryer Carrot Tots are a brilliant way to sprinkle some veggie goodness into your day without sacrificing any fun or flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crafting the perfect batch of Air Fryer Carrot Tots relies on a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a critical role, whether it’s adding moisture, structure, or that irresistible savory punch.
- Finely grated carrots (1 cup): The star of the show, providing natural sweetness and vibrant color while keeping these tots fresh and light.
- Mexican style cheese, finely shredded (⅓ cup): Melts beautifully and brings a creamy, slightly spicy flavor that complements the carrots perfectly.
- Panko breadcrumbs (¼ cup): Adds a crucial crispy texture and helps bind the mixture without making it heavy.
- Large egg (1): Acts as a natural binder, holding all the ingredients together for easy shaping and cooking.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Packed with subtle warmth and depth to elevate every bite.
- Dried minced onion (½ teaspoon): Offers a gentle onion aroma that deepens the savory notes without overpowering.
- Seasoned salt (¼ teaspoon): Ensures the tots are perfectly seasoned with a blend of spices that enhance the overall flavor.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Just a touch of peppery heat to round things out and balance the sweetness of the carrots.
How to Make Air Fryer Carrot Tots
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by brushing the air fryer rack lightly with olive oil to prevent any sticking. Then preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures the tots cook evenly and develop that perfect golden crisp on the outside.
Step 2: Prepare the Carrots
Grate your carrots finely to ensure the tots have the ideal texture. Once grated, squeeze out any excess juice with your hands or a clean kitchen towel—this keeps the mixture from becoming soggy and helps the tots hold together better during cooking.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Transfer your drained carrots to a medium bowl, then add the shredded cheese, panko breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, dried minced onion, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Stir gently until everything is just combined. The mixture will feel dry but that’s exactly the texture you want for shaping these tots.
Step 4: Shape the Tots
Using a 1.5-tablespoon scoop or a spoon, portion out the carrot mixture and roll each portion into a tight ball between your palms. This step is fun and hands-on—get ready for some satisfying rolling! Place each tot on the prepared air fryer rack, making sure to space them out slightly for even cooking.
Step 5: Air Fry to Crisp Perfection
Cook the tots in your preheated air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 to 8 minutes. Keep an eye out as they start turning golden and crisp on the outside—that’s your signal they’re ready. The cheese inside will be melty, and the outsides will have a delightful crunch.
How to Serve Air Fryer Carrot Tots
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of shredded cheese elevate the presentation and add an extra pop of flavor and color. A light drizzle of your favorite hot sauce or garlic aioli also pairs beautifully, adding a creamy contrast to those crunchy tots.
Side Dishes
Serve these tots alongside refreshing salads, creamy dips, or hearty sandwiches for a well-rounded meal. They’re especially wonderful with a tangy yogurt dip or a classic ketchup to keep everyone happy at the table.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by turning the Air Fryer Carrot Tots into bite-sized sliders or mixing them into a veggie platter for a festive party snack. You could even sprinkle sesame seeds on top before air frying for an extra crunch and nutty flavor that surprises and delights guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Air Fryer Carrot Tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, making for a convenient snack or side ready-to-go whenever you need a quick bite.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these tots in advance, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy crunchy, fresh-tasting carrot tots weeks later by air frying straight from the freezer.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat Air Fryer Carrot Tots in your air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 3 to 4 minutes. This will bring back their crunchy exterior and delicious warmth without getting soggy like microwave reheating might.
FAQs
Can I make Air Fryer Carrot Tots without cheese?
Absolutely! While the cheese adds wonderful flavor and helps bind the tots, you can omit it and increase the breadcrumbs slightly or add a little extra seasoning to maintain texture and taste.
What other vegetables can I use to make similar tots?
Many root vegetables like zucchini, sweet potatoes, or parsnips work wonderfully in place of carrots. Just make sure to grate and squeeze out excess moisture for the best results.
How crispy do Air Fryer Carrot Tots get compared to traditional frying?
Air frying creates a very crisp exterior similar to deep frying but with far less oil and mess, making these tots crunchy and satisfying while still being healthier.
Can I bake Air Fryer Carrot Tots instead?
Yes, you can bake them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 to 20 minutes, turning halfway through to achieve a crispy finish. However, the air fryer tends to produce a superior crunch faster.
Are Air Fryer Carrot Tots kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids often love the fun size and crunchy texture, plus sneaking extra veggies into their meals never hurts. Serve with favorite dips to make snack time even more appealing.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and delightful about Air Fryer Carrot Tots—their golden crunch and savory warmth just invite smiles all around. These tots are a fantastic way to turn simple, healthy ingredients into a snack or side that feels special and satisfying. I can’t wait for you to try them and discover just how easy and delicious Air Fryer Carrot Tots can be. Trust me, they’ll become a favorite you’ll want to make again and again!
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Air Fryer Carrot Tots Recipe
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 15–18 tots 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and crispy Air Fryer Carrot Tots made with finely grated carrots, shredded cheese, and breadcrumbs, seasoned with garlic and onion powder. These healthy, bite-sized snacks are easy to prepare and perfect as a snack or appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Carrot Tots
- 1 cup finely grated carrots
- ⅓ cup finely shredded Mexican style cheese
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried minced onion
- ¼ teaspoon seasoned salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Other
- Olive oil for brushing air fryer rack
Instructions
- Prepare the Air Fryer: Brush the air fryer rack with olive oil to prevent sticking. Preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically around 375°F.
- Prepare Carrots: Finely grate one cup of carrots, then squeeze out the excess juice to avoid sogginess. Place the grated, drained carrots into a medium-sized bowl.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the shredded Mexican style cheese, panko breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, dried minced onion, seasoned salt, and black pepper to the bowl with carrots. Stir gently until just combined. The mixture will be dry but that’s the desired consistency.
- Form Tots: Using a 1.5 tablespoon scoop, scoop out the carrot mixture and roll each portion into a ball. Place the formed tots evenly spaced on the oiled air fryer rack.
- Air Fry Tots: Cook the carrot tots in the air fryer at 375°F for 6-8 minutes, or until the outside is crispy and golden brown. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce if desired.
Notes
- Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the grated carrots to ensure the tots get crispy.
- If you don’t have Mexican style cheese, use a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella.
- Panko breadcrumbs help achieve a crispier texture; regular breadcrumbs can be used but may result in softer tots.
- Serve with a dipping sauce like ranch, spicy mayo, or ketchup for extra flavor.
- These tots are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer for maximum crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 tots (approx. 75g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: air fryer carrot tots, carrot snacks, healthy tots, vegetable tots, air fryer snacks, crispy carrot bites
