1. Prepare the Carrots
- Cut Carrots: Peel the carrots and cut them into sticks or rounds, about 1/2 inch thick. Try to keep the pieces uniform for even cooking.
- Season Carrots: In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, cumin, paprika, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, black pepper, and salt. If using honey or maple syrup, add it to the bowl. Mix well.
- Toss Carrots: Add the carrot pieces to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the spice mixture.
2. Air Fry the Carrots
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Arrange Carrots: Place the seasoned carrots in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook: Air fry the carrots at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping. The carrots should be tender and slightly caramelized on the edges.
- Check for Doneness: Test a carrot piece with a fork to ensure it’s tender. If needed, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
3. Serve
- Garnish: Transfer the cooked carrots to a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve: Enjoy the Moroccan-spiced carrots warm as a flavorful side dish with your favorite main courses.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Moroccan-Spiced Carrots
- Uniform Sizing: Cut the carrots into uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can lead to uneven cooking.
- Adjust Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your taste. Add more or less of any spice to suit your preference.
Variations
- Different Vegetables: Try using the same spice mix with other vegetables like sweet potatoes, parsnips, or butternut squash.
- Add Nuts: For added texture, toss in some chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts during the last few minutes of cooking.
These Air Fryer Moroccan-Spiced Carrots are a delicious and healthy side dish that packs a punch of flavor. They’re perfect for adding a touch of exotic spice to your meals with minimal effort!