Crispy, flavorful bacon is hard to resist, but traditional pork bacon isn’t exactly the healthiest. If you’re looking for a delicious plant-based alternative that’s vegan, low in calories, and packed with nutrients, this easy air fryer carrot bacon recipe is for you!
This innovative carrot bacon is coated in a mouthwatering smoky, sweet and savory marinade that infuses the vegetable strips with an uncanny bacon essence. A quick spin in the air fryer transforms the carrots into irresistibly crispy, bacon-esque bites brimming with spice and maple-kissed savoriness.
Whip up this simple yet scrumptious recipe in just 20 minutes for a healthy take on bacon that will leave you feeling good. Whether enjoyed on its own as a snack or incorporated into sandwiches, burgers and more, this carrot bacon is sure to satisfy.
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Healthy: This carrot bacon strips recipe is a great alternative to traditional bacon as it is vegan-friendly and made from carrots. It’s a healthy option that is low in calories and high in nutrients, making it perfect for anyone who wants to eat healthy while still enjoying delicious food.
Easy And Quick to Make: This recipe is incredibly easy and quick to make, which is great for busy weeknights when you want to prepare a healthy meal quickly. You only need a few ingredients and an air fryer to create a delicious side dish or appetizer.
Crispy and Full of Flavor: The marinade used in this recipe is a blend of soy sauce and seasonings that gives the carrots a bacon-like flavor. The air fryer method also makes the carrot strips crispy and delicious, making them a perfect snack or side dish.
✨ Recipe Ingredients
For this carrot bacon air fryer recipe you will need these ingredients:
- 2 Carrots (medium-sized)
- 2 1/2 tablespoon Soy Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Natural Maple Syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon Paprika (I used smoked paprika)
- 1/3 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (finely ground)
- Cooking Spray
👨🍳 How To Make
Easily make the perfect air fryer carrot bacon! Follow these simple instructions:
Step 1
Start by preheating the air fryer to 400F (200C) and spraying the basket with cooking oil.
Add the soy sauce, maple syrup, and all the spices to a small mixing bowl. Mix and combine to make the marinade.
Step 2
Using a vegetable peeler to cut the carrots into long and thin strips. A mandolin can be used instead, but I recommend using a vegetable peeler.
Step 3
Put the carrot strips into the marinade and mix well. Let them absorb the liquid for about 20 minutes.
Step 4
Place the carrot strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, then flip them over and cook for 2-3 more minutes. They should become crispy.
Let them cool for 10 minutes, and then serve. That’s it! Enjoy this tasty air fryer carrot bacon!
💡Tips
1. Smoked Paprika
For this carrot bacon air fryer recipe you can use regular paprika, but I highly recommend using smoked paprika instead.
It adds a special smokey flavor that pairs perfectly with the carrots. I use smoked paprika in so many of my air fryer recipes. It’s my secret ingredient for turning regular dishes into something extraordinary.
If you use smoked paprika as much as I do, you can buy it in bulk, which is much cheaper.
2. Cut Uniform Carrot Strips
Use a sharp vegetable peeler to cut long, thin strips of carrot for even cooking. Consistent sizes prevent some pieces from burning while others are underdone.
3. Fry in a Single Layer, Flipping Once
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Too many carrot strips prevents proper air circulation for crisping and leads to uneven cooking.
Cook in a single layer, flipping halfway through. This allows both sides to brown evenly so no spot is left limp or underdone.
4. Let Carrot Bacon Cool Completely Before Serving
It’s tempting to devour the carrot bacon straight out of the air fryer but allowing it to cool down first is key. As it cools, the crisp texture sets.
Display patience and let the carrot bacon cool for at least 10 minutes before enjoying. The taste and texture will be so worth it!
Variations
1. Teriyaki Carrot Bacon– Substitute the soy sauce for teriyaki sauce in the marinade to give the carrot bacon a sweet and salty glaze. Sprinkle with some toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch and flavor. The teriyaki sauce pairs deliciously with the maple syrup.
2. Southwest Carrot Bacon- Swap the paprika for chili powder and cumin in the spice mix. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like things spicy. The smoky, mildly spicy flavor is reminiscent of bacon that goes perfectly on tacos, burgers, or eggs. Garnish with chopped cilantro.
3. Garlic Lovers’ Edition– Double the garlic powder and add 1 teaspoon of minced fresh garlic to the marinade. This version is for those who can’t get enough of garlic’s bold flavor.
4. Everything Bagel Carrot Bacon- Mix onion powder, garlic powder, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, and coarse sea salt into the soy sauce for an everything bagel seasoning flavor profile. This creation makes a perfect crunchy topping for avocado toast, salads, pasta, or grain bowls.
Storage
Store the cooked carrot bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cooked carrot bacon for up to 3 months.
To freeze, allow the cooked carrot bacon to cool completely, then place in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 2 hours. Transfer the frozen carrot bacon pieces to an airtight freezer bag or container.
Thaw frozen carrot bacon overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. To reheat, place the carrot bacon pieces on a baking sheet and bake at 400F for a few minutes until hot and crispy again.
You’ll Love These Recipes Too
If you liked my carrot bacon air fryer recipe, make sure to check out these easy air fryer recipes as well:
All of these recipes are super easy and taste delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do I need to let the carrots marinate for 20 minutes? Can I marinate them longer?
The 20-minute marination allows the carrots to absorb the flavors, enhancing the bacon-like taste. Marinating for a longer period, up to an hour, can intensify the flavors but may also make the carrots too soft.
2. Can I make carrot bacon slices thicker or thinner?
Yes, adjust the thickness to your personal preference when slicing the carrots. Thicker slices will be more like bacon strips. Thinner slices will get crispier faster.
3. What can I use instead of maple syrup?
You can substitute maple syrup with other liquid sweeteners like agave nectar, honey, brown sugar dissolved in water, or simple syrup. The maple syrup provides sweetness and helps the spices stick to the carrots.
4. What are some serving ideas for the carrot bacon?
There’s so many ways to enjoy this veggie bacon! Add it to sandwiches, burgers, tacos, salads, pasta, or enjoy as a crispy snack on its own. Get creative with the seasonings too.
This easy air fryer carrot bacon recipe puts a healthy, plant-based twist on a classic dish. Crispy, smokey, and full of flavor, these veggie bacon strips satisfy cravings and nourish your body. Whip up a batch for snacking, salads, sandwiches, pastas, and more in just 20 minutes.
I hope you’ll give this innovative carrot bacon a try. With countless ways to customize the flavor to your taste, the possibilities are endlessly appealing. If you have any other questions about the recipe or preparation, feel free to ask in the comments!
Air Fryer Carrot Bacon
- 2 Carrots (medium-sized)
- 2 1/2 tablespoon Soy Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Natural Maple Syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon Paprika (I used smoked paprika)
- 1/3 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (finely ground)
- Cooking Spray
- Preheat the air fryer to 400F (200C) and spray the basket with cooking oil.Add the soy sauce, maple syrup, and all the spices to a small mixing bowl. Mix and combine to make the marinade.
- Using a vegetable peeler to cut the carrots into long and thin strips. A mandolin can be used instead, but I recommend using a vegetable peeler.
- Put the carrot strips into the marinade and mix well. Let them absorb the liquid for about 20 minutes.
- Place the carrot strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, then flip them over and cook for 2-3 more minutes. They should become crispy.Let them cool for 10 minutes, and then serve. That’s it! Enjoy!