Carrot Fries

Carrot fries are one of those recipes that, once you try them, you’ll regret not having discovered them sooner. It’s a simple yet delightful dish consisting of air-fried carrot sticks that mimic the taste and texture of traditional French fries, if not surpassing them.

Paired with a delicious yogurt and sugar-free ketchup sauce, they become irresistible, making it impossible to stop until the plate is empty. Seasoned with garlic powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes, along with a tablespoon of cornstarch for added crispiness, these carrot fries are Weight Watchers-friendly, containing just 1 point.

Why you should try Carrot Fries:

1.  Recapturing the Experience: Often, when we crave a certain food, it’s not just about the taste but the entire experience. There’s something satisfying about picking up a fry and savoring it while chatting or watching TV. These carrot fries bring back that delightful experience with 1 point, making them an excellent choice for guilt-free indulgence.

2.  Versatility: Just like traditional potato fries, carrot fries are incredibly versatile. Whether you’re watching a sports game on TV or enjoying a more sophisticated meal, they serve as the perfect accompaniment. They’re suitable for any occasion, adding a touch of deliciousness to any meal.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Servings: 4

1 WW Point Per Serving

Ingredients:

• 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into thin sticks, 300 g.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (10 g)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
• Cooking spray or oil for greasing the air fryer basket

For the Sauce:

• ½ cup plain non-fat yogurt, Greek (120 g)
• ¼ cup sugar-free ketchup (60 ml)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.

2. In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes (if using). Mix well.

3. Add the carrot sticks to the bowl with the seasoning mixture. Toss until the carrots are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.

4. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil.

5. Arrange the seasoned carrot sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overcrowded.

6. Cook the carrot sticks in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. The carrot fries should be golden brown and crispy when done.

7. While the carrot fries are cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the plain non-fat yogurt and sugar-free ketchup until well combined. Adjust the consistency by adding more yogurt or ketchup as desired.

8. Once the carrot fries are done cooking, remove them from the air fryer basket and transfer them to a serving plate.

9. Serve the hot carrot fries with the yogurt-ketchup sauce on the side for dipping.

Variations and Substitutions:

1.  Alternative Coating: Some bloggers suggest using cornmeal instead of cornstarch for coating the carrot fries. I tried a second batch using cornmeal out of curiosity, and they turned out even crispier.

2.  Sauce Options: While I recommend pairing them with a yogurt-based ketchup sauce, you can get creative with your dip options. Try combining mustard with a hint of honey and vinegar, or mix in some Sriracha for a spicy kick. There are countless healthy dip options to explore.

3.  Seasoning Choices: Experiment with different seasonings for your carrot fries. Whether it’s oregano, onion powder, or any other seasoning of your choice, let your creativity run wild and season them according to your taste preferences.

Tips and Tricks for Making Carrot Fries:

1.  Batch Cooking: The key tip for making perfect carrot fries in the air fryer is to cook them in batches, ensuring they’re evenly cooked and crispy.

2.  Rotate During Cooking: After 10 minutes of cooking, flip the carrot fries to ensure even browning and crispiness.

3.  Serve Immediately: Enjoy your carrot fries while they’re still hot and crispy for the best texture and flavor.

By following these tips and experimenting with different variations, you’ll be able to create delicious carrot fries that are sure to impress.

WW Points

Carrots 0 points
Cornstarch 1 point
Ground cumin 0 points
Smoked paprika 0 points
Garlic powder 0 points
Table salt 0 points
Black pepper 0 points
Souplantation & Sweet 0 points
Tomatoes Red Chili Flakes (hot bar condiment) 0 points
Trader Joe’s Avocado oil spray 0 points
Plain fat free Greek yogurt 0 points
Unsweetened ketchup 1 point