Quick and Easy Air Fryer Carrot Bacon Recipe

Air fryer Carrot bacon is one of my tastiest/healthiest recipes. Glazed with maple syrup and brown sugar, then placed in the oven for that crispy texture. The carrot slices cut into thin strips really remind me of the real thing! Crispy carrot bacon is made with large carrots and some brown sugar! This is one easy vegan bacon recipe. Let me show you the perfect way to cook this delicious vegan bacon!

What Is Carrot Bacon?

Air fryer carrot bacon is a healthier alternative to regular bacon. It’s made with simple ingredients such as olive oil, maple syrup, and a little bit of garlic powder, onion powder, and a small amount of sesame oil. All of these ingredients are optional. This easy recipe is can be the main dish or a great side dish. These healthy carrots are then cut into a thin layer and placed on a piece of parchment paper to go in the oven or air fryer carrot bacon. Pair this with baked chicken.

Ingredients For Air Fryer Carrot Bacon

Carrots- I used large carrots. Try to stay away from the baby carrots as they will not be able to be appropriately cut into thin slices.

Maple Syrup- The syrup is used as a glaze to help give you real bacon flavor.

Seasonings- Salt, garlic powder, and a small amount of smoked paprika. This will give you all of the necessary flavors to add on your vegan burger!

Olive Oil- The oil is used to help bind all of the ingredients in this delicious carrot bacon recipe.

Brown Sugar- I only placed brown sugar on the smaller pieces of this carrot bacon. You can use as much as you would like. It’s your preference.

How To Make Carrot Bacon?

Wash and dry your carrots thoroughly. Use a vegetable peeler to cut your carrots into thin pieces. Place on a wire rack/ cooling rack and sit to the side.

In a small bowl, add maple syrup, brown sugar, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and oil. Mix well.

Lather the mixture over the carrots strips. Place carrots back onto the baking dish.

Place place carrot strips in a preheated air fryer or oven of 350 degrees f, and allow to bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until they are golden brown.

Variations/Substitutions

- Spices: Feel free to experiment with different spice blends to add variety to your carrot bacon to give it that salty flavor. Some popular options include smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, or even a touch of maple syrup for a sweet and savory twist.

- Oil: Instead of using regular vegetable oil, you can try using avocado oil, coconut oil, or even olive oil for a different flavor profile.

- Seasonings: Consider adding additional seasonings to your carrot bacon, such as nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, black pepper, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for some heat.

- Thickness: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the thickness of your carrot slices. Thinner slices will become crispier, while thicker slices will have a chewier texture.

- Dipping Sauces: Prepare some delicious dipping sauces to accompany your carrot bacon. Classic choices like ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard can elevate the flavors even more.

- Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! You can sprinkle some finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, or even add a sprinkle of vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for an extra burst of flavor.

Remember, the beauty of cooking is that you can always personalize and customize recipes to suit your taste preferences.

Equipment For Carrot Bacon

1. Air fryer used to cook the carrot bacon, providing a crispy texture similar to traditional bacon.

2. Sharp knife: A sharp knife is necessary for slicing the carrots into thin strips, resembling bacon slices.

3. Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for slicing the carrots and prevents any damage to your countertop or table.

4. Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is used to combine the carrot slices with seasonings or marinade, ensuring even distribution of flavors.

5. Tongs or fork used to handle the carrot bacon while flipping or removing it from the air fryer, as it will be hot.

These equipment items are essential for making carrot bacon, allowing you to prepare and cook the carrots efficiently and safely.

Storage For Carrot Bacon

To store carrot bacon, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or sealed bag lined with parchment paper or paper towels. Arrange the carrot bacon slices in a single layer, with additional paper towels between each layer if needed. Seal the container tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This will help maintain the crispiness and freshness of the carrot bacon.

In Conclusion

And there you have it, the incredible world of carrot bacon! Who knew that a simple vegetable could be transformed into a savory, crispy treat.

Not only does carrot bacon provide a healthier alternative to traditional bacon, but it also opens up a whole new realm of flavors and experimentation. From smoky and savory to spicy and tangy, you can customize the marinade and seasonings to suit your taste buds. Plus, it's a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing taste.