Air Fried Carrot Bacon offers a creative and healthier alternative to traditional bacon, perfect for those seeking a plant-based or lower-calorie option without sacrificing flavor. This recipe transforms humble carrots into crispy, savory strips with a hint of sweetness and smokiness, making them a delightful addition to salads, sandwiches, or enjoyed as a guilt-free snack.
To prepare the carrot bacon, a simple marinade is created using a combination of maple syrup, soy sauce, and a blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This marinade infuses the carrots with a rich umami flavor profile while providing a touch of sweetness reminiscent of traditional bacon.
Using a mandolin or vegetable peeler, the carrots are thinly sliced into long strips, mimicking the appearance of bacon. These strips are then coated in the marinade and allowed to marinate for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to permeate the carrots.
Once marinated, the carrot strips are air-fried to crispy perfection. Preheating the air fryer and lightly spraying the basket with cooking oil ensures even cooking and prevents sticking. The carrot strips are arranged in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cooked for a few minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy.
The result is a satisfyingly crunchy snack or topping that boasts a smoky, savory flavor with a subtle sweetness from the maple syrup. This Air Fried Carrot Bacon offers a guilt-free indulgence that’s perfect for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based options into their diet.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy the carrot bacon on its own as a snack, crumble it over salads or soups for added texture and flavor, or use it as a topping for sandwiches or wraps. Plus, it’s a fun and creative way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals.
Overall, Air Fried Carrot Bacon is a must-try recipe for anyone looking to enjoy the crispy, savory goodness of bacon in a healthier, plant-based form. With its simple preparation and delicious results, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen repertoire.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon maple syrup
2 tablespoon soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 medium carrots
cooking spray
Instructions
Make marinade by combining maple syrup, soy sauce and spices together in a small bo
Use a mandolin or a vegetable peeler to cut carrots into long thin strips.
Place carrot strips into a container and pour over marinade. Leave to marinade for 15 minutes.
Preheat air fryer to 380 degrees F, air fryer setting, and spray basket with cooking oil. Place carrot strips in a single layer and cook for 3 minutes, then flip over and cook for another 2 minutes or until crispy. Repeat with remaining carrot strips.