Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Cinnamon Maple Glazed Carrot Fries Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because:

It uses just a few simple pantry ingredients—carrots, olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt.
It’s quick and easy: from prep to finish in under 15 minutes if you use pre‑cut carrots.
It offers a lighter, nutrient‑rich twist on fries — carrots bring fiber, vitamins, and lower calories compared to potatoes.
It’s versatile — you can serve it as a snack or a side dish with main meals.
It’s compatible with vegan and gluten‑free diets.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Carrots (about 1 lb / 450 g, roughly 4 large carrots cut into sticks or you can use pre‑cut carrot fries)
Olive oil (1 teaspoon)
Maple syrup (1 teaspoon)
Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon)
Salt (to taste)

Directions

Mix together the olive oil, maple syrup, ground cinnamon and salt in a bowl; add the carrot sticks and toss to coat.
Preheat your air fryer to 400 °F (200 °C).
Place the coated carrot sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to cook in batches if your air fryer is smaller).
Cook for 10‑12 minutes, turning the fries halfway through so they cook evenly.
When done, serve warm or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: ~5 minutes
Cook time: ~12 minutes
Total time: ~17 minutes

Variations

Skip the maple syrup for a lighter version and simply season with olive oil, salt and a bit of cinnamon.
Add spices such as smoked paprika, nutmeg or allspice for a different flavor profile.
Try toppings like grated Parmesan (if not vegan) or herbs such as parsley or basil after cooking.
For heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the carrot coating.
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the fries in a preheated oven at 400 °F (fan assisted 180 °C) for 15‑20 minutes, turning halfway.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Place leftover carrot fries in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2‑3 days.
Reheating: To preserve crispiness, reheat in the air fryer (or oven) at about 375 °F (190 °C) for 3‑5 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you want them crispy.

FAQs

What size carrots should I use?

You can use regular large carrots — aim for about 4 large ones (roughly 1 lb / 450 g) and cut into sticks. If using smaller carrots or pre‑cut carrot fries, adjust the quantity accordingly.

Do I need to peel the carrots?

No, peeling isn’t required. The recipe notes that you don’t need to peel the carrots — just cut and go for simplicity.

Can I make this without an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake them. Preheat your oven to 400 °F (fan assisted 180 °C), place the coated carrot sticks on a baking tray in a single layer and bake 15‑20 minutes, turning halfway.

Are these gluten‑free and vegan?

Yes — the recipe uses plant‑based ingredients (olive oil, maple syrup) and no gluten‑containing items, so it’s suitable for gluten‑free and vegan diets.

How crispy will they get?

They’ll be tender on the inside with a slightly crisp exterior. For extra crispness ensure the carrot sticks are in a single layer and not crowded in the air fryer basket.

Can I adjust the sweetness or spice level?

Absolutely. Increase or decrease the maple syrup for more or less sweetness. You can also add or reduce cinnamon (or other spices) depending on your taste.

What’s the best way to cut the carrots into fries?

Cut each carrot in half lengthwise, then each half into 2‑3 sticks depending on size. The goal is similar thickness so they cook evenly.

What should I serve these with?

They work well as a snack on their own or as a side dish alongside burgers, chicken, fish or a hearty main dish. They add color and a sweet‑savory twist.

Can I cook a larger batch for a crowd?

Yes — you can triple or quadruple the recipe to feed more people. Just ensure you don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed.

Will the calories be much lower than regular fries?

Yes — because carrots are lower in carbohydrates and calories than potatoes, and air‑frying uses less oil. They’re a lighter alternative.

Conclusion

This recipe turns humble carrots into a flavorful, fun side dish or snack by adding a simple glaze of maple and cinnamon and using the air fryer for a quick cook. It’s ideal when you want something a bit different from regular fries, yet easy