Carrot Fries with Herbed Yogurt Dip are a crispy, golden-orange delight that brings a fun and nutritious twist to classic fries. Air-fried for maximum crunch and paired with a creamy, tangy yogurt dip bursting with fresh herbs, this dish is perfect as a fall appetizer or a comforting side. It's a vibrant plate that balances indulgence and health, ideal for cozy autumn meals.
Root vegetables have long been a staple in autumn and winter diets across cultures, prized for their hardiness and natural sweetness. In recent years, carrots have taken the spotlight in modern kitchens as a versatile substitute for traditional starches. These carrot fries celebrate that revival—offering a new way to enjoy this humble root, paired with a yogurt dip inspired by Mediterranean tzatziki and herbed labneh spreads.
The carrots are the star, naturally sweet and earthy, enhanced with warming spices like smoked paprika and garlic. Air-frying gives them a lightly crisped exterior while keeping the inside tender. The herbed yogurt dip, featuring Greek yogurt, dill, parsley, and a touch of lemon, adds a bright, cooling contrast. Together, they create a deeply satisfying flavor combination of sweet, smoky, creamy, and tangy.
Air-frying delivers that classic fry crunch with little to no oil, while also intensifying the carrots’ natural sweetness. The key is to cut the carrot sticks uniformly for even cooking, and to season them just before frying. The yogurt dip is quickly whipped up by combining ingredients and letting them chill, allowing the herbs to bloom and meld into the tangy base.
These Air-Fried Carrot Fries with Herbed Yogurt Dip offer a fun, crispy, and nutritious alternative to traditional fries. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or light side dish.
Peel carrots and cut them into fry-shaped sticks, approximately 3 inches long and 1/3 inch thick.
Toss carrot sticks in olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Preheat air fryer to 390°F. Arrange carrot sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through, until fries are crisped on the edges and tender inside.
In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, dill, parsley, lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt. Stir well.
Serve carrot fries warm with a side of chilled herbed yogurt dip.
Carrot Fries with Herbed Yogurt Dip are more than just a healthy snack—they're an invitation to rethink how we enjoy vegetables. The natural sweetness of carrots meets a crispy, air-fried crunch, while the dip adds a cooling herbaceous kick. It's comfort food with a conscience, and a dish that proves healthy doesn't have to mean boring.
Pair these fries with grilled proteins like chicken or tofu for a balanced meal. You can even use the herbed yogurt dip as a spread in wraps or sandwiches. If you're hosting a gathering, serve the fries in mini paper cones with the dip in tiny cups for a festive, mess-free presentation.
Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to suit your palate. Want heat? Add cayenne. Prefer earthiness? Sprinkle in cumin or coriander. Cooking is about creativity, and these carrot fries are a blank canvas for flavor.