With just three simple ingredients, this Roasted Ranch Carrots recipe packs a punch with bold and zesty flavors and is easy to make! This veggie side dish can be made in the oven or air fryer and pairs well with any main meal.
When it comes to kids and veggies, carrots are usually a win. Their natural sweetness shines even more when roasted and caramelized, and they can be an excellent vehicle for different types of flavors, including the bold flavors of ranch dressing!
This recipe uses a packet of ranch seasoning to flavor the veggies in a well-rounded way! It has a savory blend of herbs and spices like garlic, onion, dill, and parsley, adding a tangy and slightly creamy taste that complements the natural sweetness of carrots. When roasted, the seasoning blends with the carrots’ natural sugars, which enhances the earthy flavor and makes them irresistible to both kids and adults.
This easy carrot side dish is great for busy weeknights, and it’s super simple to put together. Just toss the carrots (baby carrots, sticks, or wedges) with a drizzle of oil. Toss with a packet of ranch seasoning and roast for 20 minutes in the oven or 14 minutes in the air fryer. In no time, they’ll be ready to enjoy alongside any main course like Creamy Tuscan Salmon, Skillet Tomato Chicken, or Fish Stick Tacos!
30 Minute Side Dish: In just 30 minutes or less (especially if using the air fryer), you’ll have a delicious, healthy side dish on the table ready to enjoy.
Kid Friendly: Kids love carrots, and they’ll love them even more with the natural sweetness and caramelization, along with a hint of zesty ranch flavor.
Versatile: Carrots go well with so many dishes from chicken, fish, pork, steak, or even vegetarian meals.
Easy to cook: This recipe can be made in the oven or in the air fryer, giving you easy cooking options and instructions anyone can follow.
Carrots – The main star of the show, carrots are naturally sweet and hold up well to roasting due to their starch and sugar content. You can peel and chop your own into sticks, bites, or wedges, or take a shortcut and use a bag of baby carrots from the grocery store.
Olive Oil – A good drizzle of olive oil will coat the carrots allowing the seasonings to stick while also creating caramelization. For best results, use a neutral oil so it doesn’t affect the flavor of the dish.
Ranch Seasoning – I am loyal to Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning, but you can use whichever you like, or make your own using the instructions below.
Prepare the carrots: If you’re using regular carrots, chop the ends off and peel. Cut the carrots into your preferred shape, making sure they are all close to uniform in size. If using baby carrots, remove them from the bag and pat dry with paper towels so the seasonings stick better.
Season the carrots: Place the prepared carrots in a bowl and toss with oil. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning on top and toss with a spoon or spatula to fully coat.
Oven instructions: Preheat the oven to 400F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. If you don’t have one, use a non-stick cooking spray to grease. Arrange the seasoned carrots on the baking sheet in an even layer and roast for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through and fork tender.
Air fryer instructions: Preheat the air fryer to 400F. Arrange the carrots in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 12-14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through or flipping with a spatula for even cooking. The carrots are done when they are slightly caramelized and fork-tender. You may need a few minutes more cooking time depending on how you like your carrots
If you prefer to make your own ranch seasoning, you can with simple pantry seasonings! Just combine two tablespoons each of dried parsley and dill, one tablespoon of garlic powder, and one tablespoon of onion powder. Add a teaspoon each of dried chives, salt, and pepper. Stir these until well combined. For a more authentic ranch flavor, add a tablespoon of buttermilk powder and use it to flavor your favorite dishes.
If using fresh carrots, peel the skin off as they can become bitter, especially when roasted.
Cut the carrot shapes all the same size so they cook evenly and no longer than 2 inches.
Whichever cooking method you use, arrange the carrots in a single, even layer to make sure they have enough air circulating between them so they don’t steam and become soggy.
Cooking times can vary with the air fryer. Check the carrots at the 10-minute mark and adjust your cooking time, adding more or less if needed.
Let them cool for a few minutes after cooking, as the steam will be very hot inside.
A neutral cooking oil such as avocado oil or olive oil is best as they don’t add anything to the flavor.
Add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese in the last few minutes of roasting for a savory, cheesy crust.
For a sweet and spicy version, mix honey and a dash of cayenne pepper into the oil before tossing with the carrots.
Use a mix of root vegetables like parsnips, sweet potatoes, and beets with the carrots.
Add a splash of balsamic vinegar before serving to add a tangy flavor that complements the sweetness.
Top the finished carrots with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or dill.
For a smoky taste, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the ranch seasoning.
Sprinkle sesame seeds over the carrots before roasting to add a nutty crunch.
Storing: Keep the roasted ranch carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture will become soggy when thawed.
Reheating: To reheat the ranch carrots, place them in a preheated oven or air fryer at 350 degrees for about 5-10 minutes or until heated through.
What’s the best way to cut carrots for roasting?
Cutting carrots on the diagonal into slices or sticks with uniform thickness (no bigger than 2 inches) makes sure they cook evenly and provides more surface area for caramelization.
How do I know when the roasted ranch carrots are done cooking?
The carrots are done when they are tender enough to be pierced with a fork and have caramelized edges. This happens after about 18 minutes in the oven or 12-14 minutes in an air fryer.
Can I use frozen carrots for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh carrots for roasting, as frozen carrots can release too much water and become soggy.
Roasted Carrots in the Air Fryer or the Oven covered in ranch seasoning. Cooked until soft and caramelized. Only 3 ingredients, less than 30 minutes. Easy side dish everyone will love.
1 bag (16 oz) baby carrots (can use other carrot varieties as well)
large drizzle of olive oil
1 packet Ranch Seasoning
1. In a medium bowl, add the carrots then pour a long drizzle of olive oil over top. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning packet and use a spoon or spatula to mix together to get the carrots covered in the seasoning.
2. Air fryer: Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees. Once ready, add prepared carrots to the air fryer and spread into an even layer. Cook for 12-14 minutes (shaking bucket and moving carrots around halfway through). Remove and serve!
3. Oven: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Prepare a baking sheet with raised sides with parchment paper or use non stick cooking spray. Spread carrots out on the pan in an even layer. Cook for about 18 minutes or until carrots are soft. Remove and serve!
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