If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy side dish that’s easy to prepare, look no further than Air Fried Carrots with Tahini Lemon Sauce. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the creamy, tangy goodness of tahini lemon sauce. Perfect for any meal, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike. Carrots are not only tasty but also packed with nutrients, making this dish a nutritious addition to your diet.
Ingredients
For the Carrots
- 1 pound of carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Tahini Lemon Sauce
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions
Preparing the Carrots
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for about 5 minutes.
- Season the Carrots: In a large bowl, combine the carrot sticks, olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Toss until the carrots are evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Air Fry the Carrots: Place the seasoned carrots in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the carrots are tender and slightly crispy.
Making the Tahini Lemon Sauce
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, water, minced garlic, salt, and cumin.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add more water, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The sauce should be smooth and pourable.
Serving the Dish
- Plate the Carrots: Once the carrots are done, transfer them to a serving dish.
- Drizzle with Sauce: Drizzle the tahini lemon sauce over the carrots. Alternatively, you can serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips and Variations
Cooking Tips
- Uniform Sizing: Make sure to cut the carrots into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Preheating: Always preheat your air fryer for the best results.
- Shaking the Basket: Shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking to ensure the carrots cook evenly.
Variations
- Spicy Carrots: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.
- Herb-Infused: Mix in some dried herbs such as thyme or rosemary for added flavor.
- Garlic-Lemon Twist: Add more garlic and lemon zest to the tahini sauce for a more intense flavor.
Substitutions
- Tahini: If you don’t have tahini, you can use almond butter or peanut butter for a different but equally delicious flavor.
- Carrots: Substitute with other root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 14g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 2g
Conclusion
Air Fried Carrots with Tahini Lemon Sauce is a delightful and healthy dish that is simple to prepare yet full of flavor. Whether you’re looking for a side dish for your weeknight dinner or a special addition to your holiday table, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Don’t forget to leave a comment below, share this recipe on social media, and subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes.