Our healthy Roasted Carrots are a vibrant and flavorful recipe that will be the star of any meal. This simple side dish features tender, caramelized carrots infused with fresh thyme. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a nutritious, low-calorie option that’s rich in vitamins and bursting with delightful earthy sweetness and herbaceous notes.
These roasted carrots can also be made in an air fryer. Check out our Air Fryer Carrots HERE! This recipe is also easily adapted for very low-sodium or oil-free variations.
The healthiest way to roast carrots is by using minimal, high-quality fats like olive oil and flavoring with herbs and spices instead of salt. Roasting also helps retain more nutrients compared to boiling.
Yes, roasted carrots are a great choice for weight loss. They are low in calories (about 53 per serving) and contain fiber, which helps you feel full and satisfied.
While carrots do contain natural sugars, they also have fiber, which slows down sugar absorption. When eaten in moderation as part of a balanced meal, they are generally considered a good, low-glycemic-impact food for people with diabetes.
Roasting is often considered healthier than boiling. Boiling can cause water-soluble vitamins (like Vitamin C) to leach out into the water. Roasting helps to concentrate the flavors and nutrients.
Crispy, healthy vegetable sides are easy to make in the air fryer or oven. Potatoes and broccoli go great with carrots, so you can easily combine these recipes for a tray bake or air fryer veggie dish.
These carrots pair beautifully with a variety of main courses, like these delicious and healthy recipe options:
Recipe yields 4 servings
Preheat oven to 350°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray. Arrange carrots in a single layer on baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, salt, pepper and thyme. Toss to coat carrots evenly. Bake 35 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned.
You can easily make this recipe in an air fryer. Toss the carrots with oil and seasonings as directed, then air-fry at 400°F for 14-16 minutes, tossing the basket halfway through. This provides a slightly crispier texture.
To make this recipe oil-free, you can toss the carrots in 1 tablespoon of vegetable broth or aquafaba (chickpea brine) before adding the seasonings. This will help the herbs stick without adding fat.
This recipe is already very low in sodium (148mg). To reduce it further, you can use a salt-free seasoning blend instead of the 1/8 tsp sea salt.
You can use this same method with parsnips or sweet potatoes. You can also add broccoli or potatoes to the baking sheet; note that broccoli will cook faster, so add it in the last 15 minutes.