Air-Fried Carrot Dippers with Hummus & Pistachio Crunch
A simple yet satisfying snack or light meal featuring tender-crisp air-fried rainbow carrot sticks, perfect for dipping into creamy hummus. A sprinkle of crushed pistachios adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, enhancing this naturally sweet and savory Mediterranean-inspired dish. Crackers are included for additional dipping pleasure.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup purple carrot stick
Substitute: Can substitute with orange or yellow/white carrot sticks if you have more of those from the provided amount.
- 1/2 cup (4 oz) hummus dip
Substitute: No direct substitution for the hummus dip provided.
- 8 crackers round savory cracker
Substitute: Any similar savory cracker can be used if you have a different type on hand, or omit if you prefer a gluten-free option.
- 1/2 cup orange carrot stick
Substitute: Can substitute with yellow/white or purple carrot sticks if you have more of those from the provided amount.
- 1/2 cup yellowwhite carrot stick
Substitute: Can substitute with orange or purple carrot sticks if you have more of those from the provided amount.
- 1/4 cup unshelled pistachio
Substitute: No direct substitution for the pistachios provided.
Equipment Needed
- • Cutting board
- • Chef's knife
- • Air fryer
- • Small bowl
- • Serving plate or bowls
- • Spoon or blunt object for crushing
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
400
Protein
10g
Carbs
52g
Fat
18g
Instructions
- 1
Prepare Carrots (Prep): Ensure all carrot sticks (orange, yellow/white, purple) are uniform in size (about 1/4-inch thick and 3-4 inches long) for even cooking. If they are not pre-cut, slice them carefully with a chef's knife on a cutting board. (3 minutes)
⏱️ 3 minutes
Technique: slicing
- 2
Preheat Air Fryer (Preheat): If your air fryer requires preheating, set it to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes. (3-5 minutes)
⏱️ 3-5 minutes
Technique: preheating
- 3
Air Fry Carrots (Air Frying/Roasting): Place the carrot sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd (to ensure even cooking and browning). Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-14 minutes, shaking the basket gently halfway through cooking (to toss the carrots and promote even caramelization). The carrots should be tender (softened) but still have a slight crispness, and their natural sugars slightly caramelized (browned). (12-14 minutes)
⏱️ 12-14 minutes
Technique: air frying
- 4
Prepare Pistachios (Prep): While the carrots are cooking, shell the 1/4 cup of unshelled pistachios. Place the shelled pistachios in a small bowl and gently crush them into smaller pieces using the back of a spoon or a heavy object (like the bottom of a glass). (3 minutes)
⏱️ 3 minutes
Technique: shelling and crushing
- 5
Assemble and Serve (Assembly): Transfer the air-fried carrot sticks to a serving plate or two individual bowls. Place the 1/2 cup of hummus dip in a separate small bowl on the side or directly on the plate. If using, arrange the 8 round savory crackers around the carrots. Sprinkle the crushed pistachios generously over both the carrots and the hummus for an added layer of texture and nutty flavor. Serve warm. (2 minutes)
⏱️ 2 minutes
Technique: assembly
💡 Chef's Tips
The natural sweetness of the air-fried carrots is intensified by the cooking process. For best results, ensure your carrot sticks are cut uniformly so they cook evenly. If you had additional ingredients, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice on the hummus would brighten the flavors.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- • Cutting carrots unevenly, leading to some pieces being overcooked while others remain undercooked.
- • Overcrowding the air fryer basket, which prevents the carrots from crisping up and instead causes them to steam.
- • Forgetting to shake the basket during cooking, leading to uneven browning and texture.
Why Easy?
✓ What makes it easier:
- • The primary skill required is uniform carrot cutting, which is straightforward.
- • Air fryer operation is basic and easy to master for vegetables.
- • Assembly is simple and quick, making it ideal for beginners.
- • This recipe focuses on bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients with minimal effort.
