Roasted Carrots and Cauliflower Easy Air Fryer or Oven
This Roasted Cauliflower and Carrots Recipe is the perfect side dish for any meal with crispy, golden brown cauliflower and tender carrots seasoned with garlic, paprika, and black pepper. They only take a few minutes to prep and can be baked in the oven or air fryer. Adults and kids will love this fun and tasty way to eat more vegetables!
This Roasted Cauliflower and Carrots Recipe is one of my favorite ways to turn simple ingredients into a flavorful, golden brown side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for an easy roasted cauliflower recipe to pair with dinner or a go-to vegetable recipe that works with almost anything, this is the dish to try. With tender carrots, crispy cauliflower, and a seasoning blend of garlic, paprika, and black pepper, it’s a delicious way to elevate your table without spending hours in the kitchen.
As someone who loves cooking simple, tasty vegetable side dishes, I’ve fine-tuned this recipe to make it the easiest and most flavorful cauliflower recipe you’ll ever try. It’s the perfect side dish for busy weeknights or special family dinners, and with my time-saving techniques, you’ll be roasting like a pro in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Roasted Carrots and Cauliflower Recipe
- Kid-Approved Veggies: Sweet, tender carrots and crispy cauliflower are a surefire way to get the whole family excited about vegetables.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of caramelized veggies, garlic, and paprika creates a savory-sweet dish that’s hard to resist.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for dinner guests.
- Versatile and Adaptable: Enjoy as a side, in wraps, or on top of salads for endless meal options.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here is everything you need to make the best roasted vegetables:
Cauliflower: Swap with broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or even zucchini for a different flavor profile.
Large Carrots: You can use regular carrots or baby carrots. Use sweet potatoes, parsnips, or baby carrots for some variety.
Light Olive Oil: You can also use extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil.
Garlic Powder: Replace with fresh minced garlic or onion powder.
Italian Seasoning: Substitute with herbs de Provence, Cajun seasoning, or your favorite blend.
Paprika: Opt for smoked paprika for added depth or chili powder for a hint of spice.
Salt: Sea salt or kosher salt works just as well.
Pepper: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes if you like a spicy kick.
How to Make My Roasted Cauliflower and Carrots Recipe
Here are easy, detailed, step-by-step instructions for making my easy baked or air-fried carrots and cauliflower. The instructions are also repeated in the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post.
Step 1: Prep the Veggies
Preheat the oven to 400°F (or air fryer to 375°F). Cut 1 head of cauliflower into florets and peel and slice 3 carrots into rounds or diagonal rounds.
Step 2: Season the Carrots and Cauliflower
In a large mixing bowl combine 2 tablespoons light olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a dash of pepper or stir until combined. Toss the carrots and caulflower in the mixture until well coated.
Step 3: Roast the Veggies
AIR FRYER METHOD:
Arrange the veggies in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 14-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
OVEN ROASTED METHOD:
Spread the veggies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer. Roast for 20 minutes, remove the pa10-15n from the oven, flip and stir the veggies, return to the oven, and bake for 10-15 more minutes or until golden and crispy.
Expert Recipe Tips
Use Fresh Veggies: Fresh cauliflower and carrots roast better and get crispier than frozen.
Don’t Skip the Flip: Flipping the veggies halfway ensures even browning on all sides.
Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Delicious Serving Suggestions
- Brighten It Up: Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the roasted veggies for a zesty, vibrant flavor boost.
- Add a Punch of Flavor: Toss with thinly sliced red onion or roasted Brussels sprouts for a colorful and flavorful medley.
- Cheesy Perfection: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese during the last 10 minutes of roasting for a golden, crispy finish, or crumble feta cheese on top for a tangy twist.
- Herbaceous Touch: Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs or finely chopped fresh parsley for a fragrant and earthy aroma.
- Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the seasoning blend for a touch of heat.
- Garlicky Goodness: Roast whole cloves of garlic alongside the veggies for a mellow, caramelized flavor to mash into or serve with the dish.
- Over Grain Bowls: Pair these veggies with quinoa, couscous, or farro for a satisfying and nutritious grain bowl meal.
- Try a Sweet Twist: Drizzle with honey or maple syrup before roasting to enhance the natural sweetness of the carrots and cauliflower.
Do you love carrots? Check out more of my easy and healthier carrot recipes:
Roasted Carrots and Cauliflower Easy Air Fryer or Oven
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower
- 3 carrots (medium)
- 2 tablespoons light olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- dash pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (or air fryer to 375°F). Cut 1 head of cauliflower into florets and peel and slice 3 carrots into rounds or diagonal rounds.
- In a large mixing bowl combine 2 tablespoons light olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a dash of pepper or stir until combined. Toss the carrots and caulflower in the mixture until well coated.
- AIR FRYER METHOD:Arrange the veggies in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 14-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.OVEN ROASTED METHOD:Spread the veggies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer. Roast for 20 minutes, remove the pa10-15n from the oven, flip and stir the veggies, return to the oven, and bake for 10-15 more minutes or until golden and crispy.
Video
Very delicious!
Thank you, Bryce!
These are really good! I added some parmesan cheese for the last ten minutes in the oven and it was delicious! Will definitely make again!
Thank you for the review, Dolores! I appreciate it 🙂
I hope you enjoy this easy side dish recipe! It’s one of my go-to vegetables that my family loves 🙂