Air-Fried Carrot Bacon

Vegan Air-Fried Carrot Bacon is a smoky, savory, and slightly sweet snack that tastes & somewhat like regular bacon without actually having any meat in it; the component is all carrots. Slices of carrot are soaked in a mixture of mild spices & then fried to a crispy outside & soft inside by the use of air frying. It is an enjoyable plant-based product that may be served as breakfast, in sandwiches/used as a snack. Vegan Air-Fried Carrot Bacon can be made quite fast, with just a few ingredients, and can be made oil-free as well.

STATS

• Diet: Vegan
• Course: Snack, Side Dish, Breakfast
• Cuisine: American
• Time for prep: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 8 minutes
• Working time (total): 18 minutes
• Size/serving: About 5 to 6 strips
• Level of difficulty: Easy
• Mode of cooking: Air frying
• Total yield: 4 servings

EQUIPMENT

• Air fryer
• Vegetable peeler/mandoline
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Tongs

INGREDIENTS

• 2 large carrots, peeled into thin strips
• Two tablespoons soy sauce/tamari (for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• One teaspoon of liquid smoke
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• One-fourth teaspoon of onion powder
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

INGREDIENT NOTES

Carrots:

• The longer the strips, the longer & thicker the carrots should be. Even slicing can be given with the use of a vegetable peeler/mandoline, which allows uniform cooking.

Soy sauce/tamari:

• Uplifts the flavor to provide savory and umami richness; tamari is suitable for use on a gluten-free diet.

Maple syrup:

• Cuts through the smokiness, giving it a sweet kick.

Liquid smoke:

• Adds an authentic bacon smell & taste, but should be added in small amounts, because it tastes very strong.

Smoked paprika

• Gives a smoky, earthy, sweet tone. It also darkens the coloring, which makes dishes have a warm, appetizing appearance.

Garlic powder

• Speaks with a savory depth & a mild, earthy kind of sharpness. It also adds flavor but does not distract from the natural carrot flavor.

Onion powder

• Counterbalances the sharpness of the garlic with a sweetness that is mellow. It also brings out a small savory background note.

Black pepper

• Imparts mild warmth & spicy sharpness. It assists in tempering sweetness & provides some warmth to the flavoring.

DIRECTIONS

1. Cut the carrots into long, Using a vegetable peeler or mandolin, cut into thin strips.
2. Combine soy sauce, maple syrup, smoked paprika, liquid smoke, both garlic & onion powders, & black pepper in a bowl.
3. Gently toss the carrot strips in the basin to coat them.
4. To allow the flavors to infuse, give them at least five minutes to rest.
5. Set the air fryer’s temperature to 175°C (350°F).
6. Arrange the carrot strips in a single layer, leaving space between them, in the air fry basket.
7. If required, work in bunches.
8. After 4 minutes, use tongs to turn each strip, & continue air-frying for an additional three to four minutes/till
9. the edges are crispy.
10. Before serving, take it out of the air fryer & allow it to cool for one to two minutes to crisp it even more.

TIPS

• To achieve even crunchiness, do not fill the air fryer to the brim.
• Follow the cooking time as per your desired bacon texture; the longer the cooking time, the chewier the bacon.
• You may like it spicier, so take a pinch of cayenne pepper & toss it into the marinade.

DATA STORAGE

Refrigerate:

• You may keep chilled carrot bacon for no less than three days in a tightly closed container. To crisp up, preheat the air fryer for one to two minutes.

Freezer:

• Not advised since defrosting causes the texture to become mushy.

FAQS

Instead of baking carrot bacon, can I?

• Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C), 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway. Observe carefully not to burn.

Do I need to use liquid smoke?

• Keep in mind you can substitute it with additional smoked paprika, albeit with a slightly different flavor.

Will this be exactly like bacon?

• No, it is a plant-derived version that has a smoky, savoury taste all its own.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Calories: 35
Protein: 1g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Sodium: 240mg
Total Fat: 0g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg