When I first heard about “carrot bacon,” I was skeptical. Could a humble carrot really transform into something that rivaled the smoky, crispy satisfaction of bacon? But with a little experimentation (and a lot of taste-testing), I discovered that not only is carrot bacon a real thing—it’s a game-changer for anyone craving a healthy yet indulgent snack or breakfast addition. Whether you’re prepping for a workout or looking to add some zing to your avocado toast, this recipe delivers on all fronts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Carrot bacon is quick to make, requires minimal ingredients, and satisfies that smoky-salty craving in a plant-based, low-calorie form. Plus, it’s packed with beta-carotene and fiber, making it as nutritious as it is delicious.

How to Make Crispy Carrot Bacon (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Gather Your Carrots

Choose medium-sized carrots that are straight and firm. The straighter the carrot, the easier it is to create bacon-like strips. Peel them and use a mandoline or vegetable peeler to create thin, ribbon-like slices. These will become your “bacon” base.

Pro Tip: The thinner you slice, the crispier your carrot bacon will turn out. But be careful—those slices can get delicate!

Step 2: Mix Your Marinade

In a small bowl, combine:

2 tbsp soy sauce (for that umami goodness) 🥢
1 tbsp maple syrup (sweet and sticky!) 🍁
1 tsp liquid smoke (key to that smoky flavor) 🌬️
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (extra depth) 🌶️
1/4 tsp garlic powder (just a hint of savoriness) 🧄
Optional: A pinch of black pepper or cayenne for heat 🌶️

Whisk everything together until smooth.

Step 3: Marinate the Carrot Strips

Place your carrot strips in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Gently toss to coat each strip evenly. Let them sit for at least 5 minutes to soak up all that flavorful goodness.

Quick Hack: If you’re short on time, even a minute or two in the marinade will do the trick!

Step 4: Bake or Air-Fry

To Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay the marinated carrot strips flat, ensuring they don’t overlap. Bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.
To Air-Fry: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the carrot strips in a single layer and cook for 6-8 minutes, checking frequently to avoid burning.

Heads-Up: Carrot bacon can go from perfectly crispy to overdone in seconds, so keep a close eye on it, especially in the final minute.

Step 5: Enjoy!

Let the carrot bacon cool slightly—it crisps up even more as it sits. Serve immediately or store for later snacking.

Tips for Maximum Freshness and Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
To re-crisp, pop the carrot bacon in a hot oven or air fryer for a few minutes.

A Personal Take on Flavor Additions

Want to mix things up? Try these fun variations:

Add a dash of sriracha to the marinade for a spicy kick 🌶️.
Swap soy sauce for tamari to make it gluten-free 🌾.
Sprinkle on some nutritional yeast for a cheesy twist 🧀 (dairy-free, of course!).

Pairing Suggestions with Other Recipes

Layer your carrot bacon onto a Vegan Freezer Breakfast Burritos sandwich 🥪.
Use it to top Vegan White Bean Chili Recipe for a perfect and beautiful lunch 🥑.
Crumble it over a Green Nourishing Vegan Fresh Salad 🙂 yes?

Pin This Recipe for Later!

Planning your meal prep for the week? Don’t forget to save this recipe so you can whip up crispy, smoky carrot bacon whenever the craving strikes. 📌✨