How to make delicious 'Carrot Bacon' at home with only 6 ingredients l Gma Digital
How to make delicious 'Carrot Bacon' at home with only 6 ingredients l GMA Digital is a easy American recipe that serves 3. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Good Morning America on YouTube.
Prep: 12 min | Cook: 5 min | Total: 22 min
Cost: $1.40 total, $0.47 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 large Carrots (peeled and shaved into thin strips)
- 2 tsp Liquid Smoke (adds smoky flavor)
- 1 tbsp Maple Syrup (for sweetness and glaze)
- 1 tbsp Honey (optional, adds sweetness)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 0.5 tsp Salt (optional)
Instructions
Shave the Carrots
Wash and peel the carrots, then use a vegetable peeler or mandoline to shave them into paper‑thin strips.
Time: PT5M
Prepare the Seasoning Mix
In a mixing bowl combine liquid smoke, maple syrup, honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
Time: PT3M
Coat the Carrot Strips
Add the shaved carrots to the bowl and toss until every strip is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
Time: PT2M
Rest Briefly
Let the coated carrots sit for about 2 minutes so the flavors adhere.
Time: PT2M
Cook the Carrot Bacon
Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (or preheat your oven to 380°F). Arrange the carrot strips in a single layer on the air‑fryer basket or on a parchment‑lined baking sheet. Cook for 5 minutes, shaking or turning halfway through.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 380°F
Cool and Serve
Remove the carrot bacon from the heat and let it cool for 2 minutes; it will crisp up further as it cools. Serve immediately as a snack or crumble over salads.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 150
- Protein
- 1g
- Carbohydrates
- 20g
- Fat
- 0g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Low-Carb
Allergens: Honey
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Carrots: Parsnips, Zucchini
- Instead of Liquid Smoke: Smoked paprika (use more)
- Instead of Maple Syrup: Agave syrup, Honey
- Instead of Honey: Maple syrup, Agave syrup
- Instead of Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic (use less)
- Instead of Smoked Paprika: Regular paprika + extra liquid smoke
- Instead of Onion Powder: Dried minced onion
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
Equipment Needed
- Vegetable Peeler or Mandoline Slicer
- Mixing Bowl
- Spoon or Spatula
- Air Fryer (optional)
- Baking Sheet (optional)
- Parchment Paper (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Shave carrots into thin strips
- Evenly coat carrots with seasoning
- Cook at 380°F for exactly 5 minutes without overcrowding
Chef Tips from the Video
- Add an extra dash of liquid smoke for a deeper smoky flavor
- Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt right after cooking for contrast
- Use a mix of orange and purple carrots for a colorful presentation
Troubleshooting
Carrot strips are soft, not crispy
Make sure the strips are very thin, avoid crowding, and cook an extra 1‑2 minutes. A brief broil can also help.
Seasoning mixture is too wet and clumps
Add a pinch of cornstarch or reduce the honey/maple syrup slightly.
Edges burn before the rest is done
Lower the temperature to 350°F and check after 4 minutes; flip strips halfway.
Storage
Refrigerator: Airtight container, up to 5 days. Re‑crisp in a hot oven for 2‑3 minutes before serving.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture becomes soggy after thawing.
Room temperature: Sealed container, up to 1 day if kept cool and dry.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare and coat the carrot strips up to step 4; store covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking
- Re‑heat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for 3 minutes to restore crispness
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of carrot bacon in American vegetarian cuisine?
Carrot bacon emerged as part of the plant‑based movement in the United States, offering a cruelty‑free alternative to traditional pork bacon while mimicking its smoky, salty crunch. It reflects a growing demand for healthier, sustainable snack options that still satisfy familiar comfort‑food cravings.
What traditional regional variations of carrot bacon exist within American cuisine?
While carrot bacon itself is a modern invention, regional twists appear: Southern‑style versions add a touch of brown sugar and cayenne, whereas Pacific Northwest cooks might incorporate maple syrup and smoked sea salt for a sweeter profile. Some chefs also experiment with beet or sweet‑potato strips for color variation.
How is carrot bacon traditionally served in American households?
It is commonly served as a snack, a salad topping, or a garnish for breakfast bowls. Many families enjoy it alongside avocado toast or crumble it over scrambled tofu for a smoky breakfast twist.
During which American celebrations or occasions is carrot bacon especially popular?
Carrot bacon often appears at brunch gatherings, holiday breakfasts, and vegan‑friendly potlucks, especially during Thanksgiving when hosts want a plant‑based alternative to traditional bacon.
What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional carrot bacon versus acceptable substitutes?
The core ingredients are thinly shaved carrots, liquid smoke, a sweetener (maple syrup or honey), and spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Substitutes include agave syrup for maple, smoked paprika plus extra liquid smoke for a deeper flavor, and parsnip strips instead of carrots.
What other American dishes pair well with carrot bacon?
Carrot bacon pairs beautifully with avocado toast, quinoa bowls, kale salads, vegan breakfast scrambles, and even as a garnish on creamy soups like pumpkin or butternut squash.
What makes carrot bacon special or unique in American plant‑based cuisine?
Its unique combination of natural sweetness, smoky depth, and satisfying crunch mimics pork bacon without any animal products, making it a standout snack for vegans, vegetarians, and flexitarians alike.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making carrot bacon at home?
Common errors include shaving the carrots too thick, overcrowding the cooking surface, and under‑cooking, which leaves the strips soggy. Ensure strips are paper‑thin, spread them in a single layer, and watch the 5‑minute cooking window closely.
Why does this carrot bacon recipe use an air fryer or high‑heat oven instead of pan‑frying?
Air frying or baking at 380°F provides even, rapid heat that crisps the thin carrot strips without excess oil, preserving the natural sweetness while delivering a uniform smoky crunch that pan‑frying can’t achieve consistently.
Can I make carrot bacon ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. After cooking, let the strips cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Re‑crisp in a hot oven or air fryer for a few minutes before serving.
What does the YouTube channel Good Morning America specialize in?
The YouTube channel Good Morning America focuses on lifestyle content, including quick, family‑friendly recipes, cooking demonstrations, and seasonal food trends presented by a rotating team of chefs and food experts.
How does the YouTube channel Good Morning America’s approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Good Morning America emphasizes approachable, time‑saving techniques and uses everyday kitchen tools, aiming for recipes that fit busy morning or lunch schedules, whereas many specialty channels may focus on gourmet techniques or niche cuisines.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
