I Made the Carrot Bacon That's Trending on TikTok and Here's What it Tasted Like
I Made the Carrot Bacon That's Trending on TikTok and Here's What it Tasted Like is a easy American recipe that serves 2. 70 calories per serving. Recipe by MyRecipes on YouTube.
Prep: 18 min | Cook: 5 min | Total: 33 min
Cost: $1.31 total, $0.66 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 large Carrots (peeled and sliced into bacon‑size strips (about 1/4‑inch thick))
- 1 tablespoon Maple Syrup (pure maple syrup, adds sweetness and helps the coating adhere)
- 1/2 teaspoon Liquid Smoke (adds smoky flavor; use sparingly)
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder (part of the onion‑pepper blend)
- 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (provides color and extra smokiness)
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
Instructions
Prepare Carrot Strips
Using a peeler, remove the outer skin of the carrots. Then, slice each carrot lengthwise into strips about 1/4‑inch thick, aiming for a bacon‑like shape.
Time: PT5M
Make the Coating Marinade
In a mixing bowl combine maple syrup, liquid smoke, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika and salt. Whisk until the mixture is uniform.
Time: PT3M
Marinate Carrot Strips
Add the carrot strips to the bowl and toss them until each piece is evenly coated. Let them sit for about 2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Time: PT2M
Preheat Air Fryer
Set the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and preheat for 1 minute. Preheating helps achieve a crispier texture.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: 380°F
Air Fry Carrot Bacon
Arrange the coated carrot strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap. Cook for 5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 380°F
Cool and Crisp
Remove the carrot bacon and place on a plate. Let it rest for about 30 seconds; it will continue to crisp as it cools.
Time: PT0.5M
Serve
Enjoy the carrot bacon as a snack, or add to sandwiches, salads, or breakfast plates.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 70
- Protein
- 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 15 g
- Fat
- 0 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Carrots: Parsnips, Sweet potatoes (thinly sliced), Zucchini
- Instead of Maple Syrup: Agave nectar, Honey (not vegan), Brown rice syrup
- Instead of Liquid Smoke: Smoked paprika (extra), Smoked salt
- Instead of Onion Powder: Dried minced onion, Shallot powder
- Instead of Garlic Powder: Granulated garlic, Fresh minced garlic (use less)
- Instead of Smoked Paprika: Regular paprika, Chipotle powder (small amount)
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt, Kosher salt
Equipment Needed
- Peeler
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk or Spoon
- Air Fryer
- Tongs
- Plate
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Slicing carrots into uniform bacon‑size strips
- Ensuring each strip is fully coated with the smoky maple mixture
- Air frying at the correct temperature without overcrowding
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use the largest carrots you can find for longer, more satisfying strips.
- Preheating the air fryer, even for just a minute, dramatically improves crispness.
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
Troubleshooting
Carrot strips are soggy after air frying.
Increase the cooking time by 1‑2 minutes, make sure the strips are not touching, and let them rest on a wire rack to allow steam to escape.
The flavor is too sweet.
Reduce the maple syrup to 1/2 tablespoon or add a pinch more smoked paprika and salt to balance the sweetness.
Strips burn on the edges.
Lower the temperature to 350°F (177°C) and add an extra minute to the total cooking time.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Re‑crisp in the air fryer for 2 minutes before serving.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture becomes soggy after thawing.
Room temperature: Best consumed the same day; may become soft after a few hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the coating mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store in the refrigerator.
- Coat the carrot strips, cover, and keep refrigerated; air fry just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of carrot bacon in American snack culture?
Carrot bacon emerged as a plant‑based alternative on TikTok and social media, offering a cruelty‑free take on the beloved breakfast staple. It reflects the growing demand for vegan comfort foods that mimic familiar flavors and textures.
How does carrot bacon fit into the broader American vegan cuisine tradition?
American vegan cuisine often recreates classic comfort dishes using vegetables and bold seasonings. Carrot bacon follows this trend by turning a humble root vegetable into a smoky, crispy snack that can replace pork bacon in sandwiches and salads.
What traditional regional variations of carrot bacon exist in the United States?
While the basic recipe is consistent, some regions add maple‑glazed bourbon, Cajun spices, or a drizzle of hot sauce to give a local twist. The core idea—carrot strips seasoned with smoky, sweet flavors—remains the same.
What occasions or celebrations is carrot bacon traditionally associated with in American vegan culture?
Carrot bacon is popular at brunches, vegan holiday breakfasts, and as a party snack during game nights. Its quick preparation makes it a go‑to for gatherings where guests want a familiar “bacon” flavor without meat.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for carrot bacon versus acceptable substitutes?
The authentic recipe uses carrots, pure maple syrup, liquid smoke, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika and salt. Acceptable substitutes include agave nectar for maple syrup, smoked salt or extra smoked paprika for liquid smoke, and parsnip or thinly sliced sweet potato for the carrot base.
What other American dishes pair well with carrot bacon?
Carrot bacon works great in vegan BLTs, atop avocado toast, mixed into grain bowls, or crumbled over salads and baked potatoes for a smoky crunch.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making carrot bacon?
Common errors include overcrowding the air fryer basket, using too much maple syrup which makes the strips soggy, and not preheating the air fryer. Following the recommended temperature and cooking time ensures crispness.
Why does this carrot bacon recipe use liquid smoke instead of smoked paprika alone?
Liquid smoke provides an intense, authentic smoky aroma that powdered spices alone cannot achieve. Combined with smoked paprika, it creates a layered smokiness similar to real bacon.
Can I make carrot bacon ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Coat the carrot strips and keep them refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Air fry them just before serving and let them rest briefly to regain crispness.
What does the YouTube channel MyRecipes specialize in?
The YouTube channel MyRecipes focuses on quick, approachable home‑cooking videos that blend classic comfort foods with modern twists, often highlighting plant‑based and health‑conscious alternatives.
How does the YouTube channel MyRecipes' approach to vegan snack recipes differ from other cooking channels?
MyRecipes emphasizes minimal ingredient lists, everyday kitchen tools like air fryers, and clear step‑by‑step visuals, making vegan snacks accessible to beginners, whereas many other channels rely on specialty equipment or complex techniques.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
