Begin by placing the whole or cut carrots into a large pot of salted water. Bring it to a boil and let the carrots cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until fork-tender but firm enough to hold their shape. Once done, drain the carrots and allow them to cool for a few minutes until they are manageable to handle.

After the carrots have cooled slightly, place each carrot on a cutting board and use the flat side of a spatula or the bottom of a glass to gently smash down each carrot until it's flattened but still intact. Aim for a height of about half an inch for maximum crispiness.

Transfer your smashed carrots to a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle these beautiful pieces with olive oil and generously sprinkle with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Ensure each carrot is well-coated with the seasonings.

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast the carrots for about 20-25 minutes, keeping an eye on them for a lovely golden-brown color and crispy edges.

When the Crispy Smashed Carrots Bites are beautifully golden and crisp, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a minute. Serve these bites warm on a platter as a delicious side dish or enjoy them on their own.