Carrots in the Air Fryer
Carrots are sweet but can turn out dull when boiled. Air fryer carrots roast in about 14 minutes with browned, caramelized edges and a tender center, and a spoonful of honey added near the end gives a glaze that does not burn. Here are the times for sliced carrots, sticks and baby carrots.
- Temperature
- 380°F190 °C
- Total time
- 24min
- Prep time
- 10min
- Servings
- 4
- Per serving
- 95kcal
Why the air fryer works for carrots
Carrots are dense, with a lot of natural sugar. That is why they roast well, because the sugar caramelizes where the surface meets dry heat, and also why they can burn if you add more sugar early. The air fryer is good at this balance. Hot air dries the outside of each piece so it browns, while the inside softens, without the 30 minutes an oven needs.
The key to air fryer carrots is thickness. A slice that is ½ inch thick cooks through in about 14 minutes, a thin shred shrivels, and a whole thick carrot takes more than 20. Cut carefully, and the rest is easy.
How to make carrots in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Cut evenly Cut the carrots on a diagonal into ½-inch thick slices, or into sticks about 3 inches long and ½ inch wide. Pieces of the same thickness cook at the same speed.
- Season Toss the carrots in a bowl with the oil, salt and pepper. Do not add the honey yet, because the sugar burns if it cooks for the full time.
- Preheat Preheat the air fryer to 380 °F for .
- Cook Place the carrots in a loose layer in the basket and cook for , shaking after . Pour the honey over the carrots, toss them in the basket, and cook 3 more minutes until the edges are caramelized.
- Check and serve A fork should slide into a slice with a little resistance for tender-crisp carrots, or easily for soft ones. Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot.
Times and temperatures
| Carrots | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sliced or sticks, ½ inchHoney for the last 3 min | 380 °F (190 °C) | 14 min |
| Baby carrots | 380 °F (190 °C) | 12–14 min |
| Browner edges | 400 °F (200 °C) | 10–12 min |
| Whole thin carrotsTurn halfway | 380 °F (190 °C) | 18–22 min |
| Frozen sliced | 380 °F (190 °C) | 12–15 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size and wattage of your air fryer. See also air fryer cooking times for all foods.
Read also: Thanksgiving in the air fryer – a game plan
Tips
- Cut on the diagonal. Long, angled slices give more browned surface than round coins and look better on the plate.
- Glaze late. Honey, maple syrup and brown sugar all go on in the last 3 minutes, or after cooking.
- Season with more than salt. A pinch of cumin, smoked paprika or thyme works well with carrots, and goes on with the oil.
What to serve with carrots
Honey-glazed carrots are a classic holiday side next to turkey breast, ham or pork roast, and an easy weeknight vegetable with chicken thighs. For a mixed tray, cook them separately from broccoli or green beans, because carrots need a little longer.
Storing and reheating
Keep cooled carrots in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350 °F for 3 minutes, shaking once. Glazed carrots can be made a day ahead for a holiday meal and heated shortly before serving.
Variations
- Brown sugar: Replace the honey with 1 tbsp brown sugar and add a small pinch of cinnamon.
- Maple and thyme: Use 1 tbsp pure maple syrup in place of the honey and ½ tsp dried thyme with the oil.
- Parmesan: Sprinkle 2 tbsp grated Parmesan over the hot carrots (not dairy-free).
- Carrot fries: Cut the carrots into thin sticks, toss with oil, salt and ½ tsp smoked paprika, and cook at 400 °F for 10–12 minutes, shaking twice.
- Beets: For a dedicated recipe, see air fryer beets.
If it does not turn out right
- The carrots are tough in the middle
- The pieces were too thick or too many were in the basket. Cut them to ½ inch and cook in a loose layer. Thick carrots can need 18–20 minutes.
- The honey burned
- It went in too early. Add it in the last 3 minutes, or toss the carrots with it after they come out. Maple syrup and brown sugar behave the same way.
- The carrots are dry and shriveled
- They cooked too long or were cut too thin. Sticks and coins under ¼ inch dry out. Use enough oil and check 2 minutes early.
Questions and answers
How long do you cook carrots in the air fryer?
Sliced or stick carrots take 12–15 minutes at 380 °F. At 400 °F they need 10–12 minutes and brown more. Baby carrots take 12–14 minutes and whole thin carrots 18–22 minutes.
Can you cook baby carrots in the air fryer?
Yes. Toss them with oil and salt and cook at 380 °F for 12–14 minutes, shaking twice. Large baby carrots can be halved lengthwise so they cook through.
Can you cook raw carrots in the air fryer without oil?
You can, but they will be drier and brown less. A tablespoon of oil per pound of carrots is enough for caramelized, tender results.
Can you cook frozen carrots in the air fryer?
Yes. Cook frozen sliced carrots at 380 °F for 12–15 minutes with a little oil, shaking a few times. They will be softer than fresh carrots.
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