Air Fryer Roasted Carrots
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 3–4
Difficulty: Easy
Description
Air frying carrots is a game-changer for beginner cooks! The air fryer brings out the natural sweetness of carrots while giving them a tender interior and slightly caramelized exterior. It’s quicker than traditional oven roasting, uses less oil, and cleanup is a breeze.
Ingredients
- 1 pound carrots (about 6–8 medium)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (for a vegan option)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Seasonings
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- A sprinkle of cinnamon (for a sweet twist)
- Fresh thyme or rosemary (for an herby flavor)
Instructions
1. Prep the Carrots
- Wash and peel the carrots.
- Cut them into uniform sticks, about ½-inch thick and 2–3 inches long for even cooking.
2. Season
- In a mixing bowl, toss the carrots with olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper.
- Add any optional seasonings if desired.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 2 minutes.
4. Cook
- Place carrots in the air fryer basket in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary).
- Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the carrots are tender and caramelized at the edges.
5. Serve
- Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy immediately!
- They pair beautifully with roasted chicken, tofu, or as a sweet-savory side for any meal.
Tips & Variations
- 🧄 Savory Twist: Add garlic powder or onion powder before cooking.
- 🍯 Extra Glaze: Drizzle a bit more honey or maple syrup right after cooking for glossy, sweet carrots.
- 🌿 Herb Lovers: Finish with chopped parsley or dill for freshness.
- 🧊 Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes.
Q&A
Q1: Can I use baby carrots instead of regular ones?
A: Absolutely! Baby carrots work great. No need to peel or cut — just adjust the cook time to 10–12 minutes since they’re smaller and cook faster.
Q2: Can I make them oil-free?
A: Yes! You can omit the oil and simply toss carrots with a teaspoon of lemon juice or aquafaba (chickpea liquid) before air frying. They’ll still caramelize nicely, though they’ll be a bit less glossy.