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These Honey Roasted Carrots made in the air fryer are my solution when dinner needs a pop of color and sweetness without much effort. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a quick spin in the air fryer your carrots turn out tender with caramelized edges and an irresistible glaze. They fit in perfectly alongside roast chicken or as a crowd-pleasing holiday side.
I started making these when the oven was crowded during a family holiday and now everyone asks for them every time they visit. The air fryer really locks in the flavor and helps the carrots get glossy and golden.
Ingredients
- Carrots: look for firm bright orange carrots that feel heavy for their size. I like to cut them into even pieces so they cook uniformly
- Oil: helps the carrots crisp and carry the glaze. Use a mild oil like avocado or light olive oil for best results
- Honey: brings out the natural sweetness and caramelizes beautifully. Local honey adds a special floral note
- Cinnamon: totally optional but adds warmth. Try a tiny pinch fresh for best flavor
- Salt: brightens and balances the sweet glaze. A flaky finishing salt works wonders at the end
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cut and Prepare the Carrots:
- Peel the carrots then trim the ends and cut each carrot into pieces about two inches long. If the carrots are thick slice them in half or quarters to create evenly sized pieces. Uniform size means everything cooks at the same rate for the perfect texture
- Make the Glaze and Toss:
- Add your cut carrots to a large bowl. Drizzle with oil and honey. Add a small pinch of cinnamon and a generous pinch of salt. Use clean hands or a spatula to toss the carrots thoroughly making sure each piece gets coated with the glaze
- Arrange in Air Fryer Basket:
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil or spray to prevent sticking. Spread the glazed carrots in a single even layer allowing a little space for air to circulate. Drizzle any glaze that stayed behind in the bowl over the carrots
- Air Fry to Perfection:
- Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the carrots for ten to twelve minutes shaking the basket once halfway through. This helps the carrots roast evenly and develop those delicious caramelized edges. Check for doneness with a fork. They should be tender on the inside with golden bits outside
- Finishing Touches and Serve:
- Remove the carrots from the basket and serve right away. If you love a salty-sweet contrast sprinkle a little extra flaky salt over the top just before serving. Enjoy while hot for the best texture and flavor
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My favorite part is seeing how the honey bubbles and glazes the carrots in just a few minutes. The first time my niece tried these she said they tasted like candy and now she always requests them on special occasions
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat just pop them back in the air fryer for two to three minutes. Do not microwave unless you want to lose that wonderful roasted texture
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap honey for maple syrup if you need a vegan version. Use rainbow carrots for a festive look or baby carrots in a pinch but adjust the cooking time since they are thicker
Serving Suggestions
These carrots love classic pairings like roasted chicken beef or pork. They also shine on a vegetable platter with other colorful sides. For a holiday table garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill before serving
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe
- → How do I prevent the carrots from becoming too soft in the air fryer?
Cut carrots evenly and check for doneness after 10 minutes. For firmer texture, reduce cook time slightly and avoid overcrowding.
- → Can I use baby carrots instead of whole carrots?
Yes, baby carrots work well. Adjust the cooking time by a few minutes as needed for size and thickness.
- → What type of oil is best for this dish?
Neutral oils like canola or olive oil give great results. Choose an oil with a high smoke point for best flavor and texture.
- → Is it necessary to peel the carrots?
Peeling is optional. Scrub carrots thoroughly if keeping skins on to retain nutrients and add rustic texture.
- → Can the cinnamon be omitted?
Cinnamon adds warmth but can be skipped for a simpler taste or substituted with ground ginger for variation.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Place cooled carrots in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave.