These Air Fryer Carrots come out wonderfully tender with the most delicious roasted flavors. They are quick and easy to make and take barely any work at all. Perfect for a simple holiday side!
My Crockpot Glazed Carrots are one of the most popular holiday recipes here on the blog. So I figured – why not try some carrots in the air fryer, too? And I’m glad I did, because they are delicious!
While I do really adore the slow cooker version, this recipe is great for when I’m not planning far enough ahead (or when all fo the crocks are in use). And I love how they come out so nicely roasted in the air fryer with barely any work – coupled with adding a little butter and honey once they are done? Talk about a perfect side dish!
Ingredients you’ll need
Here is a visual overview of the ingredients in the recipe. Scroll down to the recipe at the bottom for quantities.
Ingredient notes
- Carrots: I like using medium-sized carrots here. For special holidays, I always try to get ones with the green still on and then leave a small bit of it for a really nice presentation. But this is totally optional. Freshly picked carrots (e.g. from the farmer’s market or garden) tend to cook faster vs grocery store carrots, so keep this in mind. Bagged baby carrots can also be used in this recipe, but again, they’ll cook a little quicker.
- Olive oil: This is my preferred oil here, but a neutral vegetable oil like canola will work just as well.
- Dried thyme: I love thyme with carrots, but if you’re not a fan you could always use dried parsley instead, or just leave it out.
- Butter/honey: The carrots come out delicious without adding the butter and honey, but I think this just takes them up a notch. I always add it for special meals, but will frequently leave it out if I’m making the carrots to serve with a weeknight dinner.
How to make carrots in the air fryer
Always preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes before using it for best results!
1. Start by washing, peeling and cutting your carrots into spears (if you’re using baby carrots, just leave them whole).
Then toss the carrots in a bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper and dried thyme.
2. Next, place the carrots in the pre-heated air fryer basket in an even layer.
3. Air fry your carrots until they are tender and lightly browned on the outside.
4. Immediately place the carrots in a serving bowl and toss with butter and honey to coat. I also sprinkled on some chopped parsley for a pop of color, but that’s entirely optional. Serve hot.
Recipe tips
- Cut the carrots into evenly sized pieces, otherwise they will not all cook in the same time.
- Do not skip pre-heating the air fryer, it really makes a difference.
- Check on your carrots a few times during cooking, to make sure you catch them at the right time. The exact cooking time will depend a lot on your exact carrots used, how large you cut them and how big your air fryer is!
- I tested this recipe using a (affiliate link which earns me a commission) Cosori Air Fryer Max. I love it for it’s simple design and large basket. If you have a much smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the carrots in two batches.
I think these would be perfect for Easter alongside a roasted leg of lamb or a crockpot pineapple ham – or for Thanksgiving with your favorite turkey!
PS If you try this recipe, why not leave a star rating in the recipe card right below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page? I always appreciate your feedback! You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram. Sign up for my email list, too!
Air Fryer Carrots
Recipe details
Ingredients
- 1 pound carrots about 5-6 medium carrots
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ tablespoon runny honey
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat air fryer for 5 minutes. In the meantime, trim and peel carrots and cut into spears (I cut them in half and then slice each halve into 4 spears).
- Season carrots: Place carrots in a large bowl and toss with oil, dried thyme, salt and pepper.
- Add to air fryer: Place carrots into hot air fryer basket in an even layer.
- Cook: Air fry at 375°F (195°C) for 12-15 minutes, checking from time to time, until tender.
- Finish: Immediately transfer carrots to a serving bowl and gently toss with butter and honey. Serve hot.
Notes
Ingredient notes
- Carrots: I like using medium-sized carrots here. For special holidays, I always try to get ones with the green still on and then leave a small bit of it for a really nice presentation. But this is totally optional. Freshly picked carrots (e.g. from the farmer’s market or garden) tend to cook faster vs grocery store carrots, so keep this in mind. Bagged baby carrots can also be used in this recipe, but again, they’ll cook a little quicker.
- Olive oil: This is my preferred oil here, but a neutral vegetable oil like canola will work just as well.
- Dried thyme: I love thyme with carrots, but if you’re not a fan you could always use dried parsley instead, or just leave it out.
- Butter/honey: The carrots come out delicious without adding the butter and honey, but I think this just takes them up a notch. I always add it for special meals, but will frequently leave it out if I’m making the carrots to serve with a weeknight dinner.
Recipe tips
- Cut the carrots into evenly sized pieces, otherwise they will not all cook in the same time.
- Do not skip pre-heating the air fryer, it really makes a difference.
- Check on your carrots a few times during cooking, to make sure you catch them at the right time. The exact cooking time will depend a lot on your exact carrots used, how large you cut them and how big your air fryer is!
- I tested this recipe using a (affiliate link which earns me a commission) Cosori Air Fryer Max. I love it for it’s simple design and large basket. If you have a much smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the carrots in two batches.
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