Air fryer carrots come out tender and caramelised, with a sweetness boiling can't match. A simple honey or maple glaze takes them from side dish to something people actually ask for. Here's how.
Key takeaways
Q: How long do carrots take in an air fryer?
A: Air fry carrots at 190°C (375°F) for 15–18 minutes, shaking once, until tender and caramelised.
Q: Should you boil carrots first?
A: No need — cut them evenly and the air fryer softens and caramelises them in one go.
Times & temperatures
| Cut | Temp | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Batons / sticks | 190°C / 375°F | 15–18 min |
| Baby carrots (whole) | 190°C / 375°F | 14–16 min |
| Thick rounds | 190°C / 375°F | 16–20 min |
The recipe
Honey-Glazed Air Fryer Carrots
Ingredients
- 500g carrots, cut into batons
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey (or maple for vegan)
- Pinch of thyme, salt
Method
- Toss the carrots with oil and salt.
- Air fry at 190°C (375°F) for 12 minutes.
- Add the honey and thyme; toss.
- Air fry 3–6 minutes more until glazed.
Tips
- Glaze near the end so the honey doesn't burn.
- Make it vegan with maple syrup instead of honey.
- Serve with roast potatoes or alongside Mediterranean vegetables.
Frequently asked questions
Can you air fry whole carrots?
Yes — baby carrots cook whole in 14–16 minutes. Larger carrots are best cut into even batons so they cook through.
How do you stop the glaze burning?
Add the honey or maple in the last few minutes rather than at the start, so the sugars caramelise without scorching.
Can you cook carrots from frozen?
Yes — air fry from frozen at 190°C for a few minutes longer, shaking once, until tender.