Honey-Roasted Carrots In An Air Fryer: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Honey-roasted carrots are a delicious, healthy snack and a great side dish for a wide variety of meals. They are also incredibly easy to make in an air fryer, taking no more than 20 minutes. The air fryer's even cooking ensures your honey-glazed carrots are perfectly roasted every time. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about making honey-roasted carrots in an air fryer, including the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and some useful tips to perfect this simple yet mouth-watering recipe.

Choosing the right carrots

Colour

Choose vibrant orange whole carrots, which indicate high levels of beta-carotene, offering health benefits. You can also add red or purple carrots to the mix for a variety of colours.

Size

Medium-sized or large carrots are best as they cook more evenly and have a balanced sweetness. However, you can also use mini baby carrots or chantenay carrots. If you are using larger store-bought carrots, they may need a few extra minutes of cooking time.

Firmness

Select carrots that are firm to the touch. Avoid carrots that are soft or have cracks, as these may not hold up well during the cooking process.

Freshness

Opt for fresh, high-quality carrots, preferably organic if possible. Fresh carrots will have a better flavour and texture than carrots that are past their prime.

Preparation

Wash and peel the carrots before cutting them into sticks or batons. Ensure that the carrot pieces are roughly the same size to promote even cooking. You can also add a simple glaze of honey and olive oil, along with salt, pepper, thyme, and garlic powder to taste.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The cooking time and temperature for honey-roasted carrots in an air fryer will depend on your desired texture and the size of your carrot pieces. For example, baby carrots will require less cooking time than larger, sliced carrots.

As a general guide, preheat your air fryer to between 350-400°F (180-200°C). Place the carrots in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

For a crispier texture, cook the carrots for 8-10 minutes. For more tender carrots, increase the cooking time by a few minutes.

Keep an eye on the carrots during cooking, especially if you are using a different air fryer model or carrot size. This will help prevent overcooking or burning.

Additionally, it is recommended to lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with oil before adding the carrots to prevent sticking and make cleaning easier.

How to store leftovers

To store leftover honey-roasted carrots, you can keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

To reheat the carrots, you can either use the air fryer again at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes, or simply microwave them for 30 seconds until they are warmed through.

Health benefits

Honey roasted carrots in an air fryer are a tasty and healthy dish to make. Carrots are a versatile and nutritious food, and when combined with honey, they become a delicious snack or side dish. Using an air fryer to cook honey-roasted carrots is not only convenient but also enhances their flavour and texture, making them crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

• Healthier cooking method: Air fryers use minimal oil, which means less fat and fewer calories compared to traditional frying methods. This makes air-fried honey-roasted carrots a healthier option.
• Retains nutrients: Carrots are rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene, and air frying helps retain these nutrients. Beta-carotene is a powerful antioxidant that can boost eye health and reduce the risk of certain cancers.
• Reduced oil absorption: Air fryers use hot air to cook food, which results in reduced oil absorption compared to deep-frying or even oven-roasting. This means less added fat in your food, contributing to a healthier diet.
• Quick and efficient: Air fryers cook food faster than conventional ovens, reducing the time needed in the kitchen. This can be especially beneficial for busy individuals or families who want to prepare quick and nutritious meals.
• Customizable: Honey-roasted carrots in an air fryer can be customised to suit different dietary needs and preferences. For example, you can use a vegan alternative like maple syrup instead of honey, or choose a different sweetener to reduce the carb content.
• Versatile: Air fryers can cook a wide variety of foods, including meats, vegetables, and even full meals. This versatility means you can easily prepare a range of healthy dishes using a single appliance.

Serving suggestions

Honey-roasted carrots made in an air fryer are a versatile dish that can be served as a snack or a side. Here are some ideas for what to serve them with:

Main Courses

You can serve honey-roasted carrots as a side dish to accompany a main course. They go well with:

• Chicken, such as air fryer chicken wings, air fryer chicken breast, or a whole roasted chicken
• Fish, e.g. salmon
• Meat, e.g. a juicy roast or some meatloaf

Salads and Other Vegetable Dishes

If you want to serve the carrots as part of a lighter meal, you could pair them with a salad or other vegetable dishes, such as:

• A gourmet mixed green salad
• Air fryer broccoli
• Air fryer Brussels sprouts
• Air fryer green beans
• Air fryer cauliflower

For a Festive Meal

Honey-roasted carrots are also a great option for a festive meal, such as Christmas or Thanksgiving dinner. They can be served as a side dish alongside the roast turkey or goose, or other traditional dishes such as pigs in blankets.

Frequently asked questions