Air-Fried Baby Carrots: A Quick, Healthy Treat

Air fryer baby carrots are a quick, easy, and healthy side dish that can be made in under 20 minutes. They are perfect for dunking into hummus and dips and can be served with your favourite cornbread, mashed potatoes, pasta, grilled chicken, or salmon. The best part about this dish is that it requires minimal prep work as baby carrots don't need to be washed, peeled, or cut. All you need to do is toss them in some olive oil and your choice of seasonings, and you're ready to go!

How to make basic baby carrots in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of baby carrots
• 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or melted unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh herbs (optional): Italian seasoning, rosemary, or parsley for garnish

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to between 370-400°F.
• Pat the baby carrots dry with a paper towel.
• In a medium-sized bowl, toss the carrots with olive oil or melted butter, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated.
• Place the carrots in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between them.
• Cook for 10-15 minutes at the desired temperature, shaking the basket halfway through, or until tender.
• Garnish with fresh herbs (optional) and serve immediately.

Tips:

• If your carrots are frozen, simply add an extra minute to the cooking time.
• You can also use avocado oil or coconut oil instead of olive oil or butter.
• For a sweeter taste, add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar or honey to the mix.

How to adapt the recipe to make honey-glazed baby carrots

Honey-glazed baby carrots are a delicious addition to any dinner, offering a nice balance of sweetness without being overpowering. Here is a detailed guide on how to adapt the basic air fryer baby carrots recipe to make mouth-watering honey-glazed baby carrots.

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make honey-glazed baby carrots:

• Baby carrots
• Honey
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Fresh dill (optional)

Instructions

First, pat the baby carrots dry with a paper towel. This step is important to ensure the carrots roast properly in the air fryer.

Next, preheat your air fryer to between 360°F and 390°F. The higher temperature will give you a more distinct honey-glazed flavour.

Now, it's time to toss the carrots in a mixing bowl with the olive oil, honey, and a sprinkle of salt. You can also add some pepper for a savoury kick. Toss well to ensure the carrots are evenly coated.

Place the carrots in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-15 minutes. For the best results, shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Finally, garnish with fresh dill (optional) and serve immediately.

Tips

• Use liquid honey. If your honey is too thick, warm it in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to thin it out.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the carrots in a single layer to allow hot air to circulate and cook them evenly.
• For a savoury variation, try adding some garlic powder, dill, ranch seasoning, lemon juice, cumin, or balsamic vinegar to the mix.
• If you prefer your carrots with a little crispness, cook them for a couple of minutes less.

Enjoy your delicious honey-glazed baby carrots!

How to adapt the recipe to make brown sugar-glazed baby carrots

Ingredients

You will need:

• Baby carrots
• Butter
• Olive oil
• Brown sugar
• Salt
• Cinnamon (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 390°F.
• In a medium-sized bowl, mix the melted butter, olive oil, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
• Add the baby carrots to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated in the glaze.
• Place the carrots in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Cook for 8-12 minutes, or until tender.
• Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
• Remove the carrots from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.

Tips:

• If you prefer your carrots to have a bit of crispness, cook them for a couple of minutes less.
• For easier cleanup, you can line the air fryer basket with foil or parchment paper.
• You can also add a sprinkle of chili powder to the glaze for a spicier kick.

How to adapt the recipe to make maple cinnamon-glazed baby carrots

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of baby carrots
• 2 tablespoons of butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• In a medium-sized bowl, add the baby carrots, melted butter, olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the carrots are evenly coated.
• Place the carrots in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Air fry for 10-15 minutes, or until the carrots are tender. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
• Garnish with parsley (if desired) and serve immediately.

Tips:

• You can use frozen carrots, but add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
• If you prefer your carrots on the firmer side, reduce the cooking time.
• If you like your carrots sweeter, you can add more maple syrup or a drizzle of honey.
• For a savoury twist, try adding some dill, garlic powder, ranch seasoning, lemon juice, cumin, or balsamic vinegar.

How to adapt the recipe to make Italian-style baby carrots

If you're looking to add an Italian twist to your air fryer baby carrots, here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:

Ingredients

Firstly, gather your ingredients. For an Italian-style version, you will need:

• Baby carrots
• Olive oil
• Italian seasoning (a blend of mixed herbs such as basil, oregano, and parsley)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or rosemary for garnish (optional)

Preparation

Start by prepping the baby carrots. Ensure they are dry by patting them with paper towels if needed. This step is crucial, as wet carrots can lead to a soggy texture and hinder the crisping process.

Next, place the carrots in a medium-sized bowl and drizzle them with olive oil. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper generously over the carrots. Use your hands or a spoon to toss the carrots until they are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 370-390°F. The higher temperature will give your carrots a nice glaze. Place the seasoned carrots in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.

Cook the carrots for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, as you want them to be tender but not mushy.

Serving

Once the carrots are cooked to your desired tenderness, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or rosemary for an extra burst of flavor and a pop of color.

Your Italian-style air fryer baby carrots are now ready to be enjoyed! They make a delicious and healthy side dish, perfect for pairing with grilled chicken, salmon, or any main course of your choice.

Frequently asked questions