Air-Fryer Glazed Carrots: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryer glazed carrots are a quick, easy, and versatile side dish that can be served with almost any meal. The natural sweetness of the carrots is enhanced by the glaze, which can be made with honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar. The air fryer also gives the carrots a perfectly roasted texture with minimal oil, making them a healthier alternative to traditionally roasted carrots.

Choosing the right carrots

First, consider the type of carrot. While baby carrots are convenient and require less preparation, larger carrots are often recommended for air fryer recipes as they have a better flavour when roasted. Rainbow carrots or tri-coloured carrots can also be used and will create a beautiful, gourmet-looking dish. If you do choose to use baby carrots, be aware that they may cook faster than larger carrots, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.

Next, look for carrots that are firm and smooth, with a bright orange colour. Avoid carrots that are wilted, have soft spots, or have started to sprout. The carrots should feel heavy for their size, indicating that they are fresh and juicy.

When preparing the carrots, be sure to peel them unless you are using young, thin-skinned carrots. You can use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin, taking care not to peel away too much of the carrot itself. Cut the carrots into even-sized pieces, about 1/2-inch to 1-inch thick. This will ensure that they cook evenly in the air fryer.

Finally, if you want to enhance the sweetness of your glazed carrots, look for carrots with a thicker shape, as these tend to have a higher sugar content. Carrots that are thin and tapered will be milder in flavour and less sweet.

By choosing the right carrots and preparing them properly, you'll be well on your way to making delicious glazed carrots in your air fryer!

Preparing the carrots

Firstly, you will need to wash and peel your carrots. This step is optional, as some people prefer to keep the peel on for added texture and nutrition. However, peeling the carrots will result in a softer texture and remove any bitter taste that the peel may impart. Use a vegetable peeler to gently remove the outer layer of the carrots.

Next, chop the carrots into uniform chunks or slices. Aim for pieces that are around 1 inch in size for larger carrots, or use baby carrots for a quicker option with less prep time. The key is to ensure that all the carrot pieces are roughly the same size so that they cook evenly.

Once your carrots are washed, peeled, and chopped, it's time to season them. You can go for a sweet or savoury option, or simply use salt and pepper to taste. For a sweet glaze, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon or honey to coat the carrots. Alternatively, toss the carrots with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning for a savoury flavour profile. Place the carrots in a large bowl and mix until they are evenly coated with your chosen seasoning.

Now, it's time to arrange the carrots in your air fryer. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray, avoiding overcrowding. This step is crucial to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the carrots in batches.

Finally, set the temperature and cooking time on your air fryer. For most recipes, a temperature of around 375-400°F is recommended, with a cooking time of 8-15 minutes. However, always refer to your specific recipe for the best results. Remember to shake or flip the carrots halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning.

Making the glaze

For a simple glaze, you can use honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar. You can also add a little butter and a pinch of salt to taste. For a more complex flavour, add some cinnamon, or smoked paprika, or ground black pepper. You can even add a little chili powder for a spicy kick.

First, prepare your carrots by peeling and chopping them into 1-inch chunks. Place these in a bowl and pour over your chosen glaze ingredients. Stir the carrots until they are fully coated in the glaze.

Next, transfer the glazed carrots to an oven-safe dish or bowl that will fit in your air fryer. Cook at 380-400°F for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through. You can tell if the carrots are done by poking them with a fork—they should be tender but still a little firm.

For an extra sticky, shiny glaze, cook the carrots for a further 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of colour and freshness.

Cooking the carrots

Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F–400°F (190°C–205°C). While the air fryer is heating up, prepare your carrots. Peel and wash the carrots, then chop them into 1-inch chunks or slices. Try to keep the carrot pieces a similar size so they cook evenly.

Next, you'll want to toss the carrots with your chosen glaze or seasoning. For a sweet glaze, mix the carrots with melted butter, brown sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon or salt. Alternatively, for a savoury glaze, toss the carrots with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Make sure the carrots are fully coated.

Now you're ready to cook the carrots! Place them in the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Set the temperature to 375°F–400°F (190°C–205°C) and cook for 7–15 minutes, shaking the basket or tray halfway through. The carrots are done when they are tender but still a little firm.

For an extra sticky, shiny glaze, transfer the carrots to an oven-proof bowl or dish and toss them with a little extra honey, maple syrup, or butter. Place them back in the air fryer for another 5 minutes or so.

Finally, sprinkle the carrots with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of colour and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy!

Serving suggestions

These glazed carrots are a versatile side dish that can accompany any main course. Here are some ideas for what to serve them with:

• Chicken: Air fryer chicken tenders, air fryer chicken legs, or air fryer chicken wings would make a great combination with the carrots.
• Pork: Try air fryer pork loin or pork chops.
• Fish: Air fryer salmon or air fryer crab cakes could be a good pairing.
• Vegetarian options: Imagine the glazed carrots next to a plate of vegan risotto or a vegetable stir-fry. They would also go well with a Mushroom Wellington, a veggie burger, or a penne arrabiata pasta.
• Other sides: You could also serve the carrots with air fryer garlic bread or air fryer biscuits.

Frequently asked questions