Air-Fried Honey Carrots: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Treat

Air fryers are a great way to cook food faster than in a conventional oven, and they also make food healthier by using less oil. This means that you can still achieve that crispy texture on the outside, while keeping the inside tender, without adding extra calories or fat. Honey-glazed carrots are a perfect example of this. With just a few simple ingredients and around 15 minutes of cooking time, you can create a delicious, sweet, and nutritious side dish or snack.

Choosing the right carrots

Start with fresh, high-quality carrots: Opt for carrots that are firm to the touch and avoid those that are soft or have cracks. If you can afford it, go for organic carrots as they tend to have higher levels of nutrients.

Colour: Choose vibrant orange carrots as the colour indicates a high level of beta-carotene, which is beneficial for your health.

Size: Medium-sized or large carrots are ideal as they cook more evenly and have a balanced sweetness. However, you can also use prepared mini baby carrots or Chantenay carrots. If using baby carrots, adjust the cooking time accordingly as they may need a little longer to cook.

Cutting the carrots: For even cooking, cut the carrots into uniform pieces or sticks. This ensures that all the carrots cook at the same rate. You can cut them into 2-inch diagonal pieces or slices, or even quarters if they are very large/thick.

Quantity: A good rule of thumb is to use six medium carrots to serve two people generously or make three smaller servings.

By following these simple tips, you'll be on your way to creating delicious and evenly cooked honey carrots in your air fryer!

Preparing the carrots

First, select the right carrots. Choose fresh, high-quality carrots that are firm to the touch. You can use regular orange carrots, or add some colour with purple or red carrots. If you're short on time, you can use ready-prepped bagged baby carrots, or cut your own carrots into two-inch pieces. If using whole carrots, cut off both ends and peel the skin with a vegetable peeler before slicing. Try to cut the carrots uniformly so they cook evenly.

Next, you'll want to preheat your air fryer to 360°F or 390°F for 5 minutes. Preheating ensures the carrots start cooking immediately and helps achieve that perfect roast.

Now it's time to add the glaze and flavourings. In a large bowl, combine the carrots with olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. You can also add some garlic powder, dried herbs, or chilli flakes for an extra kick. Toss or mix the carrots until they are evenly coated.

Once the carrots are nicely glazed, it's time to cook them. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket. This ensures even cooking and a nice crispy texture. Set the air fryer to 350°F-400°F and cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The carrots are done when they are tender and slightly caramelised.

And that's it! You now have perfectly cooked honey carrots that make a delicious and healthy side dish or snack.

Making the honey glaze

For the glaze, you'll need liquid honey. If your honey is too thick, warm it up a little to thin it out. You can also add some olive oil, avocado oil, or melted butter to the glaze. For seasoning, salt and pepper are a must, and you can also add dried herbs like rosemary, basil, oregano, parsley, or thyme. If you want a little spice, add some chili powder, garlic powder, or red chili pepper flakes.

To make the glaze, start by placing the carrots in a bowl and coating them with oil. Then, add the honey, salt, pepper, and your choice of dried herbs and spices. Toss the carrots well to ensure they are evenly coated with the glaze.

That's it! Your honey glaze is now ready to be used to coat your carrots before air frying.

Cooking the carrots

Start by preparing your carrots. If you're using whole carrots, wash them and cut off both ends. Then, peel the skin and slice the carrot in half horizontally before cutting vertically to make two- to three-inch slices, around half an inch thick. Aim for uniform slices to ensure even cooking. Alternatively, you can use pre-cut baby carrots to save time.

Next, you'll want to coat your carrots. In a bowl, mix your carrots with olive oil, ensuring they are well coated. This helps any seasonings or herbs stick to the carrots. Now, add your honey, salt, pepper, and any herbs of your choice. Toss the carrots well to ensure an even coating.

If you're using an air fryer basket, lightly brush it with olive oil first to prevent sticking. Then, place your carrots inside, spreading them out in a single layer. Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F. Depending on your preferred level of doneness, cook the carrots for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. For crunchier carrots, opt for a shorter cooking time, and for more tender carrots, add a few extra minutes.

Once cooked to your liking, remove the carrots from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can also sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for garnish.

Serving suggestions

These honey-glazed carrots are a perfect snack by themselves. They also make a great side dish for a wide variety of main dishes. Here are some suggestions:

• Chicken
• Fish
• Pork
• Salads
• Meatloaf
• Mashed potatoes
• Pork chops
• Chicken wings
• Roasted chicken
• Green salads
• Veggie-focused dinners
• Burgers
• Chicken breast
• Pork chops

These honey-glazed carrots are versatile and can be served with almost any meal. They are a great way to add a touch of sweetness to your dinner.

Frequently asked questions