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GET IT NOWMy Air Fryer Carrots Recipe Is Sweet, Savory & So Easy
This air fryer carrots recipe gives you all the caramelized flavor of roasted carrots, but way faster—and honestly, just as tasty. I’ve been making it whenever I need a quick veggie side, especially when there are carrots sitting in the fridge that need to be used up. Most of the time goes into the air fryer doing its thing, which is my kind of cooking! Here’s why you’ll love this recipe too:
- Caramelized outside, tender inside – These carrots get golden and crisp on the edges, while staying soft and sweet in the center. Total veggie upgrade.
- Simple, everyday ingredients – All you need is carrots, oil, herbs, and maybe a drizzle of honey if you want. Nothing fancy, but big flavor.
- Ready in about 15 minutes – Between prep time and air frying, this whole recipe comes together fast. Perfect for weeknights when I need something quick on the table.
If you’re into easy vegetable sides like air fryer green beans or jicama fries, you’ll love this one too. Make it with me!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my air fryer carrots recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
- Carrots – I like using medium carrots so I can slice them into strips, but baby carrots work too, but they just cook faster, so keep an eye on them.
- Honey – I used Wholesome Yum Honey to keep it sugar-free, but regular honey or even maple syrup works great. You can skip it if you’re not into sweet carrots.
- Olive Oil – Avocado oil works too if that’s what you’ve got.
- Fresh Rosemary – I love the flavor rosemary adds, but if you don’t have it, try a mix of fresh or dried herbs like thyme, oregano, basil, parsley—or just use Italian seasoning.
- Spices – I’m keeping it simple with sea salt and pepper, but sometimes I’ll toss in garlic powder or onion powder for extra savory flavor.
How To Cook Carrots In The Air Fryer
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
- Prep the carrots. Wash, dry, peel, and trim the ends of the carrots.
- Mix measonings. Whisk together the honey (if using), olive oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Combine. Pour the oil mixture over the carrots and give them a good toss.
- Arrange. Spread the carrots in a single layer in the air fryer basket. I like to throw in a few extra rosemary sprigs on top for more flavor.
- Air Fry. I roast until the air fryer carrots are golden and a little crispy, shaking the basket halfway through.
My Recipe Tips
- I always cut off the super skinny ends so they don’t burn. Then I slice the carrots evenly so they cook at the same pace and get those golden edges. For medium carrots, I cut them in half lengthwise; for larger ones, I slice them into quarters with a sharp knife.
- I like tossing a few extra rosemary stalks into the air fryer basket. They add even more flavor and that cozy, herby aroma.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. I use this air fryer and it fits the whole batch, but if yours is smaller, just cook in two rounds so the carrots get nice and crispy.
- Don’t skip the shake. Giving the basket a shake halfway through helps everything cook evenly and keeps the edges from getting too dark.
Air Fryer Carrots (Quick & Easy)
This air fryer carrots recipe makes the perfect sweet and savory side! They're easy to prep, crisp on the edges, and full of rosemary flavor.
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Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
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Wash and dry the carrots. Trim the ends (most of the very thin part should be cut off, as it will burn very quickly). Using a knife, cut the carrots lengthwise into half for medium ones, or into fourths for large ones. You should end up with strips that are about 3/4-inch thick.
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In a large bowl, toss the carrots in honey (if using), olive oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper. If you have time, set aside to marinate for 20 minutes (this is optional).
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Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees F (193 degrees C).
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Place the carrots in the air fryer basket, in a single layer. (Cook in batches if they don’t fit in a single layer.) I like to add 2-3 fresh rosemary stalks here as well, but this is optional. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the carrots are golden and a little crispy. Cook time will vary depending on the thickness of the carrots. Repeat with additional batches if needed (mine took two batches).
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Adjust salt and pepper to taste if needed.
LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 cup
- Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get perfectly cut carrots, boost the flavor, and make sure your air fryer carrots come out super crispy every time.
- Variations: Don’t miss my recipe variations for fun ways to switch things up with different flavors, seasonings, and veggie combos.
- Serving ideas: See my serving ideas below for easy mains that pair perfectly with this dish and make it a complete meal.
- Store: Let them cool first, then pop them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep for about 3 days.
- Meal prep: I wash, peel, and cut the carrots ahead of time, then store them in cold water in the fridge. Just change the water every day to keep them fresh.
- Reheat: Toss them back in the air fryer at 375 degrees F for a few minutes until they’re warm and crispy again.
- Freeze: Let them cool, then throw them in a zip-top bag and put in the freezer for up to 3 months.
📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Healthy Air Fryer Bundle!
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy.
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Air Fryer Carrots
Serving Ideas
Not sure what to serve with your air fryer carrots? Here are some of my favorite easy pairings to make it a full meal:
- Chicken – These air fryer carrots are my go-to with baked chicken breasts or fried chicken thighs but they’re also great with grilled chicken legs if the weather cooperates.
- Beef – I like serving them with oven-cooked sirloin steak or Instant Pot short ribs. They add a nice touch of sweetness next to rich, savory beef.
- Pork – Try them with pan seared pork chops or a juicy pork tenderloin. I’ve also done them with slow cooker pork loin for the ultimate comfort vibe.
- Seafood – They’re surprisingly good with seafood! I love them with crab stuffed salmon or lemon garlic butter shrimp.
Recipe Variations
Want to change things up a bit? Here are a few easy twists I’ve tried (and loved) with this recipe:
- Balsamic – Swap 1–2 tablespoons of honey for balsamic vinegar. After air frying, I like to drizzle a little balsamic glaze on top too!
- Garlic Parmesan – Toss the carrots with olive oil, garlic powder, and parmesan before air frying. I add more parm on top after, because why not?
- Mixed Root Veggies – Mix it up by swapping half the carrots with sweet potatoes, parsnips, beets, or whatever you’ve got on hand.
- Buttery finish – Try melting a little butter over the air fryer carrots right after cooking for a richer flavor. I like using grass-fed butter for this!
2 Comments
Doreen T
0My whole family loves these. The only way to make carrots from now on!
Journa Liz Ramirez
0This is one of the easiest side dishes I’ve tried. So flavorful and satisfying! Highly recommended!