Looking for a vegetable side that pleases everyone at the table? These Air Fryer Honey Roasted Carrots are tender, sweet, and finished with a glossy butter and garlic glaze. They cook quickly, are simple to prepare, and are a favorite with kids and adults alike.
Because they’re made in the air fryer, there’s no oven to preheat—so they’re fast and convenient. This recipe joins other quick air fryer vegetable dishes in my collection, making it easy to add more veggies to weeknight meals.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Delicious: Carrots caramelize in a simple honey, butter, and garlic glaze for a naturally sweet, buttery finish.
- Fast: Ready in about 20 minutes—quicker than waiting for your oven to heat up.
- Easy cleanup: Lining the air fryer with parchment captures the glaze and juices, eliminating sticky, baked-on messes.
- Family friendly: The sweet glaze appeals to kids while the garlic and butter satisfy adults—an approachable veggie side for everyone.
- Budget-friendly: Carrots are affordable and nutritious; a few pantry ingredients transform them into a restaurant-quality side.
Ingredients (and substitutes)
This recipe uses just four main ingredients plus salt and pepper. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Carrots: Choose similar-sized carrots so they cook evenly. Small to medium carrots are naturally sweeter. Peeling is optional—scrubbing works fine.
- Melted butter: Adds richness. Salted or unsalted is fine; use olive oil if you prefer a non-dairy option.
- Honey: Use runny honey for easy mixing. Maple syrup can substitute but will change the flavor and color slightly.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor; garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
- Chives (optional): Fresh chives, dill, or parsley make a bright garnish if desired.
See the recipe card below for exact quantities and step-by-step instructions.
How to make Air Fryer Honey Roasted Carrots
These honey glazed carrots take about 20 minutes in the air fryer and require just a few easy steps.
Overview:
1. Stir melted butter and honey together until combined.
2. Toss carrots with the honey-butter mixture, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Line the air fryer basket with parchment, arrange the carrots in a single layer, and drizzle any remaining glaze over them.
4. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) without preheating until carrots are tender and golden, about 15–20 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
Full recipe card with exact amounts and notes is below.
Tips
- Trim parchment: Cut parchment to fit the basket bottom and rise only a couple of inches up the sides so it won’t touch the heating element.
- Avoid overcrowding: Arrange carrots in a single layer for even browning. If your air fryer is small, halve the recipe or cook in batches.
- Use all the glaze: Pour any remaining honey-butter into the basket—this helps the carrots glaze and caramelize.
- Stir halfway: Flip or stir once during cooking so every side gets coated and browned.
- Garnish: Finish with chopped chives, dill, or parsley for color and freshness.
More air fryer veggies:
-
Air Fryer Beets (Best Method!)
-
Best Air Fryer Peppers
-
Best Air Fryer Parsnips
-
Air Fryer Butternut Squash
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📖 Recipe
Honey Roasted Carrots (Air Fryer)
Ingredients
- 1 lb carrots (peeled, if you’d like)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (salted or unsalted)
- 1 clove minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt (more to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- chopped chives (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
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Prep: Chop 1 lb carrots into 2–3 inch (5–7.5 cm) lengths. Halve thicker carrots lengthwise. Place in a large bowl.
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Season: Stir 3 tablespoons honey with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Drizzle over the carrots, then add 1 clove minced garlic, ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Toss to coat.
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Air fry: Line the air fryer basket with parchment so it covers the bottom and rises about 2 inches (5 cm) up the sides. Arrange carrots in a single layer and drizzle any remaining glaze over them. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) without preheating until tender and golden, 15–20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
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Finish: Transfer the carrots and any extra glaze to a serving platter. Taste and add more salt if needed. Garnish with chopped chives, dill, or parsley if desired.
Notes
- Garnish ideas: Chives are bright and mild; dill, parsley, crushed red pepper flakes, or toasted nuts also work well.
- Parchment: Lining the basket keeps the glaze and juices contained for easy cleanup—trim it so it won’t reach the heating element.
- Stirring tip: Gently flip or stir the carrots halfway through to coat all sides in glaze and to ensure even cooking. Use tongs or a spatula for best results.