Carrots in air fryer cooked until caramelized, tender and slightly crispy — Tender, caramelized carrots in air fryer with golden edges, a hint of garlic, and a touch of sweetness – the easiest veggie side from 3recipes.

Featured in: Easy Air Fryer Recipes • Healthy Vegetable Side Dishes • Weeknight Dinner Sides

Carrots in Air Fryer (Tender, Caramelized & So Easy)

Carrots in air fryer are one of my favorite “why didn’t I do this sooner?” side dishes: they come out tender in the center, slightly crispy on the edges, lightly caramelized, and full of sweet, toasty flavor in under 20 minutes.

As a busy home cook (and recipe developer for over 20 years!), I’m always looking for vegetable sides that taste restaurant-level but require almost no effort. These air fryer carrots check every box: they’re naturally sweet, a little garlicky, perfectly seasoned, and they pair with everything from roast chicken to weeknight salmon or even burgers.

In this version, we toss carrots with a simple mix of olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and a touch of honey for gorgeous caramelization. The air fryer’s hot circulating air roasts them faster than the oven, so you get deeply flavored, browned carrots without heating up the whole kitchen. Total time? About 25 minutes, including prep.

Whether you’re feeding toddlers, picky eaters, or carrot lovers, this easy air fryer recipe is about to become your new go-to veggie. Let’s make it!

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Amanda • Recipe developer at 3recipes

Published February 12, 2025 • Tested in a 5.8-quart basket air fryer

Why You’ll Be Obsessed With These Carrots in Air Fryer

Fast & easy: From fridge to table in about 20–25 minutes.
Family-friendly: Naturally sweet carrots + light seasoning = kid-approved.
Healthy side dish: Just a drizzle of oil and a touch of honey for shine and flavor.
Perfect texture: Tender inside with caramelized, lightly crispy edges.
Minimal cleanup: One bowl, one air fryer basket, and you’re done.
Versatile flavors: Switch it up with herbs, Parmesan, or smoky spices.

Carrots in Air Fryer Ingredients

You only need a handful of pantry staples and fresh carrots to make this easy side dish.

For the Air Fryer Carrots

1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch thick sticks or coins
1 1/2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup), optional but delicious for caramelization
1 clove garlic, finely minced (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
1/2 tsp kosher salt, or to taste
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for a subtle smoky flavor)
1 tsp fresh chopped parsley or dill, for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Carrots: Whole carrots, baby carrots, or rainbow carrots all work. Just cut them into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
Oil: Any neutral oil with a high smoke point (avocado, canola, or light olive oil) works well in the air fryer.
Honey: Swap for maple syrup or leave it out for a less sweet version.
Garlic: Fresh garlic tastes amazing here. If you’re new to chopping garlic, see our guide on how to mince garlic.
Herbs: Try thyme, rosemary, or dill depending on what you’re serving them with.

How to Make Carrots in Air Fryer (Step-by-Step)

Here’s exactly how I make these easy air fryer carrots so they come out perfect every time.

Step 01

Prep the carrots

Peel the carrots and trim off the ends. Slice them into sticks or coins about 1/2 inch thick. Try to keep them similar in thickness so they cook evenly in the air fryer.

Carrots in air fryer prepped and sliced into even pieces — Cut the carrots into even pieces so your carrots in air fryer cook at the same speed.

Step 02

Season the carrots

Add the carrots to a mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and honey. Sprinkle over minced garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Toss well until every piece is lightly coated.

Step 03

Preheat and load the air fryer basket

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Add the seasoned carrots in a single layer in the basket (a little overlap is okay, but avoid overpacking for best browning).

Step 04

Air fry until tender and caramelized

Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The carrots in air fryer are done when they are fork-tender with browned, caramelized edges. Thicker pieces may need another 2–3 minutes.

Step 05

Finish & serve

Transfer the carrots to a serving platter. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch more salt or pepper if needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or dill and serve immediately while warm and crisp around the edges.

Read This Before You Cook Carrots in Air Fryer

Cut evenly: Uneven pieces will cook at different rates, so some may burn while others stay firm.
Don’t overcrowd: Air needs to circulate. Cook in two batches if your air fryer is smaller.
Shake halfway: This helps all sides brown and prevents sticking to the basket.
Add honey sparingly: A little goes a long way for caramelization; too much can cause burning.
Check early: Air fryers cook differently. Start checking around the 10–12 minute mark.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Fridge: Store leftover carrots in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat in air fryer: Air fry at 360°F (180°C) for 3–4 minutes until warmed and slightly crisp again.
Microwave option: You can microwave, but they will be softer and less crisp.
Make-ahead: Peel and cut carrots up to 2 days ahead. Store them in a container in the fridge and season just before cooking.
Freezing: Freezing is possible but can change the texture. If you do freeze, reheat in the air fryer directly from frozen at 360°F for 5–7 minutes.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

Herb lovers: Add dried thyme or rosemary before air frying for a more herb-forward side.
Spicy version: Sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for heat.
Brown sugar carrots: Swap the honey for 1 tbsp brown sugar and a pinch of cinnamon for a cozy, holiday-style flavor.
Lemon garlic carrots: After cooking, toss with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and extra minced garlic.
Parmesan carrots: Once the carrots come out of the air fryer, sprinkle with grated Parmesan while they’re still hot.
Oil-free option: Lightly spritz the carrots with cooking spray instead of using oil (texture will be a bit less rich, but still tasty).

Serving Suggestions

These carrots in air fryer are incredibly versatile and go with almost any main dish.

Serve alongside roasted chicken, baked salmon, or grilled steak as an easy weeknight side.
Add them to a grain bowl with quinoa, chickpeas, and a drizzle of tahini dressing.
Pair them with mashed potatoes and a simple green salad for a cozy, balanced dinner.

Looking for more ideas? Try them next to our Garlic Butter Chicken, Easy Baked Salmon, or Simple Mashed Potatoes.

Cultural Context & Origins

Roasted carrots are a staple in many cuisines around the world, from European Sunday roasts to simple Middle Eastern platters with herbs and yogurt. The idea behind these carrots in air fryer is inspired by classic oven-roasted carrots, but with a modern twist: instead of roasting for 30–40 minutes in a hot oven, we use the air fryer’s intense convection heat to get similar caramelization in a fraction of the time. It’s a great example of how traditional flavors can adapt to modern, time-saving appliances without losing their comforting roots.

👨‍🍳 Pro Tips for Perfect Carrots in Air Fryer

Dry thoroughly: After rinsing, pat the carrots dry so the oil and seasonings stick and they roast instead of steam.
Use high heat: 380–390°F is ideal for caramelization without burning the edges.
Taste and tweak: Different carrots vary in sweetness; adjust salt, pepper, and honey after cooking if needed.
Check doneness by feel: A fork should slide in easily, but the carrot should still hold its shape.
Double batch trick: Cooking a large batch? Keep the first batch warm in a 200°F oven while the second batch air fries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use baby carrots for this carrots in air fryer recipe?

Yes! Baby carrots work well. Cut any larger ones in half lengthwise so they cook at the same rate, and keep an eye on them since they may cook slightly faster.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

I recommend preheating for 3–5 minutes. This helps your carrots in air fryer start sizzling right away, giving better browning and more consistent results.

My carrots burned around the edges. What went wrong?

Most likely, your air fryer runs a little hotter or the carrots were cut too thin. Reduce the temperature by 10–20°F next time and start checking sooner. Also, avoid using too much honey or sugar, which can scorch faster.

Can I make this recipe without oil?

You can, but the texture will be a bit drier and less caramelized. Lightly spritzing the carrots with cooking spray is a good compromise if you want to use less oil.

How do I know when the carrots are done?

They should be fork-tender, lightly browned, and smell sweet and roasted. If they look pale, give them another 2–3 minutes and shake the basket again.

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