These Air Fryer Honey Glazed Carrots are a quick, easy, and insanely delicious side dish. They’re tender on the inside, caramelized on the edges, and tossed in a buttery, sweet glaze! Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday spreads—this budget-friendly recipe comes together in under 15 minutes and is sure to steal the spotlight on any table.
Oriana’s Thoughts On The Recipe
These Air Fryer Honey Glazed Carrots check all the boxes! They’re easy, delicious, and can go with just about anything. I’ve made them countless times, especially when I need something quick that still feels a little special. They’re tender, slightly crisp around the edges, and the honey glaze gives them this magical sweet and savory flavor that my whole family loves. They make me feel like I put in way more effort than I actually did—mom win!
What I Love About This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need, Substitutions & Notes
Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).
- Fresh whole carrots: Peeled and sliced into sticks, chunks, or coins. Baby carrots work too.
- Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create that luscious glaze. Use unsalted so you can better control the saltiness.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Helps roast the carrots and adds a nice smooth finish.
- Italian seasoning: Adds a herby depth that pairs well with the sweetness of the glaze.
- Garlic powder: Gives a warm, savory touch without overpowering the dish.
- Smoked paprika (or regular): Brings a subtle smokiness. If you don’t have smoked, regular paprika works just fine!
- Salt & black pepper: To balance out the sweetness and bring out all the flavors.
- Honey: The star of the glaze! Sweetens the carrots and caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer.
- Fresh parsley: For a fresh, colorful garnish—totally optional, but highly recommended for that final pop!
Food Allergy Swaps
- This recipe is naturally egg, wheat/gluten, nut, peanut, soy, sesame, fish and shellfish free, making it suitable for most dietary needs, but always check labels for hidden allergens.
- Dairy-Free: Swap butter with a dairy-free alternative like vegan butter or more olive oil.
Potential Recipe Challenges & Pro Tips
- Unevenly Cooked Carrots: Some pieces may cook faster than others if they’re not the same size. Pro Tip: Try to cut your carrots into similar-sized sticks or coins. This ensures they all cook evenly and get that lovely tender texture with caramelized edges.
- Glaze Burns in the Air Fryer: The honey can burn if the temperature is too high or if there’s too much glaze pooling at the bottom. Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the basket, and stirring halfway through also helps the glaze distribute and caramelize instead of burning.
Process Overview: Step-by-Step Photos
Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).
Step 1 – Prepare The Carrots
Prepare the carrots. Cut the carrots diagonally into 3 cm / 1.50” lengths. Halve the thicker end so they are all roughly the same width.
Step 2 – Prepare The Glaze
Prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the glaze ingredients until well combined.
Step 3 – Coat The Carrots In The Glaze
Coat the carrots in the glaze. Mix well to coat the carrots with the glaze completely.
Step 4 – Cook
Spread the carrots evenly in the air fryer basket. Air-fry at 400°F / 205 °C for 10 – 12 minutes, or until fork tender.
Step 5 – Serve
Transfer the cooked carrots to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Extra Recipe Tips For Success
- Use a mixing bowl to toss the carrots in the glaze mixture before air frying—this ensures every piece is coated.
- Preheating your air fryer helps get those crispy edges faster.
- For extra sweetness, drizzle a tiny bit more honey right after cooking.
Variations & Additions
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne for a sweet and spicy twist.
- Citrusy flair: Add a splash of orange juice or zest to the glaze for brightness.
- Nutty crunch: Top with chopped pecans or walnuts before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These honey-glazed carrots pair beautifully with roasted chicken, turkey, pork chops, or even a simple grain bowl. I love serving them alongside mashed potatoes or fluffy rice and a crisp green salad. They also look gorgeous on a holiday platter with other colorful sides!
Storage and Freezing Instructions
To store: Let the carrots cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat: Pop them back in the air fryer at 350º F for a few minutes until warmed through, or warm them in the microwave.
To freeze: While you can freeze them, they’re best enjoyed fresh. The texture may change slightly after freezing, but you can reheat them straight from frozen in the air fryer or oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Recipe Card
Air Fryer Honey Glazed Carrots
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb (680 g) fresh whole carrots, cleaned and peeled (see notes)
- 2 tablespoons (28 g) butter melted
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) honey plus more for drizzling (see notes)
- Fresh parsley as garnish (optional)
Important
You can find step-by-step photos above in the post and/or right here on the recipe card. They’ll walk you through the process and make everything super clear! Just click the camera icon button below on the right to show or hide them. Turn them off before printing if you prefer a cleaner copy!
Instructions
- Prepare the carrots: Cut the carrots on the diagonal into 3cm / 1.50” lengths approximately. Halve the thicker end so they are all roughly the same width.
- Prepare the glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the glaze ingredients until well combined.
- Coat the carrots in the glaze: Mix well to coat the carrots with the glaze completely. Spread the carrots evenly in the air fryer basket.
- Cook. Air-fry at 400°F / 205°C for 10 – 12 minutes, or until fork tender:
- Serve: Transfer the cooked carrots to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy!
- This recipe is naturally egg, wheat/gluten, nut, peanut, soy, sesame, fish and shellfish free, making it suitable for most dietary needs, but always check labels for hidden allergens.
- Dairy-Free: Swap butter with a dairy-free alternative like vegan butter or more olive oil.
- Unevenly Cooked Carrots: Some pieces may cook faster than others if they’re not the same size. Pro Tip: Try to cut your carrots into similar-sized sticks or coins. This ensures they all cook evenly and get that lovely tender texture with caramelized edges.
- Glaze Burns in the Air Fryer: The honey can burn if the temperature is too high or if there’s too much glaze pooling at the bottom. Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the basket, and stirring halfway through also helps the glaze distribute and caramelize instead of burning.
- Use a mixing bowl to toss the carrots in the glaze mixture before air frying—this ensures every piece is coated.
- Preheating your air fryer helps get those crispy edges faster.
- For extra sweetness, drizzle a tiny bit more honey right after cooking.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne for a sweet and spicy twist.
- Citrusy flair: Add a splash of orange juice or zest to the glaze for brightness.
- Nutty crunch: Top with chopped pecans or walnuts before serving.
I appreciate your feedback, and it helps others, too!
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
