Get ready to transform ordinary carrots into an extraordinary culinary experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! These Air Fryer Honey Glazed Carrots are not just a side dish – they're a game-changing recipe that combines the natural sweetness of honey with perfectly caramelized carrots in just 25 minutes. Imagine crispy, golden edges, a luscious honey glaze, and a burst of flavor that makes vegetables the star of your meal. Whether you're a busy home cook or a kitchen novice, this foolproof recipe will elevate your cooking game and impress even the pickiest eaters.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound baby carrots
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon thyme (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the carrots will cook evenly and develop a nice caramelized exterior.
- Wash the baby carrots thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them completely dry using paper towels to help achieve better crispness.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the baby carrots with olive oil, ensuring each carrot is evenly coated. This helps the carrots cook uniformly and prevents sticking.
- Season the carrots with salt and pepper to taste. If using thyme, sprinkle it over the carrots and gently toss to distribute the herbs evenly.
- Transfer the seasoned carrots to the air fryer basket, spreading them in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Cook the carrots in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and prevent sticking.
- During the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, drizzle honey over the carrots, gently tossing to coat them evenly. The honey will caramelize and create a beautiful glaze.
- Check the carrots for doneness by piercing with a fork. They should be tender but still have a slight crispness.
- Remove the carrots from the air fryer and transfer to a serving dish. Let them rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the glaze to set.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish, garnishing with additional fresh thyme if desired.
Tips
- Pat those carrots completely dry! Moisture is the enemy of crispy vegetables, so use paper towels to remove any excess water before cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Give your carrots some breathing room to ensure even cooking and that perfect caramelized exterior.
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking to promote uniform browning and prevent sticking.
- Watch the honey carefully during the final minutes of cooking. It can burn quickly, so keep an eye on the carrots and toss gently to coat evenly.
- For extra flavor, experiment with different herbs like rosemary or add a pinch of ground cinnamon to complement the honey glaze.
- Use fresh, high-quality honey for the best flavor. Local honey can add an extra special touch to this simple recipe.
- If you prefer a more intense honey flavor, you can brush additional honey on the carrots immediately after cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 100kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 1g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
