Are you ready to elevate your vegetable game with a mouthwatering side dish that's both incredibly easy and irresistibly delicious? These Honey Roasted Baby Carrots prepared in an air fryer are about to become your new culinary obsession! Imagine perfectly caramelized, golden-brown carrots with a stunning balance of sweet honey and savory seasonings, all achieved in just 20 minutes with minimal effort. Whether you're a busy home cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises to impress your family and transform ordinary carrots into a gourmet side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound baby carrots
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). This ensures even and quick cooking of the baby carrots.
- 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 a crispy exterior.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, honey, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until they form a smooth, consistent glaze.
- Add the baby carrots to the bowl and toss gently, ensuring each carrot is evenly coated with the honey-oil mixture.
- Transfer the glazed carrots to the air fryer basket, spreading them in a single layer without overcrowding to allow proper air circulation.
- Cook the carrots in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even roasting and caramelization.
- Check the carrots for desired tenderness. They should be golden brown and slightly caramelized with a slight crisp exterior.
- Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a serving dish and optionally garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
- Serve immediately while warm, enjoying the sweet and savory flavor profile of the honey-roasted baby carrots.
Tips
- Pat the carrots completely dry before seasoning to ensure maximum caramelization and crispy edges.
- Use fresh, high-quality honey for the best flavor profile and natural sweetness.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket - give the carrots space to allow proper air circulation and even roasting.
- Shake the basket midway through cooking to ensure uniform caramelization and prevent burning.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the honey-oil mixture.
- Choose baby carrots of similar size to guarantee consistent cooking throughout.
- If you prefer a more intense honey flavor, you can brush an additional layer of honey during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 214kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
