Air Fryer Roasted Carrots

Air fryer roasted carrots - golden, tender, and just a little crispy on the edges. This is the kind of side dish that works just as beautifully with a weeknight chicken dinner as it does on your holiday table.

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Air fryer carrots in under 20 minutes!

If you’re looking for a simple and reliable side dish that pairs well with just about everything, these air fryer carrots are for you. They’re gently sweetened with honey, finished with herbs, and come out tender with a bit of golden colour on the edges. And best of all, they’re ready in under 20 minutes.

Carrots packed with flavor

Carrots are tasty but honey roasted carrots in the air fryer are next level tasty! Using butter and honey brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots while adding just enough flavor to make them feel special. Perfect for weeknight dinners or serving alongside a roast with lots of air fryer roast potatoes.

What makes this air fryer roasted carrots recipe a winner?

Quick and easy: Air fryer carrots cook in just 15–18 minutes, with very little prep.
Minimal ingredients: Carrots, butter, honey, herbs, and seasoning - that’s it.
Great texture: The air fryer gives you tender carrots with lightly caramelised edges.
Versatile: Serve with anything from chicken to salmon to holiday mains like an air fryer turkey crown or roast beef.

Why the air fryer is perfect for roasting carrots

I used to roast carrots in the oven but found they took forever to soften – they just seem to stay hard for so long. But then I tried them in the air fryer and was amazed how quick and easy it was. But it’s not just about speed. I find I get a better flavor when making honey glazed carrots in the air fryer – I love that slightly crisp, golden finish combined with the sweetness from the honey. Air frying roasted carrots also frees up the oven for other dishes – making this recipe ideal for when you’re preparing a big feast or family roast.

Ingredients for air fryer honey carrots

Carrots – peeled if you prefer (although you don’t need to), and cut into sticks or thick coins
Butter – for a smooth, rich coating
Honey – adds a touch of natural sweetness
Fresh herbs – such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley
Salt and pepper – for balance and flavour

How to make roasted carrots in air fryer

Raw carrots on a chopping board with a peeler at the side.

Prep the carrots: You can peel them but this is totally optional. Then chop into evenly sized pieces. I like to aim for long, thick sticks. Don't cut them too thin, or they will burn in the air fryer.

Melt the butter and honey in a small saucepan. Then combine the chopped carrots with the melted honey-butter mixture, your herbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Carrot sticks in a bowl with a wooden spoon which is mixing the seasoning onto the carrots.

Cook: Place in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) and cook for 15–18 minutes, shaking or turning halfway through. Check they’re fork-tender before serving.

Finish: Add a little extra butter and honey if you’d like, and sprinkle with more herbs before serving.

Air fryer carrots topped with herbs and served in a serving dish.

Top tips for making honey glazed carrots in the air fryer

Try to cut the carrots to a similar size so they cook evenly.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket - cook in batches if needed.
Baby carrots can work too - just slice in half if they’re large.
You can adjust the sweetness by using less honey or adding a pinch of spice (like paprika or chilli flakes).

What herbs go with roasted carrots?

The great thing about this recipe is that you can switch up the herbs to suit your favorite flavors. Here are some herbs that go well with roasted carrots.

Thyme – earthy and subtle; works well with both honey-glazed and roasted carrots

Parsley – fresh and bright; great as a finishing herb

Rosemary – strong and fragrant; best used sparingly with roasted carrots

Tarragon – slightly sweet and anise-like; adds a delicate, French-inspired touch

Chives – mild onion flavour; nice for a fresh garnish

Cilantro – works well in more vibrant, spiced carrot dishes (like with cumin or citrus)

Sage – more robust; pairs well with brown butter and roasted flavours

What to serve with air fryer carrots

These carrots go beautifully with so many meals. They work well with air fryer pork steaks, air fryer salmon, or vegetarian mains like lentil loaf or stuffed squash. They also make a great addition to warm salads or Buddha bowls. You can also include them as part of a Thanksgiving or Christmas spread - simple, colourful, and easy to prepare ahead.

Swaps and substitutions

Make it vegan - use a vegan butter or olive oil in place of the regular butter. Then swap the honey for maple syrup.

Switch up the flavors - swap the herbs for your favorite spices like paprika or chili for a hit of heat, or cumin for a deeper warmth.

Try other veggies - this method also works great for air fryer roast parsnips.

Let me know if you give these air fryer roasted carrots a try - I always like hearing how these recipes work out in your kitchen. You can leave a comment and a star rating below - thank you!

Storing and reheating air fryer carrots

If you have leftovers (or if you're prepping these carrots in advance), you can keep these air fried carrots in the fridge for up to three days. Let them cool completely before placing in a sealed container in the fridge. When you're ready to reheat, just pop into the air fryer at 350F (180C) for around five minutes, or until hot all the way through.

Can I air fry baby carrots?

Absolutely! Just slice them in half lengthwise if they are big.

Do I need to peel the carrots?

It's totally your choice. There's no need to peel, just give them a scrub and dry well before chopping. Or peel if you prefer.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, just swap the butter for olive oil and swap the honey for maple syrup or brown sugar.

Can I use parsnips instead of carrots?

Yes, this method works great with parsnips too. Just make sure the parsnips are cut into evenly sized pieces so that they cook evenly.