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Air Fryer Baby Carrots

air fryer baby carrots in white bowl with wooden spoon.
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This is a super quick and easy way to cook baby carrots to perfection using the air fryer. But, you can also take your air fried carrots to the next level with one of the delicious flavor combos listed in the notes section!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (454 g) baby carrots
  • 2 tablespoons oil or butter
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (Diamond Crystal; for table salt or Morton kosher, use only 1/2 teaspoon, or salt to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons honey (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer at 375 degrees F for 3 - 5 minutes (see note 1).
  2. If using butter, place it in a small microwave-safe bowl, covered with a folded paper towel to catch any spatter. Microwave on high for 15 - 20 seconds, or until melted.
  3. Add the baby carrots to a medium bowl. Pat the baby carrots dry very thoroughly with paper towels.
  4. Add the oil or melted butter to the carrots, along with the salt (1 teaspoon for Diamond Crystal kosher, 1/2 teaspoon for table salt or Morton kosher. Or, salt to taste). Toss to combine. If using the melted butter, it may solidify around the cold carrots - don't worry, this is ok!
  5. Place the baby carrots into the preheated air fryer and spread them out in one even, single layer. Air fry for 12 - 15 minutes, stirring the carrots halfway through the cook time (make sure to spread the carrots out in one even layer again after stirring).
  6. When the carrots have reached your preferred level of tenderness, remove the baby carrots from the air fryer (see note 2). If desired, drizzle the honey over the hot carrots and toss gently to coat.

Notes

The amount of preheating time will depend on your model of air fryer. For specific preheating instructions, check your air fryer manual. 

You can test how tender the carrots are by piercing a few with a fork. The amount of cook time needed will vary based on the size of baby carrots you are using, the type of air fryer you have, and your own preferences.

Flavor suggestions:

  • Honey nut: halfway through the cook time, after stirring the carrots, sprinkle 1/3 cup roughly-chopped nuts over the carrots. Continue to cook as directed in the recipe. When the carrots are done, remove them from the air fryer and drizzle 2 tablespoons honey over the carrots, toss to coat.
  • Cilantro lime: add the juice and zest of 1/2 lime to the cooked carrots, plus 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro. Toss to combine.
  • Cinnamon brown sugar: along with the salt and melted butter (preferred) or oil, toss the carrots with 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. When the carrots are done, remove them from the air fryer and immediately add 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar. Gently toss the carrots with the sugar until the sugar melts into the warm carrots.
  • Maple orange: add the zest of 1/2 orange and 2 tablespoons orange juice to the cooked carrots, plus 2 tablespoons maple syrup. Toss to combine.

The nutrition information was calculated with 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons honey. The nutrition counts of your dish will vary based on the brands and exact amounts of ingredients used. The nutrition information listed is an estimate only, provided by an online nutrition calculator, and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical, health, or nutritional advice. See our full disclosure policy.

Nutrition

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