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Air fryer roasted carrots caramelized until tender, topped with coarse sea salt and fresh herbs, served as a simple and flavorful side dish.
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Air Fryer Roasted Carrots – Simple, Sweet, and Perfectly Tender

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • Carrots (about 1 to 1.5 pounds) – standard or baby carrots both work
  • Olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • Salt – kosher or sea salt
  • Black pepper – freshly ground
  • Garlic powder (optional)
  • Smoked or sweet paprika (optional)
  • Honey or maple syrup (optional, for a glaze)
  • Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or thyme (optional, for finishing)
  • Lemon (optional, for a bright squeeze at the end)

Instructions

  • Prep the carrots. Peel standard carrots and slice them into sticks or coins about 1/2 inch thick. If using baby carrots, cut any large ones in half lengthwise so they cook evenly.
  • Preheat the air fryer. Set it to 380°F (193°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. A warm basket helps with quick browning.
  • Season. In a bowl, toss the carrots with 1 to 1.5 tablespoons oil, 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Add 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon paprika if you like. For a glaze, add 1 to 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup.
  • Load the basket. Spread the carrots in a single layer with a bit of space between them. If your air fryer is small, cook in two batches. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of roasting.
  • Air fry. Cook at 380°F for 14 to 18 minutes, shaking the basket or stirring halfway through. Start checking at 12 minutes—thickness and air fryer models vary.
  • Check doneness. The carrots should be tender when pierced with a fork and lightly browned on the edges. If you want more color, add 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Finish and serve. Toss with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of herbs. Taste and adjust salt. Serve warm.