Easy Air Fryer Carrots With Honey and Balsamic Glaze

Aug 17

Imagine this: Vibrant, orange baby carrots, glistening with a light coat of honey, sizzling in the air fryer until they’re perfectly caramelized and crisp. Each bite is a delightful mix of sweet and tangy, with the honey’s sweetness playing off the balsamic’s tartness.

I'm SO excited to share this recipe with you guys today! This recipe is quick, delicious, and a healthy side dish that compliments almost any meal. These crispy, juicy air-fried carrots are perfect for everything from a quick snack to an easy family dinner.

With just seven simple ingredients and 15 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have the perfect side dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, air frying locks in nutrients while minimizing added fats, making these carrots a healthy alternative to traditional side dishes.

Jump To the recipe

Why Air Fry Carrots?

Air-frying carrots offers a healthier cooking method compared to traditional frying, preserving their natural nutrients while achieving a crispy texture in less time. This method requires minimal oil, reducing calorie intake without sacrificing flavor.

Air-fried carrots are perfect for busy weeknights or as a nutritious addition to family dinners. Plus, they're versatile—serve them as a side dish, a snack, or incorporate them into various recipes.

Whether you're looking for a quick fix or exploring new air fryer recipes, these carrots are sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Why I Like This Recipe

It's the easiest side dish for adults and kids.
Air-fried carrots are SO simple and delicious, making them a perfect snack for everybody! They are also a nutritious and healthy alternative to unhealthy snacks like french fries.

Everyone has baby carrots in their fridge!
While one of the most popular ways to eat them is crunchy with hummus, my favorite way to make them is in the air fryer. Air-fried carrots come out slightly crunchy but really juicy on the inside. Instead of regular carrots, I like using baby; that way, I don't have to chop carrots!
The sweetness of the carrots is the perfect complement to the acidic balsamic vinegar.
Carrots have a natural sweetness that is enhanced when they are cooked or roasted, which helps to balance out the acidity of the vinegar. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors creates a well-rounded flavor profile in this simple recipe.
I love to meal prep a big batch of these and keep it in the fridge for a healthy snack.
It saves time and effort in the long run and ensures that you have a healthy and satisfying snack readily available whenever hunger strikes.

Want More Carrot Recipes?

Try these other delicious recipes from my blog below!

Air Fried Rainbow Carrots Recipe:
These colorful rainbow carrots are seasoned with avocado oil, lemon juice, and spices, making them a perfect crispy side dish.
Healthy Carrot Fries Air Fryer:
Enjoy these spicy carrot fries topped with parmesan cheese as a healthier alternative to traditional fries.

Health Benefits of Carrots

Carrots are a nutrient-packed vegetable known for their low calorie content and high nutritional value. They are rich in vitamin A, essential for vision, and provide potassium and fiber, promoting heart health and digestion.

The antioxidants in carrots, such as beta-carotene, support overall health by reducing the risk of chronic diseases. I

Check Out my Other Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes!

What You Need to Make Air Fryer Baby Carrots

For this easy and delicious air fryer baby carrots recipe, you'll need a handful of simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 lb baby carrots: These are the perfect size for quick cooking and no chopping required.
1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil: Choose your preferred oil for a light coating that helps with the crisping process.
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: Adds a tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the carrots.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the carrots.
1/4 teaspoon pepper: Provides a subtle kick and balances the sweetness.
2 teaspoons honey: A touch of sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer.
2 teaspoons balsamic glaze: Drizzled on at the end for a rich, sweet-tangy finish.

How to Make Air-Fried Carrots

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the coated carrots in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
In a large bowl, combine the baby carrots, avocado or olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and honey. Toss well to evenly coat the carrots.
Air fry the carrots for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Once the carrots are tender and slightly caramelized, remove them from the air fryer and drizzle with balsamic glaze.

Storage

To store leftover carrots, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days once they've cooled. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply reheat them in the air fryer or microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

No, you can use sliced or whole carrots as well. Baby carrots are convenient because they require no chopping. Just remember to adjust the cooking time for larger or smaller pieces.
Yes, lightly brushing the basket with olive oil helps prevent the honey mixture from sticking and makes cleaning easier. You can also use parchment paper to line the basket for an easy cleanup.
For perfect air fryer carrots, you can check the color of the carrots. They should be a vibrant orange and slightly caramelized on the edges. Additionally, you can test the texture by piercing the carrots with a fork or toothpick. They should be tender but still have a slight crunch. You can also take a taste test. The carrots should be cooked through and have a nice balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Yes, maple syrup or a sprinkle of brown sugar can be used as a substitute for honey. Adjust to taste.
Yes, you can bake the carrots in an oven at 375 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or use an Instant Pot with a sauté function to caramelize the honey and glaze.

These delicious air fry baby carrots with honey glaze are not only a simple side dish but also a nutritional powerhouse. Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, this easy recipe uses a bag of baby carrots coated in a sweet honey glaze mixture. Whether you're looking for a quick fix or exploring new recipes, these air fryer carrots are sure to become a favorite on your dinner table.

Air Fryer Carrots With Honey and Balsamic Glaze

Yield: 4-5

Author: Jazz Leaf

Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 10 MinTotal time: 15 Min

These crispy and juicy air-fried carrots are the perfect addition to any meal. Whether you're serving them as a quick snack or a side dish for a family dinner, they will surely be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

1 lb baby carrots
1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoons pepper
2 teaspoons honey
2 teaspoons balsamic glaze

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the coated carrots in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
In a large bowl, combine the baby carrots, avocado or olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and honey. Toss well to evenly coat the carrots.
Air fry the carrots for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Once the carrots are tender and slightly caramelized, remove them from the air fryer and drizzle with balsamic glaze.

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Hey, I’m Jazz

I’m a nutritional therapist practitioner and spent 3 years as a personal chef to NBA athletes. Follow along for easy, attainable and healthy recipes in under 30 minutes!