Air Fryer Honey Butter Carrots

Ingredients

• Carrots: 1 lb (approx. 450g) fresh carrots, peeled and sliced diagonally into 1/2-inch thick coins or sticks
• Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted
• Honey: 1.5 tablespoons (wildflower or clover honey works best)
• Olive Oil: 1 teaspoon (helps prevent burning and promotes crisping)
• Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
• Fine Sea Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked
• Fresh Parsley: 1 tablespoon, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preparation & Prep Work

1. Wash and Peel: Wash the carrots thoroughly under cold running water. Peel the outer skin using a vegetable peeler.
2. Cut Uniformly: Slice the carrots diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Keeping uniform size ensures even cooking throughout the air frying process.
3. Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and let it preheat for 3 to 5 minutes.

2. Honey Butter Glaze & Coating

1. Mix Glaze: In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1.5 tablespoons of honey. Microwave for 10–15 seconds until melted, then stir until smooth.
2. Season: Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper into the honey-butter mixture. Whisk well.
3. Toss Carrots: Place the sliced carrots into a large mixing bowl. Pour the honey-butter glaze over the carrots and toss until every piece is evenly coated.

3. Air Frying (Cooking Intensities & Timing)

1. Arrange in Basket: Transfer the coated carrots into the preheated air fryer basket. Spread them out into a single layer to allow proper air circulation. (Work in batches if your air fryer basket is small).
2. Cook Cycle 1 (Intensity 380°F for 8 Minutes): Slide the basket into the air fryer and set the timer for 15 minutes total. Let them cook undisturbed for the first 8 minutes.
3. Shake & Flip: At the 8-minute mark, pull out the basket and shake it vigorously to flip the carrots. This redistributes the caramelizing sugar from the honey and ensures even browning.
4. Cook Cycle 2 (Intensity 380°F for 7 Minutes): Return the basket to the air fryer and continue cooking for the remaining 7 minutes until the edges are nicely charred, tender on the inside, and caramelized on the outside.

4. Finishing Touch & Serving

1. Check Doneness: Pierce a carrot with a fork; it should be tender yet slightly crisp (al dente). If you prefer softer carrots, add 2 minutes at 380°F.
2. Garnish: Transfer the hot carrots to a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining warm honey-butter glaze from the basket over the top and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
3. Serve: Serve immediately while warm alongside your favorite main dishes such as roasted chicken, steak, or pork chops.

Nutrition

Calories: 125 kcal — · Protein: 1.1 g 2% · Fat: 6.8 g 9% · Carbohydrates: 16.5 g 6% Dietary · Saturated Fat: 3.6 g 18% · Fiber: 3.1 g 11% · Sugar: 11.2 g — Added · Sodium: 320 mg 14%