Crispy edges, caramelised and sweet, these air fryer roast carrots are a fast, fuss-free side for any meal. Roast carrots are one of those humble heroes of the dinner table – underrated, easy to forget about, and yet so rewarding when done right. That natural sweetness, those golden edges, the tender centres. When carrots are roasted properly, they are a total game-changer. But let’s be honest, turning on the oven just to roast a tray of carrots can feel like a bit of a faff, especially when you are short on time or just trying to keep things energy-efficient. That is where the air fryer comes in so handy.
Air frying carrots gives you everything you love about oven-roasted veg. The caramelisation, the crisp texture, the flavour, in a fraction of the time. You don’t even need to parboil them. Just peel, chop, season and go. In under 20 minutes, you will have golden roast carrots that are perfect alongside a roast dinner, a quick weeknight traybake, or even served cold in a salad the next day.
This recipe is incredibly versatile too. You can keep it simple with just olive oil, salt and pepper, or take things up a notch with a drizzle of honey, a dusting of spices, or a fresh herb garnish. It is so great for batch prepping, and perfect if you’re trying to eat more veg without feeling like you are stuck with soggy boiled sides.
Whether you are cooking for one or feeding a crowd, these air fryer roast carrots are a quick win. They are so colourful, flavourful, and effortlessly delicious. Once you try them, you will never go back to oven-roasting again..
PREP 5 minutes
COOK 15 – 20 minutes
SERVES 2 – 3 people
KIT you will need an air fryer
Ingredients for Air Fryer Roast Carrots
500g carrots (peeled and cut into batons or chunks, whichever you prefer)
1 tbsp of olive oil
Sea salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Optional extras:
1 tsp of honey or maple syrup (for added sweetness)
½ tsp of ground cumin, smoked paprika or thyme
A squeeze of lemon juice, to serve
Chopped fresh parsley, to garnish
Method
So start by peeling your carrots and trimming the ends. You can cut them into chunky diagonal slices, slim batons, or rustic chunks. Just make sure the pieces are similar in size so they cook evenly. Smaller pieces will roast quicker and get more golden at the edges, while thicker ones will have a softer, sweeter centre. If you’re using baby or heritage carrots, you can leave them whole for a more rustic presentation.
Pop the prepped carrots into a mixing bowl. Drizzle over the olive oil and season with a good pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss well to make sure every piece is evenly coated. If you are adding any optional extras like honey, maple syrup, cumin, or smoked paprika, now is the time to stir them through. For a sweet and savoury balance, honey and thyme is a particularly lovely combo.
Place the carrots in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Leave the crisper plates in and try not to overcrowd. If the basket is too full, the carrots will steam rather than roast, and you’ll miss out on those lovely crispy edges. If you’re making a bigger batch, cook in two goes or shake more frequently.
Air fry at 200°C (390°F) for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Keep an eye on them for the last few minutes. They should be lightly caramelised and tender when pierced with a knife.
Transfer the carrots to a serving dish and finish with a sprinkle of sea salt, a squeeze of lemon, or a scattering of fresh herbs, if you like. Serve hot!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Roast Carrots
1. Cut evenly:
Uniform size is key for even cooking. If some pieces are too small, they will burn before the others are cooked through. Aim for chunks or batons that are roughly the same thickness. Whether that is chunky coins, diagonal slices or skinny fries.
2. Don’t skip the oil:
A small amount of oil helps the carrots roast rather than dry out. It also encourages browning and gives that irresistible golden, slightly crispy edge. One tablespoon per 500g of carrots is usually plenty.
3. Avoid overcrowding:
For the best roast results, give the carrots room to breathe. Overcrowding the basket traps steam and prevents crisping. If you need to make more than will fit in a single layer, cook in batches or shake more frequently to encourage even browning.
4. Add sweeteners late (if using):
If you’re using honey or maple syrup, add it partway through cooking (around the 10-minute mark) to prevent it burning. These sugars help the carrots caramelise beautifully but can catch quickly in the high heat of an air fryer.
5. Shake or stir halfway:
Give the basket a good shake or use tongs to stir the carrots halfway through cooking. This helps them brown evenly and prevents any sticking.
6. Flavour it your way:
Roast carrots are a blank canvas. Add ground cumin or coriander for a Middle Eastern twist, smoked paprika for depth, or dried rosemary or thyme for a more classic roast dinner vibe. A final squeeze of lemon or sprinkle of sea salt really brings them to life.
7. Leftovers = next-level salads:
Toss leftover roast carrots into couscous, quinoa, or leafy salads with feta or tahini dressing. So they are just as delicious cold.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed these air fryer roast carrots, here are five more easy veggie sides and accompaniments to try – all quick, delicious, and perfect for making the most of your air fryer:
Air Fryer Broccoli
Slightly charred, super crisp and totally addictive, this air fryer broccoli might just be your new favourite way to eat greens. Try it with a sprinkle of parmesan or a drizzle of tahini dressing.
Air Fryer Roast Vegetables
A colourful mix of red and green peppers, onions, courgettes and beef tomatoes, this one-pan wonder is perfect for using up whatever is in your fridge. Ideal for meal prep or a vibrant side dish.
Air Fryer Butternut Squash
So soft and caramelised on the inside, crispy around the edges, this is a gorgeous way to enjoy butternut squash with barely any effort. A pinch of cinnamon or paprika takes this side dish to the next level.
Air Fryer Roast Potatoes
So golden on the outside, fluffy in the middle, these roast potatoes are simple, satisfying and go with everything from grilled meats to Sunday roasts.
Air Fryer Cauliflower
Whether you keep it simple or go spicy with paprika or curry powder, this roasted cauliflower is packed with flavour and texture. Perfect as a side or tossed into a grain bowl.
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