Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb fresh carrots (standard or baby carrots)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice for acidity
Instructions
- Start by washing and peeling your carrots. If you are using whole carrots, slice them diagonally into 1/2-inch thick coins or batons to ensure they cook evenly. If you are using baby carrots, you can leave them whole. Pat the carrots completely dry with a paper towel; removing excess moisture is the key to achieving a perfect roast rather than steaming the vegetables.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, olive oil, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the prepared carrots to the bowl and toss them thoroughly. Use a spatula to ensure every single piece is coated in the honey mixture. If the honey is too thick, microwave the mixture for 10 seconds to make it easier to coat the vegetables.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Place the glazed carrots into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket, as this prevents the air from circulating properly. Set the timer for 12 to 15 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, remove the basket and give it a good shake to flip the carrots. This ensures they brown evenly on all sides.
- Check the carrots for tenderness with a fork. Once they are fork-tender and the edges are slightly charred, remove them from the air fryer. Transfer the carrots to a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining warm glaze from the bottom of the air fryer basket over the top. Garnish with a few more sprigs of fresh thyme and a pinch of flaky sea salt for a professional finish.
- Cook Time: 25 minutes