Air Fryer Glazed Carrots {+Oven Directions}

Air fryer glazed carrots are the perfect side dish to turn any meal into comfort food. Made with just 4 simple ingredients and ready in about 15 minutes, they’re great for busy weeknights.

This is the kind of side dish that pulls a meal together. The carrots add a little sweetness that balances the savory parts of the meal. And the bright orange color is a visually appealing addition to your plate.

Even though we frequently make these carrots for family dinners, they’re also a great addition to a holiday menu. Not only do they cook quickly, but preparing carrots in the air fryer frees up oven space for other dishes.

We love making roasted vegetables in the air fryer because they’re usually easy to prep and cook in a fraction of the time it takes to bake them. And they can be a great option for meal prepping.

Be sure to check out our air fried crispy green beans, spaghetti squash, and broccoli cauliflower recipes for more veggie side dish options.

Air Fryer Glazed Carrots Ingredients

• Carrots – we used a bag of baby carrots because they are consistent in size and shorten prep time. 
• Butter – salted or unsalted will work here. 
• Brown sugar – caramelizes with the melted butter to make a glaze.
• Ground cinnamon – adds a warm flavor.

How to Make Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots in the Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F. 

Melt the butter on the stove top or in the microwave. 

Whisk the melted butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar together in a large bowl. 

Add the baby carrots to the glaze mixture and toss to coat. 

Lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil. 

Place carrots in the basket in a single layer, and air fry until fork tender (about 10 minutes). Shake the basket halfway through. 

Recipe Substitutions and Variations 

• Whole carrots can be used. After rinsing and trimming, cut them into coins, chunks, or in half. Adjust the cooking time based on the size of the carrot pieces.
• For a savory option, mix the melted butter with fresh thyme, fresh rosemary, and a dash of garlic powder.
• If you like a sweeter side dish, drizzle the cooked carrots with a little hot honey or maple syrup just before serving. The base recipe is sweet, so be sure to use a light hand when pouring. 
• In my opinion, the glaze is the best part, but you can leave it off and have plain roasted carrots instead.

How to Make Glazed Carrots in the Oven

Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Prep the carrots as directed and add to the baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the carrots are tender, stirring at the halfway point.

What to Serve With Roasted Carrots

For weeknight family dinners we pair them with baked chicken, beef kabobs, or Mississippi pot roast. When it comes to a holiday meal, we serve this simple side dish alongside green bean casserole, rolls, and mashed potatoes.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Carrots

These delicious carrots are best when served fresh. If needed, store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can reheat them in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes at 350 degrees F or in the microwave.

Can I use frozen carrots in this recipe?

While frozen carrots can be used, they won’t be as crispy as using fresh carrots.

Can I use regular carrots instead of baby carrots?

Yes! You can make this recipe with large orange or rainbow carrots. You’ll want to trim the ends off the carrots before slicing into 1/2-inch pieces so they cook evenly.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a side dish recipe as easy as these air fried glazed carrots. But the best part is your family is sure to approve of this flavorful dish.