Tired of bland, boring carrots as a side dish? Get ready to transform your roast dinner with this incredibly simple yet incredibly delicious caramelized carrot recipe, inspired by a viral TikTok trend from Michelin-trained chef Poppy O’Toole. Forget the oven; this recipe utilizes the magic of the air fryer to create carrots that are truly ‘to die for,’ as commenters on her video attest.
My usual method involves parboiling before roasting, but Poppy’s air fryer technique is a game-changer. There are no precise measurements—it’s all about eyeballing and adjusting to your taste. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Start by preparing your carrots: wash, peel, and cut them lengthwise. I find halving them works perfectly for even cooking.
Next, the air fryer magic begins! Place your prepared carrots in the air fryer basket. There’s no need to preheat; simply cook at 180 degrees Celsius (350 Fahrenheit) for 10 minutes. While the carrots are crisping up, prepare your glaze. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine honey and butter—again, the quantities are up to your preference. Add a pinch of salt and pepper for a touch of savory depth. Microwave for approximately one minute, or until the butter is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and luscious.
Once the initial 10 minutes are up, carefully remove the carrots from the air fryer and gently toss them in the warm honey-butter mixture, ensuring each carrot is evenly coated. Return the glazed carrots to the air fryer basket and cook for another 10 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius (350 Fahrenheit). The result? Perfectly tender carrots on the inside with a beautifully crisp, caramelized exterior and a delightful sweet and sticky glaze. The air fryer method flawlessly brings out the carrots’ natural sweetness, creating a stunning contrast to the salty, savory flavors of traditional roast potatoes and gravy.
This technique isn’t limited to carrots; parsnips would be equally delicious prepared this way. And don’t let any leftovers go to waste! Chopped-up caramelized carrots add incredible flavor and texture to hearty casseroles, stews, and even pies. So ditch the conventional roasting method and embrace the ease and deliciousness of air fryer caramelized carrots—you won’t regret it!
