Discover how to make irresistibly sweet and savoury Air Fryer Roasted Carrots with a keto-friendly honey glaze. This recipe transforms humble carrots into a caramelised, golden side dish that’s perfect for any meal. By using a sugar-free honey alternative, you get all the sticky-sweet flavour without the carbs, making it ideal for keto and low-carb lifestyles.
Air frying brings out the natural sweetness of carrots while keeping them tender inside and crisp at the edges. The quick honey glaze, made with a keto substitute, adds a glossy finish and a hint of thyme for aromatic depth. With minimal prep and just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a vibrant, crowd-pleasing side in under 20 minutes.
Simply toss sliced carrots with olive oil, air fry until golden, then drizzle with the warm honey glaze. Serve hot as a colourful addition to roast dinners, grilled meats, or as a healthy snack. These carrots are proof that keto sides can be both nutritious and indulgent!
At a glance
- Time: 20 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: 4
- Cost: Affordable
Macros (per serving)
- Protein: 1.1 g
- Fat: 7.2 g
- Carbs: 5.4 g
- Energy: 82 kcal
Ingredients
- 400g Carrots (Peeled and cut into batons)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper (Freshly ground)
- 2 tbsp Keto honey substitute (Sugar-free, such as allulose or monk fruit honey)
- 1 tsp Fresh thyme (Leaves only, plus extra to garnish)
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
- Tongs
- Measuring spoons
Steps
- Preheat your air fryer to 190°C for 3 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the carrot batons with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread the carrots in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and just tender.
- While the carrots cook, add the keto honey substitute and thyme to a small saucepan. Warm gently over low heat for 1–2 minutes, stirring, until fragrant and runny.
- Transfer the roasted carrots to a serving bowl. Drizzle with the warm honey glaze and toss to coat.
- Garnish with extra thyme leaves and serve immediately.
Allergens & Swaps
Allergens:
Recipe contains: No known allergens
Potential swaps:
- Olive oil → Avocado oil — For a more neutral flavour or higher smoke point.
- Fresh thyme → Dried thyme — Use 1/3 tsp dried in place of fresh.
- Keto honey substitute → Sugar-free maple syrup — For a different sweet note.
Serving Ideas
- With roast chicken – for a classic Sunday dinner pairing.
- Alongside grilled salmon – the sweet carrots balance savoury fish.
- As a snack with Greek yoghurt dip – for a satisfying, healthy bite.
Additional Info
Chefs Tips
- Cut carrots evenly for consistent cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket for best caramelisation.
- Warm the honey glaze gently to avoid burning the sweetener.
Variations
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky-sweet twist.
- Sprinkle with toasted nuts for extra crunch and healthy fats.
- Swap thyme for rosemary or parsley for a different herb profile.
Troubleshooting
- Carrots not browning? Increase air fryer temp by 10°C or cook 2–3 minutes longer.
- Honey glaze too thick? Add a teaspoon of water and reheat gently.
- Carrots too soft? Cut them thicker or reduce cooking time.
Storage & Reheating
Store cooled roasted carrots in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the air fryer to restore crispness.
- Fridge: up to 3 days
- Freezer: up to 0 months
- Reheat: Air fry at 180°C for 3–4 minutes until hot and crisp.
Ingredient Spotlight
Carrots: Naturally sweet, low in net carbs, and rich in beta-carotene, making them a colourful and nutritious keto-friendly vegetable.
Keto honey substitute: Provides honey-like sweetness and shine without the sugar, keeping the dish keto-compliant.
FAQs
Can I use regular honey on keto?
No, regular honey is high in sugar and not suitable for keto. Use a sugar-free honey substitute to keep carbs low.
Do I need to peel the carrots?
Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but you can leave the skin on if you prefer a rustic finish.
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Yes, roast the carrots in a preheated oven at 200°C for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway.
How do I store leftovers?
Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best texture.
What is a keto honey substitute?
It's a sugar-free syrup made from allulose, monk fruit, or similar sweeteners, mimicking honey's flavour and texture without the carbs.
Air Fryer Roasted Carrots with Keto Honey Glaze – Sweet & Savoury Side
Ingredients
- 400g Carrots (Peeled and cut into batons)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper (Freshly ground)
- 2 tbsp Keto honey substitute (Sugar-free, such as allulose or monk fruit honey)
- 1 tsp Fresh thyme (Leaves only, plus extra to garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 190°C for 3 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the carrot batons with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread the carrots in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and just tender.
- While the carrots cook, add the keto honey substitute and thyme to a small saucepan. Warm gently over low heat for 1–2 minutes, stirring, until fragrant and runny.
- Transfer the roasted carrots to a serving bowl. Drizzle with the warm honey glaze and toss to coat.
- Garnish with extra thyme leaves and serve immediately.
Allergens & Swaps
Allergens: none
- Olive oil → Avocado oil — For a more neutral flavour or higher smoke point.
- Fresh thyme → Dried thyme — Use 1/3 tsp dried in place of fresh.
- Keto honey substitute → Sugar-free maple syrup — For a different sweet note.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Protein: 1.1 g
- Fat: 7.2 g
- Carbs: 5.4 g
- Energy: 82 kcal
