Discover the perfect balance of sweetness and savory with maple glazed carrots recipe. This mouthwatering side dish is simple to make in your air fryer.
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As a popular side dish to meatloaf and steak, these delectable carrots offer a perfect balance of flavors with their tender texture and rich, caramelized glaze. While many people may be accustomed to boiled or roasted carrots, the air fryer provides a modern twist on this classic recipe by delivering crispy edges and a more intense flavor profile.
Maple syrup's natural sweetness perfectly complements the earthy taste of carrots, creating an irresistible combination that even picky eaters will enjoy. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort required, mastering maple-glazed carrots in an air fryer is sure to elevate your culinary skills while adding an elegant touch to your dining table
Reasons to Love
- Perfect balance between sweetness and earthiness. The carrots are coated in a glaze made from maple syrup, adding sweetness to their natural, earthy flavor.
- A nutritious and delicious way to incorporate more vegetables. Not only do they taste amazing, but they also provide essential nutrients. Carrots contain vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, potassium, and fiber.
- Glaze adds depth of flavor. The natural sugars in the maple syrup caramelize and create a rich, flavorful coating on the outside of each carrot.
- Quicker and healthier alternative. Not only does it reduce cooking time, but it also requires less oil, making it a healthier option for busy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
It only takes five simple ingredients and an optional parsley garnish to make this sweet side. Let's take a look at what you'll need.
Here are the ingredients used in the recipe:
- carrots
- unsalted butter
- pure maple syrup
- garlic powder
- salt and pepper
- fresh parsley, for garnish
Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.
Instructions
Start by preheating your air fryer to 370°F. Then, clean the carrots and pat them dry. Remove the carrot ends, peel, and cut diagonally into ¼-inch thick slices.
lace carrots in a large shallow bowl. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Gently toss.
Add softened butter and smear it all over the carrots.
Pour in maple syrup and stir in well to combine.
Place carrots in a single layer onto the air fryer tray or basket and air fry.
After 4 minutes, baste each carrot with the butter-maple syrup mixture. Turn carrots and return to air fryer.
Air fry for another 5 minutes or until crisp and tender. Garnish cooked carrots with fresh parsley before serving.
Hint: Preheat the air fryer before adding the carrots. This helps create a more conducive environment for caramelization and ensures that the maple glaze adheres to the carrot slices effectively.
Variations
Want to change up your maple-glazed carrots in the air fryer? Try one of these these easy variations to take the classic side dish to the next level.
- Sweetener - If you don't have maple syrup, you can try using brown sugar instead.
- Paprika - add a sprinkle of smoked paprika before air frying to give the carrots a rich and smoky flavor.
- Herbs - experiment with different herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to add depth and complexity to the dish.
If you're feeling adventurous, drizzle balsamic sauce over the glazed carrots for an unexpected tangy kick.
Tips
Top tip: While cooking your carrots, it's essential to toss them halfway through the process. This helps to evenly distribute the glaze and ensures that each carrot is coated thoroughly. Flipping them over allows for even browning on all sides, resulting in an appetizing caramelization.
- Choose fresh, firm carrots when making maple roasted carrots. Baby carrots can be used to save time as they are already washed and peeled.
- Adjust Maple Syrup for Desired Sweetness
Serving suggestions
When it comes to serving air fryer glazed carrots, the possibilities are endless. One option is to serve them as a side dish to a lemon butter salmon or baked pork steaks dinner. Another creative approach is incorporating them into a hearty grain bowl, adding a pop of color and flavor alongside quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, and fresh greens.
For those looking to up their appetizer game, consider serving them as part of a vegetable charcuterie at your next gathering. Alternatively, take your brunch spread up a notch by adding these irresistible carrots alongside fluffy sheet pan eggs and bacon.
Storage
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to store them longer, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed.
FAQs
Certainly! If you don't have maple syrup on hand, you can substitute it with honey, agave nectar, or even brown sugar dissolved in water. Remember that the flavor profile may vary slightly depending on the substitute used.
Yes! They can be made ahead of time and reheated when needed.
Related Recipes
Looking for more easy vegetable sides for two? Check out these recipes:
- Cabbage steaks in oven is sure to become a favorite dish.
- Vegan ratatouille is perfect for any occasion.
- Bacon wrapped cabbage doesn't even require a fork.
- Garlic butter green beans is quick and easy to prepare.
- Air fryer roasted Brussels sprouts are crispy on the outside.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to see more recipes.
Recipe
Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2 medium carrots about 145 grams each
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat parsley for garnishing
Instructions
- Pre-heat Air Fryer at 370°F (188°C). Set at 12 minutes.
- Properly clean carrots. Pat dry. Remove ends and peel.
- Cut carrots diagonally, about ¼ inch per slice.
- Place carrots in a large shallow bowl. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Gently toss.
- Add softened butter. Smear butter all over carrots.
- Pour maple syrup. Combine well.
- Place carrots on a single layer onto the Air Fryer tray. Slowly insert tray into the middle cooking chamber, near the rotisserie catch. Use a second tray for the remaining of the carrots, if needed.
- After 4 minutes, baste each carrot with the butter-maple syrup mixture. Turn carrots and return to the cooking chamber. Do this to the second tray, if using.
- No need to wait for the "turn food" reminder provided by the Air Fryer.
- Air Fry carrots for another 5 minutes or until crisp tender.
- The second tray will cook for another 1 to 2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Hannah
Served this as a side for dinner the other night and they turned out wonderful! Super easy to make and absolutely delicious my whole family enjoyed them!
JM
I didn't have maple syrup on hand, so I used honey instead, and it worked just as well! Such a versatile recipe.