1-First, gather and prep your ingredients for either the sweet or savory version. Wash 1 lb (450 g) of carrots, peel if desired, and cut into uniform pieces as specified in the ingredients. For the sweet carrots, measure out melted butter, brown sugar, and salt; for savory, prepare olive oil, garlic powder, and paprika. Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal results, as this temperature works well for both varieties to achieve caramelization without overcooking.

2-Second, season and coat the carrots. For sweet carrots, coat them in the melted butter, brown sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Place them in an oven-safe bowl that fits into the air fryer for better caramelization. For savory carrots, toss the carrots with olive oil, garlic powder, and paprika in a bowl to ensure even coverage. Our quick recipes collection has more tips on seasoning for air-fried veggies.

3-Third, arrange the carrots in the air fryer. For sweet carrots, add them to the bowl and place it in the basket. For savory carrots, spread them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for sweet, 20 to 25 minutes; for savory, 15 to 20 minutes stirring or shaking halfway through for even cooking.

4-Fourth, check for doneness and adjust as needed. After cooking, taste and add more salt if desired for sweet carrots, or top savory ones with grated parmesan and fresh parsley, then season with salt and pepper. Test a piece for tenderness; smaller carrots cook faster, so adjust time accordingly.

5-Fifth, for the sweet variation, using a bowl prevents dripping and helps with caramelization if you don’t have one, line the basket with foil as a backup. Serve warm and enjoy as a side dish. Prep time is about 10 minutes, cook time is 20 minutes for sweet and 15 to 20 minutes for savory, making the total time approximately 30 minutes.