Nick Air Fryer Balsamic Glazed Carrots – They’re Vegan Too!
Looking for a healthy and delicious side dish that’s easy to make? Look no further than air fryer glazed carrots! This dish is perfect for those who want to enjoy the sweet and savory flavors of glazed carrots without the added fat and calories of traditional cooking methods. Plus, with the added health benefits of air frying, this dish is sure to become a staple in your meal planning.
The Health Benefits of Air Frying
Air frying is a cooking method that uses hot air to cook food instead of oil. This means that you can enjoy your favorite fried foods without the added fat and calories. In fact, air frying can reduce the fat content of your food by up to 75% compared to traditional frying methods. Plus, air frying is a great way to cook food quickly and evenly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
The Key Ingredients
Carrots are the star of this dish, and for good reason. Carrots are packed with nutrients, including vitamin A, which is important for eye health, and fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied. Plus, carrots are low in calories, making them a great choice for those who are watching their weight.
Maple Syrup is the perfect sweetener for this dish. Not only does it add a delicious flavor, but it also has some health benefits. Maple syrup has natural anti-inflammatory properties, which means it can help reduce inflammation in the body. Additionally, maple syrup is an unprocessed sweetener. However, the real reason for using it here is the delicious taste that maple syrup adds to the carrots.
Balsamic vinegar is the perfect complement to the sweetness of the maple syrup. Balsamic vinegar has a rich, tangy flavor that adds depth to any dish. Plus, balsamic vinegar is low in calories and contains antioxidants, which can help protect the body against damage from free radicals.
How to cook Air Fryer Glazed Carrots
The process here is simple but results in a delicious dish. You start by preparing the glaze. Add the balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, oil, garlic, salt and pepper to a small bowl. Mix to combine and set aside.
Next, prepare your carrots. Peel (optional) the carrots and trim the ends if desired. Depending on the size of your carrots, cut them into halves or quarters – this is up to you and your preference for desired size once cooked.
In a large mixing bowl, toss the carrots with the maple-balsamic glaze to coat all the carrots. Now place them in a single layer in your air-fryer basket. Set the air-fryer to 390℉ and cook until done. Each air fryer varies, but mine were done in about 10 minutes.
Once the carrots are done, top with some thinly sliced green onions or almond slivers.
How to Store Glazed Carrot Leftovers
Store leftover glazed carrots for up to 3 days in a sealed container in the fridge. Reheat on a stovetop with coconut oil or a little bit of butter (depending on dietary restrictions). You can also reheat these in an airfryer by adding a little bit of oil to them and reheating.
Air fryer glazed carrots are a healthy and delicious side dish that’s perfect for any meal. With the health benefits of air frying and the delicious flavors of carrots, maple syrup, and balsamic vinegar, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. So why not try it out today? Your taste buds (and your body) will thank you!
Air Fryer Maple-Balsamic Glazed Carrots
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 8 carrots medium size
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
Instructions
- Start by making the glaze: In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, minced garlic, salt and pepper. Set aside.8 carrots, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 2 cloves garlic, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper
- Prep the carrots: Peel the carrots (optional). Depending on the size of the carrots cut them in half or quarters, lengthwise. Add the carrots to the glaze and toss to coat – ensuring the carrots are fully coated.8 carrots
- Air Fry: Place the glazed carrots into the basket of the air fryer, in a single layer. Set to 390℉ and air fry for 10 -12 minutes (depending on doneness and air fryer). Toss the carrots halfway through.
- Serve: Serve the carrots as a delicious side for your meal.
These are so tasty. Hope you all enjoy them.