1-First Step: Prep and Mise en Place Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a sheet pan with foil and coat it with cooking spray. Peel and trim 1 pound small carrots so they are similar in thickness for even cooking. If carrots are larger, halve or cut them into even sticks.

2-Second Step: Mix the Glaze In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons honey, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. This simple mix creates a sticky glaze that will caramelize as the carrots roast.

3-Third Step: Coat the Carrots Place the carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Pour the olive oil and honey mixture over the carrots and toss with tongs or a spatula until each carrot is evenly coated. Spread them back into a single layer so they roast rather than steam.

4-Fourth Step: Roast Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 35 minutes. Smaller or thinner carrots may be done at about 25 minutes; thicker whole carrots often need closer to 35 minutes. Around halfway through the bake time, flip the carrots so both sides get browned evenly.

5-Fifth Step: Check for Doneness and Finish Test doneness by piercing a carrot with a fork; it should be tender but not falling apart, with nicely browned edges. If you like a bit more char, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching closely so they don’t burn. Remove from the oven and transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.

6-Air Fryer Option If you’re using an air fryer, preheat it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Toss 1 pound peeled carrot sticks with 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons honey, salt, and pepper. Arrange in a single layer in the basket and air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking or stirring once halfway. Add 2 to 3 minutes for thicker pieces. This method is faster and gives extra crispiness.