Carrots cooking times
How long to cook carrots: 5–8 min boiled, 6–10 min steamed, 4–6 min in the microwave and 30–40 min in the oven at 200°C (180°C fan). Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.
How long to cook carrots
Times are for 500 g, for 4.
| Method | Time | Heat | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boil Sliced or batons | 5–8 min | in boiling salted water | Whole baby carrots take 8–10 minutes. |
| Steam Sliced or batons | 6–10 min | over simmering water | – |
| Microwave Sliced | 4–6 min | on full power, covered | With 2 tablespoons of water; stir halfway. |
| Oven Roasted | 30–40 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Halved lengthways or in thick batons, tossed in oil; a drizzle of honey for the last 10 minutes. |
| Air fryer Batons | 12–16 min | 200°C (400°F) | Batons tossed in a teaspoon of oil; shake halfway. |
| Pan-fry Glazed | 10–12 min | over a medium heat | Glazed: simmer slices with butter, a pinch of sugar and water just to cover until the water has gone and they shine. |
| Pressure cooker Sliced | 2–3 min | on high pressure | Thick slices on a trivet with 250 ml water; quick release. |
Before you start
Peel or scrub, then cut into even slices (5 mm), batons or halves. Small or baby carrots can stay whole.
How to tell it’s done
A knife goes in easily but the carrot still holds its shape.
Questions
How long to boil carrots?
Sliced or batons: 5–8 min in boiling salted water. Whole baby carrots take 8–10 minutes.
How long to steam carrots?
Sliced or batons: 6–10 min over simmering water.
How long to microwave carrots?
Sliced: 4–6 min on full power, covered. With 2 tablespoons of water; stir halfway.
How long to cook carrots in the oven?
Roasted: 30–40 min at 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6. Halved lengthways or in thick batons, tossed in oil; a drizzle of honey for the last 10 minutes.
How long to cook carrots in an air fryer?
Batons: 12–16 min at 200°C (400°F). Batons tossed in a teaspoon of oil; shake halfway.
How long to pan-fry carrots?
Glazed: 10–12 min over a medium heat. Glazed: simmer slices with butter, a pinch of sugar and water just to cover until the water has gone and they shine.
How long to cook carrots in a pressure cooker?
Sliced: 2–3 min on high pressure. Thick slices on a trivet with 250 ml water; quick release.
Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and the size of what you’re cooking all vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer before serving. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance, last checked 11 November 2026.