Instant Pot Carrots make a great side dish for any meal. They’re soft and tender, and are cooked in an irresistible brown sugar glaze.
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Why this Instant Pot Glazed Carrots Recipe is a Keeper
These buttery carrots are super easy to make, and is the perfect vegetable side dish recipe if you’re looking for an easy way to cook something along with your next dinner. Here are a few reasons why you’ll want to make this Instant Pot recipe next time you cook carrots:
- 20 Minute Side: Have these brown sugar butter carrots ready in just 20 minutes.
- Easy Ingredients: All of the ingredients for brown sugar glazed carrots can be found in your kitchen or local grocery store.
- Family Friendly: Want to make sure your kids eat their vegetables? They certainly will with this easy carrot recipe.
If you enjoyed this Instant Pot side dish and are looking for more easy Instant Pot recipes, try our Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes, Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese, and Instant Pot Risotto.
What Kind of Carrots are Baby Carrots?
If you’re buying baby carrots at the store, you might see them referred to as baby cut carrots, which are likely the carrots for this recipe you’ll be using. These are mature carrots that have been cut into small sizes, perfect for dipping or cooking with. However, “real” baby carrots do exist, and are whole carrots harvested before they reach maturity. They are usually sold with greens attached. Baby cut carrots are available anywhere, but “real” baby carrots may be harder to find.
Ingredient Notes for Simple Glazed Carrots
- Baby Carrots: Use baby carrots to make this recipe, and cook on high for softer carrots.
- Brown Sugar: Coating the pressure cooked carrots in a brown sugar glaze will make them extra sweet.
See the recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.
Prep Ahead Suggestions for this Easy Instant Pot Recipe
- Carrots: Clean and prep your carrots and then add the glaze ingredients and store in the fridge until ready to cook.
Special Equipment Needed for Easy and Delicious Carrots
- Instant Pot: Cook these sweet carrots in the Instant Pot in less than half an hour. If you’re cooking a big meal, these tender carrots make a great quick side dish.
Side Dish Recipe Pro Tip
Try different glazes, like orange ginger or balsamic vinegar, for a unique twist.
How to Make Glazed Carrots in the Instant Pot
This easy recipe is a great way to cook carrots, and is one of our favorite Instant Pot vegetable side dishes. They’re easy to prep, and have a quick cooking time. Instant Pot baby carrots are so versatile, and are a great way to make sure your kids eat their vegetables. To learn how to make this easy side dish of carrots in the pressure cooker, follow the steps below.
These are the basic steps for how to cook carrots in the Instant Pot. Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions. If you enjoyed this Instant Pot carrots recipe, rate the recipe and leave a comment.
1. Cook the Carrots and Quick Pressure Release
Place carrots and water in the Instant Pot, then close the lid; close the valve by pushing it away from you. Let the carrots cook on high pressure for 4 minutes, or cook for 2 minutes on high pressure if you have a smaller pot. After the four minutes have passed, do a quick release by bringing the valve towards you to release the pressure. Drain the water from your Instant Pot and remove carrots, then set aside.
2. Glaze Carrots
Press cancel on your Instant Pot, then press sauté mode. Add the butter, sugar, and salt. Continue to mix until the butter is completely melted. Then, add carrots to the butter and sugar mixture. Stir well, then serve. If you choose to make more servings, keep the pressure cook time the same, but multiply the ingredients.
How to Store, Reheat and Use Leftovers Instant Pot Side Dish
- Storing: Store carrots in an airtight container in the fridge. They should be good for 3-5 days.
- Reheating: Reheat carrots in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
- Using Leftovers: Leftover carrots can be added to a meal as a side dish, or you can even add them to a soup.
Variations and Substitutions for Instant Pot Carrots
- Use Whole Carrots: If you want thicker carrots, you can peel full-sized carrots and cut them to the size you want. Sliced carrots will work just as well, although they may require a few more minutes of cooking.
- Honey Herb Carrots: If you don’t want to use brown sugar, you can also use maple syrup or 1 teaspoon of honey.
- Steamer: If you don’t have an Instant Pot to cook carrots in, just place the carrots in a steamer and cook them that way.
Pressure Cook Vegetable Side Dish Recipe FAQs
Yes, all you need to do is use a vegan butter substitute.
These carrots are best served warm. However, you can make them 1-2 days in advance and reheat them.
These carrots go great with anything, but some of our favorites include Instant Pot BBQ Chicken and Instant Pot Beef with Balsamic Sauce.
Expert Tips for Making Pressure Cooker Carrots
- Herbs: Finish with fresh herbs, such as parsley and thyme.
- Vegetables: Cook these carrots with other vegetables, like broccoli or baby potatoes.
- Steamer Basket: Instead of an Instant Pot, you can also make steamed carrots. Place them in a steamer basket to cook in boiling water.
- Instant Pot Carrots with Honey: Instead of sugar, glaze the carrots with maple syrup or honey.
- Cook Time: Adjust the cooking time based on the size of your carrots. Smaller carrots might need less time.
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Instant Pot Carrots with Brown Sugar Glaze
Equipment
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Ingredients
- 1 pound Baby Carrots
- ¼ cup Butter
- ⅓ cup Brown Sugar
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ cup Water
Instructions
- Add all of your carrots and water to the instant pot. Close the lid on your instant pot and close the valve by pushing it away from you.
- Set your instant pot to high pressure for four minutes.
- Once your four minutes is up, do a manual release by Bringing the valve towards you. Drain the water from your instant pot and remove carrots. Set aside.
- Press cancel on your instant pot and then press sauté mode. Add your sugar butter and salt. Continue to mix until the butter is completely melted.
- Add your carrots to your butter and sugar mixture. Stir well and then serve! If you choose to make more servings keep the Pressure Cook time the same but multiply the ingredients.
Christina’s Notes
- Herbs: Finish with fresh herbs, such as parsley and thyme.
- Vegetables: Cook these carrots with other vegetables, like broccoli or baby potatoes.
- Steamer Basket: Instead of an Instant Pot, you can also make steamed carrots. Place them in a steamer basket to cook in boiling water.
- Instant Pot Carrots with Honey: Instead of sugar, glaze the carrots with maple syrup or honey.
- Cook Time: Adjust the cooking time based on the size of your carrots. Smaller carrots might need less time.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.
When do I put in the honey if I want to use it?
Thank you.
At the same time you add the rest of the ingredients. It willl just sweeten the glaze.
I used fresh carrots and sliced about an inch thick and followed to the “T” but they are mushy. Delicious but so mushy. Maybe suggest carrots to size and possibly better results. I never use baby carrots since they lose most nutrients through their process prior to sale. I make these every year but this was the first time in an IPot. I will try less time next time.
Thank you so much for this amazing recipe! Tasted really delicious and it’s easy to make! Highly recommended!
Love the sweet brown sugar glaze! Absolutely delicious!