Instant Pot Carrots

These Instant Pot Carrots are ready in just 9 minutes with only 5 ingredients you probably already have in the kitchen. The brown sugar glaze turns plain carrots into a sweet, buttery side dish the whole family will ask for again — perfect for a busy weeknight or your holiday dinner table.

We’ve made this recipe more times than I can count, and it’s always the first side dish gone at our family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 9 minutes total (5 minutes prep, 4 minutes cook).
• Only 5 simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
• Budget-friendly at about $0.50 per serving.
• The brown sugar glaze makes carrots a hit with kids, even ones who usually skip vegetables.
• Perfect for busy weeknights or a holiday dinner like Thanksgiving.

Can You Freeze Instant Pot Carrots?

Yes! These carrots freeze well, so they’re an easy addition to your freezer meal prep. Let the cooked carrots cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe airtight container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little extra butter.

Ingredients:

• Baby Carrots – No peeling or chopping needed, which saves you time. Regular carrots work too — just cut them into even pieces.
• Water – Creates the steam to pressure cook the carrots and becomes the base of the glaze.
• Brown Sugar – Melts down into the sweet glaze that coats the carrots.
• Butter – Adds richness to the glaze.
• Salt – Balances out the sweetness.

How to make Instant Pot Carrots: 

• Step 1 – Add Carrots to Instant Pot – Place the carrots inside of an electric pressure cooker.

• Step 2 – Add ingredients – Add butter, water, and brown sugar and salt.

• Step 3 – Pour Water – Pour water over the ingredients in the instant pot.

• Step 4 – Place lid on pressure cooker – Add the pressure cooker lid and set it to sealing position.

• Step 5 – Cook on High – Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.

• Step 6 – Quick Release – Do the quick release to release the pressure after the cook time.

• Step 7 – Serve and Enjoy – Toss the carrots in the sauce and serve immediately while warm. Enjoy!

Tips for Instant Pot Baby Carrots:

• Adding Ingredients – Make sure to add all the ingredients to the instant pot. This allows the carrots to cook in the delicious brown sugar glaze.
• Doneness Check – Baby carrots are done when a fork slides in easily but they still hold their shape — they shouldn’t be falling apart.
• Cook on High Pressure – For best results cook the brown sugar glazed carrots on high pressure.
• Crock Pot – These baby glazed carrots can easily be made in the slow cooker. Toss everything in and cook for about 3 hours or until carrots are tender.
• Save the Sauce – Don’t toss the leftover brown sugar butter sauce in the pot! A few of our readers say it’s delicious spooned over vanilla ice cream for a quick treat.
  

Substitutions and Additions:

• Carrots – We like using baby carrots for this recipe, but you can use regular carrots. Make sure to peel and clean them before adding to the instant pot.
• Seasoning – Feel free to add in fresh herbs to cook with the carrots. It adds flavor and an easy addition to this side dish.
• Maple Syrup – If you prefer you can substitute the brown sugar for maple syrup or honey.
• Add Other Vegetables – You can easily add in other vegetables to cook with the carrots. Keep in mind that the cooking time may change based on the vegetables you add. Change the seasoning or omit the brown sugar if necessary.
• Dairy-Free – Swap the butter for vegan butter or coconut oil to make this recipe dairy-free.
  

Build a Budget-Friendly Holiday Plate

These brown sugar carrots are already one of the most affordable sides on your table at about $0.50 a serving. Pair them with Pressure Cooker Mashed Potatoes and Crock Pot Meatloaf for a complete, wallet-friendly dinner that still feels special enough for the holidays.

What to Serve with Carrots?

• Crock Pot Meatloaf – If you are making a meatloaf for your Sunday night dinner, add a side of these brown sugar carrots. They pair perfectly with meatloaf and a side of mashed potatoes.
• Baked Ranch Chicken – Bake this delicious ranch chicken and make a side of these carrots. Delicious and easy to make.
• Easy Crock Pot Pork Chops – Easy Crock Pot Pork Chops are a family favorite and the best comfort food. Cooking the pork chops in the crock pot make them super tender and they will melt in your mouth.
• 3 Packet Roast – Enjoy this juicy roast with this carrots for a quick and easy side dish.

Instant Pot Carrots FAQ

How to Store Leftovers and Reheat:

Place your leftover brown sugar glazed carrots in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

When you are ready to reheat, place in a microwave safe dish or on a stovetop. You may need to add a tablespoon of butter or a little water to heat the carrots in.

These carrots also make a great make-ahead side — cook them a day before your holiday dinner, then reheat with a little extra butter right before serving.

More Instant Pot Side Dishes Recipes:

• Pressure cooker Mashed Potatoes Recipe
• Quick and Easy Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash Recipe
• Instant Pot Homemade Refried Beans Recipe
• Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe