You can grill carrots in about 10 to 15 minutes if you slice them into thin rounds or spears first.
If you’re grilling whole carrots, expect them to take closer to 20 to 25 minutes depending on their thickness.
The good news is that grilled carrots are one of the easiest and most delicious side dishes you can make.
In this post, we’ll go over exactly how long to grill carrots, the best ways to prep them, and a few tasty tips to get them perfectly tender every single time.
Let’s dive in.
How Long Do You Grill Carrots?
So, how long do you grill carrots?
The short answer is: it depends on how you cut them.
Here’s a quick breakdown you can use as your go-to grilling guide.
1. Thin Slices or Rounds (10–12 Minutes)
If you slice your carrots into thin rounds, about a quarter-inch thick, they’ll grill up fast.
This is the quickest way to grill carrots, and they’re great for skewers or tossing into a grill basket.
Just keep an eye on them because thin slices can go from perfectly charred to burnt in a minute or two.
Flip them once halfway through so both sides get those lovely grill marks.
2. Carrot Spears or Sticks (12–15 Minutes)
Cutting carrots into spears is probably the most popular way to grill them.
Spears are thick enough to hold up on the grill grates, but thin enough to cook through in a reasonable amount of time.
When you grill carrot spears, you’ll want a medium-high heat and a little oil so they don’t stick.
Turn them every few minutes and you’ll have tender, slightly smoky carrots in about 12 to 15 minutes.
3. Whole Carrots (20–25 Minutes)
Whole carrots take the longest, so plan ahead if you’re going this route.
You can grill whole carrots directly on the grates, but they’ll need a longer cook time and a lower heat so the outside doesn’t burn before the inside gets tender.
A good trick is to parboil or blanch the whole carrots for a few minutes first, then finish them on the grill.
That way, you’ll cut your grilling time down and still get that great charred flavor.
4. Baby Carrots (8–10 Minutes)
Baby carrots are small and cook quickly, so they’re perfect for a fast weeknight side.
Just toss them in oil and seasonings, then throw them in a grill basket so they don’t fall through the grates.
They’ll be ready in under 10 minutes, and they’re sweet and tender with just a bit of smoky flavor.
How to Prep Carrots for Grilling
Prepping your carrots the right way is almost as important as knowing how long do you grill carrots.
Here’s how to get them ready for the grill.
1. Wash and Peel (or Don’t Peel)
Give your carrots a good scrub under running water.
You can peel them if you like, but you don’t have to.
In fact, leaving the skin on adds extra texture and nutrients, and it helps them hold their shape on the grill.
Just make sure they’re clean before they hit the grates.
2. Cut Them Evenly
The key to grilling carrots evenly is to cut them into similar-sized pieces.
If you have some thick pieces and some thin ones, the thin ones will burn while the thick ones are still raw.
So take a minute to trim and cut them consistently.
3. Toss in Oil and Season
Coat your carrots in a little olive oil or avocado oil so they don’t stick to the grill.
Then season them with salt, pepper, and whatever else you love.
Smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of brown sugar are amazing on grilled carrots.
Tips for Perfectly Grilled Carrots Every Time
Want to nail your grilled carrots on the first try?
Here are a few tips that make a big difference.
1. Preheat Your Grill
Always preheat your grill to medium-high heat before adding the carrots.
A hot grill gives you those beautiful char marks and helps the carrots cook evenly without drying out.
2. Use a Grill Basket for Small Pieces
If you’re grilling sliced rounds or baby carrots, a grill basket is your best friend.
It keeps everything in one place and stops those little pieces from slipping through the grates.
3. Don’t Walk Away
Carrots can go from perfectly grilled to blackened pretty quickly, especially thin slices.
Stay close to the grill and flip them often so they cook evenly on all sides.
4. Finish with a Glaze or Herbs
Once your carrots come off the grill, brush them with a little honey-butter glaze or sprinkle fresh herbs on top.
A squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of balsamic glaze also takes them to the next level.
So, How Long Do You Grill Carrots?
You grill carrots for about 10 to 15 minutes for spears or slices, and 20 to 25 minutes if you’re grilling them whole.
The exact time really depends on how thick you cut them and how hot your grill is running.
But no matter how you prep them, grilled carrots are sweet, smoky, and incredibly easy to make.
So fire up the grill, toss those carrots with a little oil and seasoning, and enjoy a side dish that’s as simple as it is delicious.