How Long to Boil Carrots
By The Recipes by Mom kitchen · Last checked October 21, 2026 · Not kitchen-tested; see how our recipes are made
Boiling carrots until they are tender can take as little as 5 minutes or as long as 15 minutes. The exact time depends on the size of the pieces. Sliced carrots, about a quarter-inch thick, will be done in 5 to 7 minutes. Whole baby carrots need about 8 to 10 minutes, and whole medium carrots require 10 to 15 minutes.
The times in the accompanying table are a general guide for carrots cooked in water that is at a full boil. Start timing once the water has returned to a boil after you have added the carrots.
How Long to Boil Carrots: time chart
| What | Heat | Time | Done when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sliced coins, 1/4 inch | Boiling water | 5 to 7 minutes | Tender-crisp to tender |
| Baby carrots | Boiling water | 8 to 10 minutes | Tender |
| Whole medium carrots | Boiling water | 10 to 15 minutes | Knife slides in |
Table source: Typical ranges from standard cooking practice, not an official chart. Ovens, grills and pieces vary: start checking at the low end of each range.
Good to know
- Cut pieces the same size so they cook evenly
What changes the cooking time
The most significant factor that determines how long to boil carrots is their size. A larger, thicker piece of carrot has more mass, so heat takes longer to travel from the boiling water to the center. This is why whole carrots take longer to cook than slices.
For any given cut, uniformity is key to even cooking. If you have a mix of thick and thin slices, the thin ones will become soft and overcooked by the time the thick ones are tender. Cutting pieces to a consistent size helps ensure every bite has the same texture.
How to tell when carrots are done
The best way to check if boiled carrots are done is to test their texture. You can do this by piercing a carrot with the tip of a sharp knife or a fork. If it slides in easily with little resistance, the carrot is cooked through. If you have to push hard, it needs more time.
The ideal doneness is a matter of preference. For a tender-crisp texture, where the carrot has a slight bite, start checking at the low end of the time range. For a softer, more tender result, let them cook until the high end of the range, testing every minute or so. Overcooked carrots can become mushy, so it is a good idea to check them before the time is up.
Tips for better results
- Start with boiling water. Adding carrots to water that is already at a rolling boil helps them cook more quickly and evenly. The cooking time begins once the water returns to a boil after the carrots are in the pot.
- Salt the water. Adding salt to the boiling water seasons the carrots as they cook. This creates a more balanced taste than just salting them at the end.
- Do not overcrowd the pot. Use a large enough pot to allow the carrots to move freely in the boiling water. Overcrowding can lower the water temperature and lead to uneven cooking. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Stop the cooking. Carrots will continue to cook from residual heat even after being removed from the water. To stop the cooking process immediately, especially for salads or recipes where a crisp texture is desired, we suggest transferring them to a bowl of ice water. Then drain them well once they are chilled.
Sources and method
- USDA FSIS Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart
- Time ranges not marked as USDA are typical ranges from standard cooking practice
Last checked October 21, 2026.