Air Fryer Beets Recipe: Healthy Roasted Beets Made Simple
I first discovered the magic of Air Fryer Beets while searching for a way to bring back the flavors of my mom’s kitchen. Growing up, she often roasted beets in the oven, and the sweet, earthy aroma would fill our home with comfort and love. After losing her, I found myself drawn back to those same recipes, looking for a way to feel close to her again.
One day, I decided to try making roasted beets in my air fryer, hoping to capture that same flavor but in a quicker, healthier way. To my surprise, the results were incredible crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with the same nostalgic sweetness I remembered from her cooking. That moment was when I realized that the air fryer wasn’t just a modern gadget; it was a bridge to the meals and memories I treasured most.
Today, I’m excited to share this recipe for Air Fryer Beets, a dish that’s simple, healthy, and full of heart.
ple, healthy air fryer recipes, don’t miss our guide on 5-Step Easy Air Fryer Banana Cake for a quick dessert option.
Table of Contents
Why Air Fryer Beets Are a Game Changer
Healthier than traditional roasting
Air Fryer Beets use hot circulating air to crisp the surface while keeping the inside tender. Unlike traditional oven roasting, you don’t need much oil just a drizzle is enough. This makes roasted beets in the air fryer lower in fat while preserving their natural sweetness.
Fast and convenient roasting
If you’ve ever roasted beets in the oven, you know it can take up to an hour. With Air Fryer Beets, you can achieve the same fork-tender texture in just 15–20 minutes. That’s half the time, with the same caramelized flavor.
Air Fryer Beets
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 medium beets washed, trimmed, peeled if desired, cut into 1-inch cubes or wedges
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional flavorings garlic powder, rosemary, thyme, or lemon juice after cooking
Instructions
- Scrub and trim the beets. Peel if desired. Cut into evenly sized 1-inch cubes or wedges for consistent cooking.
- Toss beet pieces with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Add optional spices if desired.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375–400°F (190–200°C).
- Arrange the beets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15–20 minutes, shaking halfway through, until fork-tender and slightly caramelized.
- Serve warm with goat cheese, feta, or balsamic glaze. Alternatively, add to salads, bowls, or hummus platters.
Notes
Nutrition
Prep Steps for Perfect Air Fryer Beets
Washing and trimming beets
Before making Air Fryer Beets, scrub them well to remove any dirt. Trim off the tops and tails. You can peel them before cooking, or roast them whole with the skin on and peel later it’s your choice.
Even sizing for consistent cooking
For uniform cooking, cut your beets into evenly sized cubes or wedges about one inch thick. This ensures every piece of your air-fried beets cooks evenly, avoiding underdone or overdone bites.
Seasoning and Oil Tips
Simple seasoning for maximum flavor
The beauty of Air Fryer Beets lies in their natural earthy sweetness. Toss them with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, and a dash of black pepper. This simple seasoning enhances their flavor without overpowering it.
Optional extra flavor touches
If you want to elevate your roasted beets in the air fryer, try adding garlic powder, rosemary, thyme, or a squeeze of lemon juice after cooking. These flavor accents balance the earthy depth of the beets beautifully.
How to Air Fry Beets – Temperature & Timing
Typical settings for cubes or wedges
Preheat your air fryer to 375–400°F (190–200°C). Place seasoned beet cubes in a single layer. Roast for 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
Whole or foil-wrapped beets
For whole Air Fryer Beets, wrap them individually in foil and cook at 380–400°F for 45–60 minutes. Once cooked, the skins slip off easily, leaving tender, juicy flesh.
When Are Air Fryer Beets Done?
Fork-tender and slightly caramelized
Your Air Fryer Beets are ready when a fork slides in without resistance. You’ll notice a light caramelization on the edges, a sign that the natural sugars have roasted beautifully.
Adjusting for batch size
Cooking times can vary depending on the size of your air fryer and the beet pieces. Larger cubes or bigger batches may need closer to 25 minutes, while smaller chunks may be done in just 15 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Simple and elegant sides
Serve your Air Fryer Beets with creamy goat cheese, tangy feta, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The sweet earthiness pairs wonderfully with salty, tangy flavors. For more inspiration, check out Low-Calorie Air Fryer Snacks for other light side dish ideas.
In salads and bowls
Add roasted beets in the air fryer to salads, grain bowls, or hummus platters. Their vibrant color and flavor instantly brighten up any dish.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Storing leftovers
Let your Air Fryer Beets cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They’ll last in the fridge for up to 3–5 days.
Reheating to crisp again
To bring back that roasted texture, reheat your beets in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes. They’ll be as good as freshly made. You can also find more healthy snack ideas in our article on 10 Healthy Air Fryer Snacks for Weight Loss.
Final Thoughts & Journey Recap
Cooking Air Fryer Beets is more than just a quick recipe it’s a connection between tradition and modern convenience. From my grandmother’s oven-roasted beets to today’s air-fried perfection, the journey shows how simple tools can reinvent comfort food. Whether you’re making roasted beets in the air fryer for a side dish, a salad, or a snack, the results are flavorful, vibrant, and deeply satisfying.
For more inspiration on healthy eating with your air fryer, learn more about our Healthy Snack Ideas and Meal Prep collection.
FAQ – Common Questions on Air Fryer Beets
Do I need to peel beets first?
No, peeling is optional. If you roast them whole in foil, the skins slip off easily once they’re cooked. If you’re cutting them into cubes, peeling beforehand is more convenient.
Can I cook different color beets together?
Yes, but keep in mind that red beets can bleed color onto golden or striped varieties. If you want to keep colors distinct, wrap them separately in foil before roasting.
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