Roasting Beetroot In An Air Fryer: A Quick, Easy Treat

Roasted beetroot is a delicious and healthy side dish, and cooking it in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare it. Air fryer beetroot is also a very versatile dish that can be served in many ways, including as a side with a dip, added to a salad or grain bowl, or as an appetiser with dips, chips and crackers.

How to roast beets in an air fryer

Roasting beets in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy this root vegetable. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to roast beets to perfection using your air fryer.

Ingredients:

• Beets (red, golden, or candy cane beets)
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Salt and pepper
• Other seasonings of your choice (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Prepare the beets: Wash and scrub the beets thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. You can use a knife or a vegetable peeler to peel the beets. If you're using gloves, this will help to avoid staining your hands. Cut off the root and stem ends, then peel the skin off.
• Cut the beets: Cut each beet into uniform pieces. For larger beets, cut them into quarters or eighths, aiming for pieces that are about half an inch thick. Smaller or medium-sized beets can be cut into 1-inch chunks or cubes.
• Season the beets: Place the cut beets into a mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil or avocado oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss the beets well to ensure they are evenly coated. You can also add other seasonings or spices, such as garlic powder, cumin, or paprika, for extra flavour.
• Arrange in the air fryer: Transfer the seasoned beets to the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the beets in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Cook the beets: Set your air fryer to a temperature between 380-400°F (200°C) and cook the beets for 15-20 minutes. For smaller beet cubes, check for doneness after 15 minutes by piercing with a fork. Larger beet pieces may take up to 20 minutes or slightly longer. Don't forget to shake the basket halfway through cooking for even results.
• Serve: Once the beets are fork-tender, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can enjoy them as a side dish, add them to salads, or even eat them straight from the air fryer! They pair well with dips, feta cheese, or goat cheese.

Tips:

• If you're using multiple varieties of beets, keep in mind that the red beets may cause some discolouration to the golden or candy cane beets.
• It is best to peel the beets before air frying, especially if you are cutting them into smaller pieces. However, if you are roasting whole beets, you can leave the skin on and peel it after cooking, as it will slide off easily.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.

How to store and reheat air-fried beets

Storing and reheating beets is a simple process.

Firstly, it is recommended to let the beets cool down completely after cooking. Then, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

When it comes to reheating, you can either eat them cold or pop them into the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you want to freeze your beets for later, it is recommended to flash-freeze them first. Spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them solid. Then, transfer the frozen beets to a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible, and store them for up to three months.

However, some people have reported that they don't like the texture of beets once they've been frozen and defrosted, so this may be something to consider.

What to serve with air-fried beets

Air-fried beets are a delicious and nutritious side dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on what to serve with air-fried beets:

Salads

Air-fried beets are an excellent addition to salads, providing a sweet and earthy flavour. Try a beetroot arugula salad topped with feta cheese, or a roasted beet and kale salad with goat cheese, walnuts, dried cranberries, and kale. You can also add them to grain bowls, such as a roasted beet and walnut salad.

Dips and Sauces

For a creamy and flavourful combination, serve your air-fried beets with a homemade garlic aioli sauce. A squeeze of fresh orange juice or a drizzle of hot honey can also complement the sweetness of the beets.

Proteins

Beets go well with any kind of protein. Try serving them alongside pork, beef, or chicken. You can also add them to a rice pilaf or a beet hummus.

Other Vegetables

Air-fried beets can be combined with other root vegetables, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, turnips, parsnips, or radishes, and air-fried together. They also pair well with roasted carrot fries, cauliflower, and sweet potato.

Seasonings

While beets are delicious with just salt and pepper, you can also experiment with different seasonings. Try adding smoked paprika, garlic powder, curry powder, or dried herbs.

With their sweet and tender flavour, air-fried beets are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side or incorporated into various recipes.

How to peel and cut beets

Beets are a nutritious root vegetable with a deep red hue and a sweet, earthy flavour. They can be prepared in a number of ways, including steaming, roasting, and grilling. Before you cook beets, you'll need to peel and cut them. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Wash and Scrub the Beets

Start by rinsing the beets under running water and giving them a good scrub with a vegetable brush to remove any dirt. You can also trim the greens, if they're still attached, but be sure to save them for salads, smoothies, or juices!

Step 2: Trim and Peel

Once your beets are clean, dry them with a paper towel or tea towel. Then, use a sharp chef's knife to trim both the stem and root ends. With a vegetable peeler or paring knife, carefully remove the skin by working your way around the beet. You may want to wear gloves during this step, as beet juice can stain your hands.

Alternatively, you can steam or boil the beets first and then remove the skins. Some people find that peeling cooked beets is easier, especially if they're going to be steamed or boiled anyway.

Step 3: Cut the Beets

There are several ways to cut beets, depending on how you plan to cook them and what dish you'll be using them in. Here are some common cutting techniques:

Half Moons

Place the beet on one of its flat sides and cut it in half. Then, lay each half down and slice it into half-moon shapes. You can make these as thick or thin as you like. This cut is perfect for salads, veggie chips, spring rolls, or carpaccio.

Circles

Hold the beet firmly on its side with your non-dominant hand. Using your chef's knife, slice the beet into circles, adjusting the thickness as desired. This cut works well for roasting. Simply drizzle the circles with olive oil and your favourite seasonings, then bake until tender.

Cubes

Cut the beet into thick slices, laying each slice flat. Then, cut the slices vertically, and rotate them 90 degrees before cutting into cubes. Cube-shaped beets are very versatile and can be used for steaming, boiling, smoothies, roasting, and more!

Tips for Cutting Beets:

• Use a sharp knife: Beets are hard in their raw form, so be sure to use a sharp knife to make clean cuts.
• Use a firm grip: Hold the beet firmly while cutting to avoid any accidents. It's also best to cut with the flat side down.
• Protect your clothes and cutting board: Beets can stain, so wear an apron or old clothes, and use a silicone cutting board to protect your surfaces.

Different types of beets for air frying

Yes, you can roast beetroot in an air fryer! Here are some tips and tricks for preparing different types of beets in your air fryer:

Red Beets

Red beets are the most common variety and are usually round and deep maroon in colour. They have a sweet taste and are great for roasting. When buying red beets, look for those with fresh, leafy greens attached, as these are the freshest. Red beets are very versatile and can be used in many dishes, such as roasted sides, borscht, or even an earthy bloody mary.

Golden Beets

Golden beets have a bright yellow flesh with orange skin. They are less sweet than red beets but are still delicious when roasted and work well in soups. Golden beets are a great option if you want to avoid the pink stain that comes with red beets.

Candy Cane Beets (Chioggia Beets)

Candy cane beets are named for their red-and-white-striped interior, resembling a candy cane. They have a sweet and earthy flavour, but the stripes tend to fade when cooked. Chioggia beets are best used raw or in dishes where their unique colour can be showcased, such as carpaccio, kettle chips, or quick pickled beets.

Baby Beets

Baby beets are not a different variety but rather beets that are harvested early. Any type of beet can be sold as a baby beet. They are bite-sized and can be roasted whole, making them a convenient option.

Cylinder Beets

Cylinder beets, or cylindra beets, are an heirloom variety characterised by their elongated shape. They are easy to peel and can be peeled before or after roasting.

Avalanche Beets

Avalanche beets are white in colour and are less earthy-tasting than red beets. They are a good option if you want to avoid the staining that comes with red beets.

Bull's Blood Beets

While the roots of these beets are tasty, it is their greens that really shine. The beet greens are a deep maroon colour and are just as flavourful as beetroots.

Sugar Beets

Sugar beets are specifically bred to have a much higher sugar content than regular beets and are used for sugar production. They are extremely sweet and are not recommended as a substitute for other beets in recipes, as they will throw off the balance of flavours.

Preparing Beets for the Air Fryer

When preparing beets for the air fryer, wash them well and peel the skin. Cut off the top and root end to avoid staining your hands, and then cut the beets into uniform pieces. Add oil and seasonings, such as salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Spread the beets in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at around 380-400°F for 17-25 minutes, or until fork-tender.

Happy air frying!

Frequently asked questions