Roasting Beetroot In An Air Fryer: Quick And Easy?

Roasting beetroot in an air fryer is a convenient and tasty way to cook this nutritious root vegetable. The high circulating heat of the air fryer removes some moisture, resulting in a firmer texture compared to boiling. Roasting also caramelises the beetroot's natural sugars, creating a sweet and complex flavour.

You can season the beetroot with salt and pepper, or add spices like cumin, coriander, cinnamon, garlic powder, and paprika to balance the natural sweetness and earthiness.

To roast beetroot in an air fryer, first wash and peel the beetroot, then cut it into 1-inch cubes. Toss the cubes in olive oil, salt, and any desired spices, before placing them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 380-400°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the beetroot is fork-tender.

How to prepare beetroot for air frying

Preparing beetroot for air frying is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Wash and Peel the Beetroot

Firstly, wash the beetroots thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris. You can use a knife or a vegetable peeler to peel them, just as you would potatoes. If you want to avoid staining your hands, consider wearing gloves. Alternatively, washing your hands with dishwashing liquid right after handling the beetroots will help remove the red stains.

Step 2: Cut the Beetroot into Uniform Pieces

Cutting the beetroot into uniform pieces is important to ensure even cooking. Cut each beetroot into 1-inch chunks or cubes. Don't worry about making them perfectly even, as it can be challenging due to their round shape.

Step 3: Season the Beetroot

Place the cut beetroot into a medium-sized bowl. Add extra virgin olive oil, salt, and any additional seasonings of your choice. Mix well to ensure the beetroot is evenly coated. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, or paprika to enhance the flavour.

Step 4: Arrange the Beetroot in the Air Fryer Basket

Transfer the seasoned beetroot to the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer for even cooking. If your air fryer basket is small, you may need to cook the beetroot in batches.

Step 5: Air Fry the Beetroot

Set your air fryer to 380-400°F and cook the beetroot for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your beetroot and your air fryer, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the beetroot is cooked to your desired tenderness, remove it from the air fryer and serve. You can enjoy air-fried beetroot as a side dish, add it to salads or grain bowls, or even eat it as is with some goat cheese and pumpkin seeds.

How to season beetroot for air frying

Seasoning beetroot before air frying is a simple process and can be done in a few different ways. Firstly, prepare the beetroot by washing and scrubbing the beets, then peel them with a knife or vegetable peeler. Next, cut the beetroot into 1-inch cubes or chunks. Place the beetroot cubes into a bowl and add oil and salt, mixing well to coat.

You can then add any number of seasonings to the bowl and mix. Some suggestions include cumin, coriander, cinnamon, garlic powder, paprika, and pepper. You could also add cayenne pepper for a spicier dish, or honey or brown sugar for a sweeter dish. If you want to keep it simple, a mix of salt and pepper is enough to season the beetroot.

Once seasoned, transfer the beetroot to the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 15-20 minutes at 400°F.

How to serve air-fried beetroot

Air-fried beetroot is a versatile dish that can be served in multiple ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:

As a Side Dish

Air-fried beetroot can be a delicious and healthy side dish to accompany your meal. Simply season them with salt and pepper or dress them up with some citrus juice, herbs, or a splash of balsamic vinegar. They pair well with meat dishes, especially those with goat's cheese or feta cheese.

In a Salad

Beetroot adds depth of flavour and colour to salads. Try a combination of roasted beetroot, goat's cheese, and seasonal greens, or experiment with other ingredients like orange segments, walnuts, and arugula. You can also use them as toppings for grain bowls.

Appetiser

Serve the air-fried beetroot as an appetiser or starter alongside dips, chips, and crackers.

In a Soup

Create a creamy and hearty beetroot soup by blending roasted beetroot with other ingredients. Top it off with crunchy, cheesy mini sourdough toasts for a festive feast.

With Other Root Vegetables

Air-fried beetroot can be cooked alongside other root vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots. This creates a colourful and nutritious veggie mix that can be served as a side dish or added to various recipes.

As a Snack

Air-fried beetroot makes a quick, satisfying, and nutritious snack. Enjoy them on their own or with a dip like hummus.

In a Sandwich or Burger

Add a unique, earthy flavour to your sandwiches, wraps, or burgers by including sliced beetroot.

With a Sauce

Create a homemade garlic aioli sauce to take your air-fried beetroot to the next level. The sweetness of the beetroot pairs beautifully with the creamy, garlicky flavours of the aioli.

Other Creative Ways

Beetroot is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various recipes, from brownies and cakes to hummus and relishes. Get creative and experiment with different combinations!

How to store air-fried beetroot

Air-fried beetroot is fantastic when it comes to easy storage. Here is a detailed guide on how to store your air-fried beetroot:

Storing Air-Fried Beetroot in the Fridge

Firstly, let the beetroot cool down completely. Then, store the beetroot in an airtight container and place it in the fridge. It can be kept in the fridge for up to four days.

Reheating Air-Fried Beetroot

If you want to eat your leftover beetroot warm, you can reheat it in the air fryer. Place the beetroot in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 350°F.

Freezing Air-Fried Beetroot

To ensure your air-fried beetroot maintains its tender, roasted texture, you can flash-freeze it. Spread the cooled beetroot on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the beetroot to a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months.

Storing Raw Beetroot

Raw beetroot can be stored in the fridge for up to three months. Clean the beetroot, place it in a plastic bag with air holes, and put it in the vegetable crisper area of your fridge.

Storing Cooked Beetroot

Cooked beetroot can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. It is best to store the beetroot within two hours of cooking to maintain its taste and fresh flavour.

How to reheat air-fried beetroot

Air-fried beetroot is a great dish to make ahead of time and store for later. If you're looking to reheat your air-fried beetroot, here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C).
• Place the leftover beetroot in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer.
• Reheat the beetroot for 3-4 minutes at 350°F (180°C).
• Check if the beetroot has reached your desired level of warmth. If not, return to the air fryer for an additional minute or two.
• Serve and enjoy!

Tips for Reheating Air-Fried Beetroot:

• It is best to reheat only the amount you plan to consume, as this will ensure the beetroot doesn't overcook or dry out.
• If you prefer your beetroot warm rather than hot, you can also eat it cold straight from the refrigerator.
• For even cooking, ensure the beetroot pieces are of similar size before reheating.
• To prevent overcrowding, you may need to reheat in batches depending on the size of your air fryer basket.
• You can also reheat the beetroot in a microwave if you prefer.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your air-fried beetroot again without compromising its taste and texture!

Frequently asked questions