Roasting Beets In An Air Fryer: A Quick Guide

Roasting beets in an air fryer is a convenient and tasty way to prepare this nutritious root vegetable. Air-fried beets are a quick and easy dish to make, and the results are sweet and tender beets with a crispy exterior. This cooking method is also a great way to retain more nutrients than oven-roasting.

To make air-fried beets, simply scrub and peel the beets, cut them into evenly-sized cubes or wedges, and toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like cumin, coriander, cinnamon, or garlic powder to enhance their natural sweetness. Place the beets in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at around 400°F for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender.

Air-fried beets are a delicious and healthy side dish that can be served warm with a dip or added to salads, hummus, or soups. They can also be enjoyed as a snack on their own.

How to roast beets in an air fryer

Roasting beets in an air fryer is a convenient 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 (fresh beetroot)
• Olive oil (or any other cooking oil/cooking spray)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Other seasonings of your choice (optional)

Step-by-step instructions:

• Wash and scrub the beets well under running water to remove any dirt. You can also wear gloves to avoid staining your hands.
• Peel the beets using a knife or a vegetable peeler.
• Cut the beets into uniform pieces. For smaller beets, cut them into quarters. For larger beets, chop them into 8 pieces or 1-inch cubes.
• Place the beet pieces into a medium-sized bowl.
• Add olive oil, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix well to coat the beets evenly.
• Transfer the beets to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Set the air fryer temperature to between 380-400°F and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Shake the basket halfway through for even cooking.
• Once the beets are cooked to your desired tenderness, remove them from the air fryer and serve!

Tips and variations:

• You can serve air fryer roasted beets as a simple side dish or add them to salads, hummus, or soup.
• For a more complex flavor, create a spice mix with cumin, coriander, cinnamon, garlic powder, paprika, and pepper to balance the natural sweetness of the beets.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice and some fresh chopped parsley for a tangy and fresh twist.
• If you prefer crispier beets, you can also roast them in the oven or cook them in an instant pot.
• Beets are packed with nutrients and can be enjoyed raw or cooked.
• Don't throw away the beet greens! They are delicious and nutritious. You can save them for salads or quickly pan-fry them.

The benefits of roasting beets in an air fryer

Roasting beets in an air fryer has several benefits. Here are some reasons why you may want to consider this cooking method:

Speed and Efficiency:

Air fryers significantly reduce the cooking time for beets compared to traditional oven roasting. While oven roasting can take up to an hour, air frying beets typically takes around 20 minutes, making it a quick and convenient option for a side dish or salad ingredient.

Nutrient Retention:

Air frying is a healthier alternative to other cooking methods as it helps retain more nutrients in the beets. The high circulating heat of the air fryer draws out moisture, resulting in firmer vegetables with a higher concentration of nutrients.

Flavor Enhancement:

The air fryer's ability to caramelize the natural sugars in beets enhances their flavor, making them sweeter and more complex in taste. This caramelization process also contributes to the visually appealing golden and crispy exterior of the beets.

Ease of Use:

Air fryers are simple to use and require minimal preparation. The cooking process is straightforward, involving peeling, seasoning, and air frying the beets. Additionally, clean-up is often easier with air fryers since there is no water or pan to wash afterward.

Customizable Seasonings:

While beets can be seasoned simply with salt and pepper, air frying allows for creative seasoning blends. For instance, you can add spices like cumin, coriander, cinnamon, garlic powder, paprika, and pepper to balance the natural sweetness of the beets and create a warm and aromatic dish.

Versatility:

Air-fried beets are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. They can be enjoyed as a side dish, added to salads, used in hummus or soup, or even eaten on their own with a dip. This versatility makes beets a great option for those looking to incorporate more nutrients into their diet in a tasty and flexible manner.

How to prepare beets for roasting

Preparing beets for roasting in an air fryer is simple and can be done in a few easy steps.

Firstly, wash your beets thoroughly under running water to get rid of any dirt and debris. You can also peel the beets at this stage, using a knife or a vegetable peeler. If you don't want your hands to be stained, you can wear gloves.

Next, cut the beets into small, evenly-sized pieces. If your beets are small or medium-sized, cut them into quarters. If they are large, chop them into 8 uniform pieces, aiming for a thickness of about half an inch.

Once your beets are prepared, it's time to season them. Place the chopped beets into a bowl and add oil, salt, and pepper. Toss the beets well until they are evenly coated. You can also add other seasonings like cumin, coriander, cinnamon, garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning.

Now your beets are ready to be roasted in the air fryer! Spread them out in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at around 380-400°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for an even roast. Check if the beets are cooked by inserting a fork; they should be fork-tender. If they are still hard, air fry for a few minutes longer.

Enjoy your roasted beets as a side dish or add them to a salad!

Seasoning and spice mix recommendations

When roasting beets in an air fryer, a simple seasoning of salt and pepper is often enough to bring out their natural sweetness. However, if you're looking for something more complex, here are some spice mix recommendations to elevate your dish:

Spice Mix 1:

• Cumin
• Coriander
• Cinnamon
• Garlic Powder
• Paprika
• Pepper

This spice mix adds aromatic flavours, a hint of spice, and warmth to your roasted beets. The natural sweetness and earthiness of the beets are balanced by these spices, creating an intriguing dish that will impress your guests.

Spice Mix 2:

• Chermoula
• Zhoug

Coat and season your beets with either of these spice blends for a unique flavour profile. Chermoula is a North African spice blend that typically includes coriander, parsley, garlic, paprika, and cumin. Zhoug, on the other hand, is a Middle Eastern hot sauce or relish made with herbs, spices, and chillies.

Additional Seasoning Ideas:

• Lemon or orange juice: Squeeze some citrus juice over the beets before air frying to add a bright, tangy note.
• Dried herbs: Try Italian seasoning or lemon pepper for a flavour boost.
• Red pepper flakes: Add a pinch to balance the sweetness of the beets with a touch of spice.
• Fresh herbs: Garnish your roasted beets with thyme, dill, or parsley for a fresh, aromatic touch.
• Feta cheese: Sprinkle crumbled feta on top for a salty, creamy contrast.
• Walnuts: Toast some walnuts and add them to the dish for a crunchy, nutty element.
• Balsamic vinegar: Drizzle a small amount of balsamic vinegar over the beets for a tangy, complex flavour.

How to store roasted beets

Roasted beets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.

How to Freeze Roasted Beets:

Firstly, cut the greens from the beets, leaving about 1 to 2 inches of stem. Trim the long root ends, leaving about 1 to 2 inches as well. Wash the beets and scrub them with a vegetable brush to remove any dirt.

Then, roast the beets in the oven. To do this, arrange the beets in a large rimmed baking or roasting pan. Add about 1 cup of water, or enough to reach a depth of about half an inch. Cover the pan tightly with foil and roast the beets at 400°F for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until they are tender.

Once the beets are roasted, trim the stems and root ends, and slip the skins off. If they don't come off easily, use a vegetable peeler, but be gentle. The beet juice can be washed off, but you may want to wear gloves to avoid staining your hands.

Next, slice or cut the beets into your desired shape. You can slice them into 1/4-inch thickness, cut them into quarters, or dice them. Leave small beets (about 1 inch in diameter) whole if you prefer.

Finally, place the beets in freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the bags or containers with the date, and freeze for up to 8 months to a year.

Tips for Storing Roasted Beets:

• When freezing in bags, use a straw to suck out the air before sealing. This will help to prevent frost and keep your beets fresh for longer.
• To thaw frozen beets, simply defrost them in the fridge or in a bowl of warm water.
• Beets can also be frozen raw, but they are more convenient when frozen after cooking.
• If you want to add some sweetness to your roasted beets, you can drizzle them with honey or sprinkle them with brown sugar before roasting.

Frequently asked questions