Roasting Beetroot In An Air Fryer: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryer beetroot is a quick and easy way to cook this nutritious root vegetable. The air fryer cuts cooking time in half compared to oven roasting, and it also retains more nutrients. You can use red, golden, or candy cane beets, and the dish is suitable for paleo, vegan, and gluten-free diets.

To make air fryer beetroot, first wash the beets and peel them. Then, cut the beets into small, evenly sized pieces. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and toss to combine. Place the beets in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at between 380°F and 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

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: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This is the ideal temperature for cooking beetroot, as it will give them a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.

Step 2: Prepare the Beetroot

Peel the beetroot and cut off the two ends. You can use a Y-shaped peeler to easily remove the outer skin. Then, cut the beetroot into your desired shape and size. For even cooking, it is recommended to cut the beetroot into similar-sized pieces. You can cut them into long crescent shapes or small 1-inch cubes.

Step 3: Season the Beetroot

Place the beetroot pieces in a mixing bowl and drizzle them with olive oil or avocado oil. You can also add other seasonings like salt, black pepper, thyme, or rosemary to enhance the earthy flavour of the beetroot. Toss the beetroot pieces until they are thoroughly coated with oil and seasonings.

Step 4: Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket

Place the seasoned beetroot pieces into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking.

Step 5: Cook the Beetroot

Place the air fryer basket into the preheated air fryer and cook the beetroot for 15-20 minutes. For best results, flip the beetroot pieces halfway through the cooking process.

Step 6: Serve

Once the beetroot is fork-tender, carefully transfer it to a serving platter. You can enjoy air-fried beetroot as a side dish, on top of salads, or even straight out of the air fryer!

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, let the beetroot cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. You can also freeze cooked beetroot by spreading the cooled pieces on a baking sheet and placing them in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the pieces to a freezer bag and store them for up to three months.

To reheat, simply place the leftover beetroot in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 350°F (180°C) until warmed through.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The cooking time for beets in an air fryer depends on the size of the beets and the air fryer temperature. If you are cooking whole beets, the cooking time will be longer than if you are cooking cubed or wedged beets. The same goes for the temperature—the higher the temperature, the faster the beets will cook.

Most recipes recommend cooking beets in the air fryer between 380°F and 400°F. At 380°F, cook beet wedges for 25-30 minutes, and at 400°F, cook beet cubes for 15-20 minutes. If your air fryer temperature is set to 390°F, cook the beets for 18-20 minutes.

It is important to note that air fryer models vary, so the cooking time and temperature may need to be adjusted depending on your specific air fryer. It is always a good idea to check the doneness of your beets with a fork or knife before serving. If they are still hard, continue cooking in the air fryer in small increments until they are tender.

Additionally, it is recommended to cut the beets into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking. For whole beets, choose small and similarly-sized beets to ensure even cooking.

How to avoid staining when handling raw beetroot

Roasting beetroots in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable as a side dish or salad topping. Now, let's get into how to handle raw beetroots without staining your hands, clothes, and kitchen. Here are some tips to avoid staining:

Wear Gloves

The surest way to avoid staining your hands is to wear gloves. Disposable latex or vinyl gloves will protect your hands from the beetroot's juices. You can also designate a pair of reusable kitchen gloves specifically for handling beetroots.

Use a Non-Porous Cutting Board

Beetroots can stain wooden cutting boards. To avoid this, use a non-porous cutting board made of stainless steel or glass. Alternatively, you can place plastic wrap on your cutting board before cutting beetroots to reduce cleanup.

Peel Beetroots Under Water

If you want to keep your hands stain-free, you can peel the beetroots under running water or in a bowl of water. This will help wash away the juices that cause staining.

Avoid Pre-Cutting

Minimize the time beetroots have to stain your kitchenware by avoiding pre-cutting them. Instead, cook them whole and peel and cut them afterward. This will also help retain their vibrant colour and nutrients.

Prepare Beetroots in Batches

Make large batches of ready-to-eat beetroots at once and store them in the refrigerator or freezer for later consumption. This way, you can reduce the frequency of handling raw beetroots and the associated mess.

Choose Golden or Chioggia Beetroots

If you're looking for a less messy alternative, opt for golden or Chioggia beetroots. These varieties are less likely to stain while still offering a sweet taste and nutritional benefits.

How to cut beetroot for roasting

To cut beetroot for roasting, you'll first want to wash the beets thoroughly. You can use a vegetable brush to scrub them under running water.

Next, you'll want to cut off the base of each beet to create a flat surface, as well as the skinny, pointy ends. Place each beet with its flat side against the cutting board and slice the beets in half. Then, cut the beets into wedges of even thickness, usually about 1/2 to 3/4 inches thick on the widest edge.

If you're using an air fryer, you can cut the beets into smaller pieces, about 1 inch in size. This will ensure they cook through evenly.

Once you've cut your beets, you can proceed to season and cook them according to your preferred recipe.

How to store and reheat roasted beetroot

Storing roasted beetroot is easy, and there are a few options available to you. If you're storing them in the refrigerator, an airtight container will keep them fresh for up to four days. For longer-term storage, you can freeze roasted beetroot for up to three months. To do this, spread the cooled beetroot on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen beetroot to a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible.

When it comes to reheating your roasted beetroot, you have a few options. If you're in a hurry, you can eat them straight from the fridge—they're delicious cold! However, if you prefer them warm, simply place your leftovers in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 350°F. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a toaster oven or a regular oven to help them crisp up a bit.

Frequently asked questions