Tiffany Haney
Air fryer beets are a quick, easy, and tasty way to cook this nutritious root vegetable. With an air fryer, you can halve the cooking time compared to using an oven, and the results are even crispier. There are many ways to season beets, from simple salt and pepper to a homemade bay leaf salt or a spice mix of cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, garlic powder, and pepper. You can also add lemon and garlic to your beets for a tangy twist.
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What You'll Learn
How to season air fryer beets
Seasoning air fryer beets is a simple process that can be done in a few different ways. Firstly, it is important to note that beets are notorious for staining, so it is recommended to wear gloves while handling them to avoid staining your hands. Before seasoning, scrub and wash the beets thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt and debris. You can choose to peel the beets or leave the skin on, depending on your preference. If you do peel them, use a knife or vegetable peeler. Leaving the skin on can add nutrients to your dish.
Now, let's get into the different seasoning options:
- Basic Seasoning: This involves tossing the beets with olive oil, salt, and pepper before transferring them to the air fryer basket. You can also add other spices like cumin, coriander, cinnamon, garlic powder, and paprika to create a more complex flavor profile.
- Bay Leaf Salt: For this option, you can make your own bay leaf salt by whizzing together dried bay leaves, salt, and a pinch of ground white pepper in a spice grinder. Coat the beets with olive oil and this bay salt mixture before air frying.
- Lemon and Garlic: Combine the beets with olive oil and salt, then transfer them to the air fryer. After cooking, add minced garlic to the beets and cook for another minute or two until golden. Finally, squeeze some lemon juice over the beets before serving.
When seasoning your beets, it is important to ensure that they are cut into uniform pieces or chunks for even cooking. You can also shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even roasting.
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How to store air fryer beets
Once you've cooked your beets in the air fryer, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat them, pop them in the microwave or air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 380°F (or 350°F if you're reheating from frozen) until heated through.
If you want to freeze your beets, place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Then, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
It's worth noting that roasting beets in an air fryer can dry them out, so you might want to cook them for a couple of minutes less if you plan on reheating them.
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How to reheat air fryer beets
To reheat air fryer beets, you can use the same method as cooking them, but adjust the temperature and time. Set your air fryer to 350°F to 380°F and heat the beets for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave.
If you are cooking air fryer beets from scratch, the first step is to wash and scrub the beets well under running water to get rid of any dirt and debris. You can peel the beets with a knife or vegetable peeler, but this is a messy and time-consuming process, so some people prefer to roast them whole and then peel them afterward. If you do peel them, cut the beets into 1-inch cubes.
Next, place the beet cubes into a medium-sized bowl and add olive oil, avocado oil, or another vegetable oil, as well as salt, and mix well to coat. You can also add spices like cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, garlic powder, and pepper to balance the natural sweetness and earthiness of the beets.
Transfer the beets to the air fryer basket, spreading them in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Set the temperature to 390°F to 400°F and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket every five minutes, until the beets are fork-tender.
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How to serve air fryer beets
Air fryer beets are a quick, easy, and nutritious side dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:
As a Side Dish
Air fryer beets can be served as a delicious and colourful side dish to complement a variety of main courses. They can be especially tasty when served with a dip, such as garlic aioli. For a simple seasoning, you can toss the beets in olive oil and sprinkle them with salt and pepper before air frying.
In a Salad
Air fryer beets also make a great addition to salads. They can be used as a topper or mixed in with other greens. Try adding them to a beet caprese salad or a Russian-inspired vegan wedge salad. You can also include them in a Roasted Beet Salad with Labneh.
In Sandwiches or Bowls
Air fryer beets can be a tasty and nutritious addition to sandwiches or bowls. For example, you could make a Mushroom Beet and Goat Cheese Sandwich or add them to a grain bowl.
With a Protein
Air fryer beets can be served as a side dish alongside a variety of proteins, such as baked duck, chicken, meatloaf, or mushroom risotto.
As an Appetizer
Air fryer beets can be served as an appetizer or starter, paired with dips, chips, and crackers.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover air fryer beets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F until heated through, or in the microwave.
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How to choose the best beets for air frying
When choosing beets to cook in an air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the best results. Firstly, it is recommended to use smaller beets as they tend to be sweeter and more flavourful. Smaller beets will also cook faster, which is convenient when using an air fryer. If you are cooking whole beets, it is best to choose beets that are similar in size so that they cook evenly.
Another factor to consider is the colour of the beets. If you are using a mix of different coloured beets, such as red and golden beets, it is recommended to toss them in separate bowls to prevent the colours from bleeding onto each other. This will help to maintain the vibrant colours of the beets.
It is also important to select beets that are fresh and firm. Look for beets that have smooth, taut skin and avoid those with soft spots or wrinkles. Fresh beets will have bright, vibrant greens attached to them, so this can be a good indicator of their quality. Choose beets that have firm roots and avoid any that appear shrivelled or dried out.
Lastly, when choosing beets for air frying, consider the type of recipe you will be using. If you plan on peeling the beets before cooking, then the appearance of the skin may not be a concern. However, if you intend to cook the beets with the skin on, look for beets with smooth, unblemished skin that is free from dirt and debris. Overall, by considering factors such as size, colour, freshness, and recipe requirements, you can choose the best beets for air frying and create delicious and nutritious dishes.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to cook beets in an air fryer is to wrap them in foil. This method is better than roasting whole or sliced beets without foil.
Cooking time may vary depending on the model of your air fryer. In general, air fry beets at 380-400°F for 15-20 minutes.
It is recommended to cook beets in an air fryer at 380-400°F.
Beets are notorious for staining. To minimize the mess, you don't need to peel or chop the beets before roasting. After cooking, the beet skins will slide off easily.
