Air-Frying Beets: A Quick, Healthy Treat

Cooking beets in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare this nutritious root vegetable. Air-fried beets are tender, flavourful, and have a slightly sweet taste without the earthy flavour of boiled or oven-roasted beets. They can be served as a side dish, salad topper, or even as a snack with dips, chips, and crackers. Preparing beets for air frying is simple and only requires a few basic ingredients. The cooking time is also relatively short, taking about half the time of oven-roasted beets.

How to cut beets for the air fryer

Preparing beets for the air fryer is simple. First, wash and scrub the beets under running water to remove any dirt and debris. Then, use a knife or a vegetable peeler to peel them. You may want to wear gloves to prevent staining your hands, but if you wash your hands right away, the red color will come off easily with dishwashing liquid.

Next, cut the beets into uniform pieces. Aim for pieces that are about 1-inch in size, or at least twice the size of the holes in your air fryer basket to prevent them from falling through during cooking. Don't worry about making the pieces perfectly even, as beets have a round shape that makes this challenging.

If you prefer beet chips, use a mandoline or a very sharp knife to slice the beets into thin pieces.

Once your beets are cut, you can season and cook them in the air fryer. Enjoy!

How to season beets before air frying

Before air-frying beets, it is recommended to peel and cut them into uniform pieces, around 1-inch cubes or wedges. This helps ensure even cooking. You can also add seasonings to the beets before air-frying. Here are some options for seasoning beets before air-frying:

• Basic seasonings: You can use salt and pepper as a simple and classic seasoning option. Olive oil can also be added to help coat the beets and promote even cooking.
• Spice mix: For a more complex flavor profile, create a spice mix using cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix the spice mix with olive oil and coat the beet cubes before air frying.
• Chermoula or Zhoug: For a unique flavor, you can use chermoula or zhoug as a coating for the beets. Chermoula is a North African herb-based sauce or marinade, while Zhoug is a spicy herb sauce or paste from Yemen.

It is important to note that when using a spice mix, it is recommended to add it during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to prevent the spices from burning and turning bitter. Additionally, you can always add more seasonings after cooking to taste.

The best oil for air frying beets

The best oil for air-frying beets

Air-frying beets is a quick and easy way to cook this tasty root vegetable. The outsides become golden and crispy, and the insides become sweet and tender. But what is the best oil to use?

Firstly, it is important to note that the type of oil you use will depend on your dietary requirements and preferences. For example, if you are unable to consume oil, you could try cooking your beets without it, or with melted butter or ghee instead.

However, if you are able to use oil, there are a few types that are particularly well-suited to air-frying beets. The best options are olive oil, avocado oil, or other vegetable oils. These oils have a high smoke point, which means they can withstand the high temperatures of the air fryer without burning. They also add flavour to the beets and help to ensure they don't dry out during cooking.

When preparing beets for air frying, it is recommended to peel and cut them into small, uniform pieces, usually about 1-inch chunks. Then, toss the beets with oil, salt, and pepper, before transferring them to the air fryer basket.

How long to air fry beets

The cooking time for beets in an air fryer depends on the model of your air fryer, the size of the beet pieces, and the desired texture. Smaller beet pieces will cook faster than larger ones, and some air fryers may require more time or a higher temperature to achieve the same results.

In general, it is recommended to cook beets in the air fryer for 15 to 20 minutes at a temperature of 380-400°F (200°C). For example, one source suggests cooking beets at 380°F for 17-20 minutes, while another recommends cooking them at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. It is important to shake the basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

If you are using frozen beets, reduce the cooking time to 10-15 minutes at 400°F. Similarly, if you are making beet chips, cook thin slices of beets at 380°F for 15-17 minutes, turning them once halfway through.

It is worth noting that the cooking time may vary depending on the model of your air fryer. Some air fryers may take longer to cook beets than others. Therefore, it is always a good idea to keep an eye on your beets and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Additionally, the size of the beet pieces will also affect the cooking time. For even cooking, it is recommended to cut the beets into uniform pieces, about 1-inch chunks or cubes. This ensures that the beets cook through at the same rate.

How to store leftover air-fried beets

Storing leftover air-fried beets is simple and will ensure you can enjoy this nutritious food again later. Firstly, let the beets cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator, where they will keep for 3 to 5 days.

If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them. Place the cooled beets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them. Then, transfer the frozen beets to a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. They will keep in the freezer for up to 6 months. When you're ready to eat them, you can cook them directly from frozen or thaw them overnight in the fridge. Reheat them in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to warm them through and crisp them up. You can also microwave them, but they will be softer.

Frequently asked questions