Tiffany Haney
Roasted beets are a delicious and nutritious treat, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare them. With just a few simple steps, you can have tasty beets as a side dish or salad topper in no time! There are a few different methods for cooking beets in an air fryer, and we will take you through the process step by step so you can choose the best method for you.
How to cook whole beets in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Beets, olive oil, avocado oil, salt, black pepper, fresh herbs |
| Preparation | Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Peel and cut beets into 1-inch pieces. Place the beet pieces in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and black pepper, and toss. |
| Cooking | Place the seasoned beets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. |
| Serving suggestions | Top with goat cheese or feta cheese. |
| Storage | Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for whole beets in an air fryer depend on the size of the beets and the specific air fryer model. It is recommended to select beets that are small and of similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
When cooking whole beets in an air fryer, the temperature should be set between 380°F and 400°F. The cooking time can vary from 15 to 25 minutes, or even up to 55 minutes for larger beets. It is important to check the doneness of the beets by piercing them with a fork or knife. They are ready when they can be easily pierced and are fork-tender.
If you are cooking beet cubes or wedges, the cooking time may be shorter, around 15-25 minutes. It is recommended to peel and cut the beets into 1-inch pieces before cooking. Additionally, it is suggested to preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes before adding the beets.
For a roasted taste, you can open the foil and broil the beets for an additional 5 minutes. This step is optional but adds a nice touch to the dish.
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Peeling and seasoning
Peeling beets can be a messy and time-consuming task, so it is recommended to roast them with the skin on, especially if you are roasting them whole. Once cooked, the skin can be easily removed with your fingers or under running water. However, if you are air-frying or roasting cubed beets, peeling the skin will give them a smoother texture and a more uniform appearance.
To peel beets, use a knife or vegetable peeler to remove the skin. If you are cutting your beets into wedges or cubes, it is recommended to do so after peeling.
When seasoning beets, a little goes a long way. You can use olive oil or avocado oil, and salt and pepper are the key to bringing out the earthy flavor and natural sweetness of beets. You can also add fresh herbs like mint, parsley, chives, dill, or basil. For a more complex flavor profile, create a spice mix with cumin, coriander, cinnamon, garlic powder, paprika, and pepper to balance the natural sweetness and earthiness of the beets. Add any spice mix or herbs only during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to prevent them from burning and turning bitter.
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Wrapping in foil
Wrapping beets in foil before placing them in the air fryer is a great way to ensure even cooking and a juicier, sweeter result. This method also reduces the amount of oil needed, as the foil helps to trap moisture.
To wrap beets in foil for the air fryer, start by tearing off squares of tinfoil that are large enough to wrap around each beet. Use fresh, raw beets of a similar size, as this will ensure even cooking. Place one beet in the centre of each piece of foil. Drizzle each beet with a small amount of olive oil and use a basting brush or your hands to cover them in a thin layer. You can also add salt and pepper or other seasonings to taste. Wrap each beet individually in foil and place them on a baking sheet.
Place the wrapped beets in the air fryer and cook for around 45 minutes, or until the beets are fork-tender. The cooking time will depend on the size of the beets, so larger beets may need more time. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific air fryer.
Once the beets are cooked, carefully open the foil packets. The skins should slip off easily with your fingers or under running water. Serve the beets warm as a side dish, or use them in salads, bowls, or other recipes.
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Choosing the right beets
When selecting beets to cook in an air fryer, it is important to choose beets that are small and similarly sized to ensure even cooking. This is because there is a direct correlation between the size of the beet and the air frying time. If you are cooking whole beets, it is also recommended to select beets with greens, as these leaves can be used in salads or sautéed as a side dish.
Before cooking, it is important to wash the beets thoroughly under running water. It is also recommended to peel the beets before cooking, as the skin can hold a lot of dirt even after a good scrub. However, if you are roasting whole beets, you can leave the skin on and peel them after they are cooked, as it may be more difficult to peel them beforehand.
In summary, when choosing beets to cook in an air fryer, select small, similarly-sized beets with greens, and be sure to wash and peel them before cooking for the best results.
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Serving suggestions
Air fryer beets are a versatile side dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
As a Side Dish
Roasted beets make a great side dish for a variety of main courses. Try serving them alongside baked duck, chicken, meatloaf, or mushroom risotto. The earthy, sweet flavour of beets pairs well with rich, savoury dishes.
In Salads
Beets are a delicious addition to salads and grain bowls. Try adding them to a bed of leafy greens, or grain-based salads with quinoa, farro, or brown rice. They provide a nice pop of colour and a sweet, earthy flavour to your salad.
Appetizers
Air fryer beets can also be served as an appetizer or snack. Cut them into wedges or cubes and serve them with dips, chips, and crackers. You can also try making beet chips by slicing the beets thinly and air frying them until crisp.
With Toppings
For a rich, creamy flavour, top your roasted beets with goat cheese or feta cheese. A drizzle of olive oil will also enhance the flavour and make for a tasty, savoury side dish.
In Wraps and Sandwiches
Beets are a great addition to wraps and sandwiches. Try making a mushroom, beet, and goat cheese sandwich, or experiment with other combinations like hummus, avocado, or sliced turkey.
With Other Roasted Vegetables
Roasted beets can be paired with other roasted vegetables for a colourful and nutritious side dish. Try roasting beets with sweet potatoes and carrots for a tasty combination. You can also experiment with other root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or potatoes.
In Smoothies
Don't forget to save those beet greens! They can be added to smoothies for a nutritional boost. Combine them with fruits like bananas, berries, and mangoes for a delicious and healthy drink.
These are just a few ideas, but the possibilities are endless. Get creative and enjoy the sweet, earthy flavour of air fryer beets!
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Frequently asked questions
First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, wash and scrub the beets, then peel and cut them into 1-inch cubes. Transfer the beet pieces to a mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss the ingredients until thoroughly combined. Place the seasoned beets in the air fryer basket and cook for 15-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
Cooking time depends on the size of the beets. Smaller beets will take around 15 minutes to cook, while larger beets may need up to 25 minutes or more.
Set your air fryer to 400°F for cooking whole beets.
You can check if your beets are done by piercing them with a fork or knife. If they can be easily pierced, they are ready to be served.
