Air-Fryer Roasted Beets: A Quick, Easy, And Healthy Treat

Roasted beets are a delicious, healthy, and colourful side dish that can be made in an air fryer in half the time it takes to roast them in an oven. This simple recipe involves peeling and cubing beets, tossing them in oil and seasonings, and air-frying until tender. Beets are a superfood loaded with nutrients, and air-frying them is a great way to retain more of these nutrients than boiling. You can use any type of beet, such as red, golden, or candy cane beets, and they can be served as a side, in a salad, or as a snack.

How to prepare beets for air frying

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

First, wash the beets under running water to remove any dirt or residue. You can use gloves to avoid staining your hands, as beetroots can leave a mark on your skin. Next, use a knife or a peeler to remove the skin from the beets. Cut off the top and root ends before you start peeling.

Once peeled, cut the beets into uniform pieces. Aim for pieces that are around 1-inch thick, or about half an inch if you prefer thinner slices. If your beets are small or medium-sized, you can cut them into quarters. For larger beets, chop them into 8 even pieces. Try to keep the sizes as consistent as possible to ensure even cooking.

After cutting, transfer the beets to a bowl and add your desired oil and seasonings. Toss the beets well to ensure they are evenly coated. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or another oil suitable for high-heat cooking. For seasonings, salt and pepper are a simple and classic option, but you can also add garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs like parsley or mint.

Once your beets are prepared, they are ready to be placed in the air fryer!

Oil and seasoning options

Oil and seasoning are essential components of air fryer roasted beets, enhancing their natural sweetness and earthy flavour. Here are some options and tips to achieve the perfect flavour profile:

Oil Options:

• Olive oil is a popular choice for air fryer roasted beets. Extra virgin olive oil, in particular, offers a rich and fruity flavour.
• Avocado oil is another excellent option, known for its neutral taste and high smoke point, making it suitable for cooking at high temperatures.
• You can also experiment with other oils like grapeseed oil, which has a subtle flavour and a high smoke point.

Seasoning Options:

• Salt and black pepper are the dynamic duo for seasoning beets. They bring out the natural sweetness and enhance the earthy flavours of the vegetable.
• Garlic powder adds a savoury kick to the beets. It pairs well with salt and pepper and can be used in combination with other seasonings.
• Onion powder is another great option to add depth of flavour to your roasted beets.
• Fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or mint can be used to garnish the beets after cooking, adding a bright, herby touch.
• Spices like Italian seasoning or dried herbs such as rosemary or oregano can also be added to the oil and seasoning mix before air frying.
• For a tangy twist, squeeze some lemon or orange juice over the beets before air frying.
• If you're feeling adventurous, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick to balance the sweetness of the beets.

When seasoning your beets, remember to toss them well to ensure an even coating. You can also adjust the seasoning quantities to your taste preferences.

Air frying time and temperature

Air Frying Temperature:

The ideal temperature for roasting beets in an air fryer is 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Preheat your air fryer to this temperature before adding the beets. This temperature ensures that the beets cook through evenly and develop a slightly caramelized exterior.

Air Frying Time:

The cooking time will depend on the size of your beets and the doneness you prefer. Here are some general guidelines:

• For small or medium-sized beets cut into quarters or 1-inch cubes, the cooking time ranges from 15 to 20 minutes.
• Larger beets, cut into 8 uniform pieces, might take a bit longer, around 17 to 20 minutes.
• Whole beets, depending on their size, can take anywhere from 15 to 25 minutes, or even up to 40-70 minutes for larger beets.

Checking for Doneness:

To check if your beets are done, insert a fork into the center of a beet. If the fork slides in easily and the beet is tender, they are ready. If the beets are still hard, continue air frying in small increments until they reach the desired doneness.

Tips for Even Cooking:

• It is important to cut your beets into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook the beets in a single layer, and if needed, cook them in batches.
• Shake or toss the beets halfway through the cooking process to ensure even roasting on all sides.

By following these instructions and tips, you'll be able to roast beets to perfection in your air fryer!

How to store roasted beets

Roasted beets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, place in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 380°F or arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for about 10 minutes.

If you want to store roasted beets for longer, you can freeze them. First, cut the beets into your desired shape or size. Then, place them in a freezer bag or container, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Label the container with the date, and store in the freezer for up to 6-12 months.

When you're ready to eat your frozen beets, simply defrost them in the fridge or in a bowl of warm water. Then, use them cold in salads or gently warm them as you would with fresh beets.

What to serve roasted beets with

Roasted beets are a delicious and healthy side dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas on what to serve them with:

As a Side Dish

Roasted beets can be served as a simple side dish with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. You can also dress them up with some citrus juice, herbs, or a splash of balsamic vinegar.

Salads

Beets are a great addition to salads. Try a beet and walnut salad, or a beet caprese salad. You can also add them to a grain bowl or pair them with peppery greens like arugula or watercress.

Proteins

Beets go well with any kind of protein. Some specific suggestions include garlicky vermouth and thyme pork tenderloin, chicken, or buttery white fish. You could also try a salt-roasted beet salad with grilled chicken, or beet hummus with pita bread.

Cheese

Roasted beets pair well with cheese, especially goat cheese or feta. Try them with some crumbled feta or goat cheese on top, or serve with a side of goat cheese and pumpkin seeds.

Soups

Beets can be used in soups, such as borscht or golden beet soup with carrot and ginger.

Other Vegetables

You can serve roasted beets with other roasted vegetables, such as carrots or parsnips. They also go well with root vegetables like sweet potatoes or potatoes.

Nuts

Beets and nuts are a tasty combination. Try adding some toasted walnuts or pistachios to your dish, or serving them on the side.

With so many options, you can get creative and make roasted beets the star of your next meal!

Frequently asked questions