Air Fryer Beets: Perfectly Tender & Crispy Roasted Beets

Prepare to be amazed by the incredible simplicity and deliciousness of **air fryer beets**! This method consistently delivers beets that are wonderfully tender on the inside with a subtle, delightful crispness around the edges. Whether you’re a long-time beet lover or new to this vibrant root vegetable, air frying transforms them into an irresistible side dish that’s perfect for any meal. Get ready to add this healthy and flavorful recipe to your weeknight rotation, easily prepared in your Ninja Foodi, Cosori, or any air fryer model.

I distinctly remember the first time I prepared **beets in the air fryer**, and the results were absolutely astounding. The rich, earthy flavor was beautifully concentrated, and the texture was far superior to any other cooking method I’d tried. If you’re searching for another effortless and nutritious easy air fryer recipe, look no further; this one quickly became a family favorite!

Beets can sometimes be a polarizing vegetable. Perhaps you never encountered them growing up, or your only experience has been with jarred, pickled varieties. While pickled beets have their charm, fresh beets, when roasted, offer an entirely different, incredibly wonderful experience. Air frying brings out their natural sweetness and tenderness, making them a truly fantastic and healthy side dish that will convert even the skeptics.

I strongly encourage you to try preparing beets diced this way. The concentrated flavor is simply phenomenal, making them a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy them warm as a vibrant side for dinner, as a wholesome snack, or even chilled and tossed into your favorite salad for an extra pop of color and nutrition.

Do You Peel Beets Before Air Frying?

Yes, for **air frying beets**, it’s highly recommended to peel them first. While boiling can often cause the skins to loosen and fall off easily, the dry, high heat of an air fryer will make the tough outer skins unpleasantly chewy. Peeling ensures a uniformly tender texture throughout your cooked beets.

A quick tip for peeling: beets contain a strong pigment that can easily stain your hands and cutting boards. To avoid this, always wear disposable gloves or use a paper towel to hold the beet firmly while you peel it. This simple step will save you from pink-stained hands! You’ll want to wash your beets thoroughly before peeling to remove any dirt.

Mastering Air Fryer Beets Cooking Time

The cooking time for beets in an air fryer can vary slightly based on their size and your desired tenderness. For uniformly cooked beets, aim to cut them into bite-sized chunks or slices, roughly 1-inch pieces. For this size, an average cooking time of 12 minutes is usually perfect. If you opt for thicker slices or larger chunks, you might need to extend the cooking time up to 15 minutes. Remember, consistency in sizing is key for even cooking!

Another crucial tip, as mentioned, is protecting your hands during preparation. Beets are notorious for their vibrant color, which can easily stain skin. Using a few layers of paper towels to grip the beets while peeling and chopping, or donning a pair of disposable gloves, will make your prep experience much cleaner and more enjoyable.

Air Fryer Models: Ninja Foodi, Cosori & More

This air fryer beet recipe is wonderfully adaptable to virtually any air fryer brand you own. Whether you have a popular Ninja Foodi, a Cosori, or another model, the core principles remain the same. For Ninja Foodi users, you’ll utilize the crisping lid that comes attached to achieve those desirable slightly crispy edges. If your goal is incredibly tender beets, you could also consider making whole Instant Pot beets in the same pot by using the pressure cooker lid with some liquid for steaming.

The beauty of air frying lies in its consistent heat circulation, which cooks food evenly and efficiently. While different models may have slight variations in wattage or basket size, the temperature and general cooking guidelines provided here will work well across the board. Always ensure your beets are spread in a single layer for the best results, regardless of your air fryer’s make or model.

Essential Tips for Perfectly Air-Fried Beets

Achieving perfectly cooked air fryer beets is simple with a few key considerations:

• Consistent Cutting: The size of your beet pieces directly impacts cooking time. Smaller, more uniform pieces will cook faster and more evenly. If you desire a greater amount of roasted surface area for extra crispiness, cutting them into smaller cubes or thin wedges is ideal.
• Single Layer is Non-Negotiable: For optimal results, always arrange your seasoned beet pieces in a single layer within the air fryer basket. Overlapping or overcrowding will steam the beets rather than air-fry them, leading to a softer, less crispy texture. Cook in batches if necessary, especially if you’re using a smaller air fryer or preparing a larger quantity.
• Seasoning Simplicity & Versatility: A drizzle of good quality olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, and a dash of pepper is often all you need to let the natural, sweet-earthy flavor of the beets shine. However, feel free to experiment! Consider adding garlic powder, onion powder, a pinch of smoked paprika, dried herbs like thyme or rosemary, or even a splash of balsamic glaze after cooking for an extra layer of flavor.
• Shake for Evenness: Don’t forget to shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking. This ensures that all sides of the beet pieces are exposed to the circulating hot air, promoting even cooking and browning.

These simple air fryer beets are so flavorful on their own, making them an excellent healthy complement to almost any main course. I often find myself buying extra beets when planning to cure salmon with beets, just so I can make this delicious side dish at the same time!

Air Frying Beets: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these straightforward steps for perfectly air-fried beets:

1. **Preheat:** Begin by preheating your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for 5 minutes. This ensures the air fryer is at the optimal temperature for immediate crisping when the beets go in.
2. **Prepare Beets:** Peel and cut your beets into uniform 1-inch cubes. Remember to use gloves or paper towels to prevent staining your hands.
3. **Season:** In a medium bowl, toss the diced beets with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
4. **Load Basket:** Carefully pour the seasoned beets into the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring they are spread in a single layer without overcrowding.
5. **Initial Cook:** Set your air fryer to cook for a total of 12 minutes.
6. **Shake:** After 7 minutes, pause the air fryer and give the basket a good shake to redistribute the beets. This promotes even cooking and browning on all sides.
7. **Resting Period:** Once the 12-minute cooking time is complete, do not immediately remove the beets. Instead, allow them to remain in the closed, hot air fryer basket for an additional 5 minutes. This crucial resting period uses residual heat to continue softening the beets, ensuring they reach peak tenderness.

The total time from start to finish, including prep and resting, is approximately 20 minutes, making this a quick and convenient option for any busy cook.

5 from 2 votes

Air Fryer Beets Recipe

By
Justine

Air fryer beets come out perfectly every time! Tender on the inside with a bit of crisp on the edges is so good as a side dish. Make in a Ninja Foodi or Cosori tonight.

Prep:

10 minutes
mins

Cook:

12 minutes
mins

Servings:
4

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Equipment

• 1 air fryer
• 1 knife

Ingredients

• 2 large beets, peeled, cut into 1″ pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt, I used truffle salt

Instructions

1. Peel beets and cut into 1×1″ cubes. Use gloves or handle with paper towels to avoid staining your hands.
2. Preheat air fryer to 380 degrees F for 5 minutes.
3. Put beets into bowl with olive oil and seasonings, stir.
4. Pour into air fryer basket, ensuring a single layer. Do not overlap.
5. Set for 12 minutes total. Shake the air fryer basket after 7 minutes.
6. When cooking is done, allow to stay in the closed basket for 5 minutes to continue softening, resulting in perfectly tender beets.

Video

A video demonstration of this recipe will be added here soon!

Nutrition

Serving: 2oz,
Calories: 80kcal,
Carbohydrates: 4g,
Protein: 1g,
Fat: 7g,
Saturated Fat: 1g,
Sodium: 323mg,
Potassium: 133mg,
Fiber: 1g,
Sugar: 3g,
Vitamin A: 14IU,
Vitamin C: 2mg,
Calcium: 7mg,
Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course:
Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine:
American

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Storing Cooked Beets: Refrigeration Guidelines

Once your delicious air fryer beets have cooled to room temperature, it’s essential to store them properly to maintain freshness and safety. While some sources suggest leaving them at room temperature for a couple of days, refrigeration is always the best practice for extending their shelf life. Transfer your cooked beets into an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. When refrigerated, they will stay fresh for up to 3-5 days, making them perfect for meal prepping throughout the week.

Freezing and Reheating Air Fryer Beets

Yes, cooked beets freeze exceptionally well, offering a convenient way to preserve them for longer periods. To freeze, ensure the beets have completely cooled down to room temperature. Then, transfer them into airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Properly stored, frozen beets can maintain their quality for up to 8 months. This is a fantastic option for enjoying these healthy vegetables year-round, even when fresh beets are out of season.

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, there are a few reheating options. For the best texture, I recommend reheating them in your air fryer (like your Cosori). Lightly spray the frozen beets with a little olive oil, then air fry at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until heated through and slightly crispy again. You can also reheat them in a skillet on the stovetop or in the microwave, though the air fryer method will yield the most desirable texture.

Explore More Easy Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes!

If you’ve enjoyed the simplicity and flavor of these air fryer beets, you’re in for a treat! The air fryer is a game-changer for preparing a wide array of delicious and healthy vegetables. Looking for other easy air fryer vegetable recipes to try?

We absolutely adore our simple mixed air fryer vegetables recipe, which beautifully cooks zucchini, onions, squash, and mushrooms all together in one batch for a harmonious blend of flavors.

• You can effortlessly make perfectly cooked air fryer corn on the cob, or even prepare a tender air fryer artichoke.
• Our air fryer cauliflower consistently receives five-star reviews for its delightful texture and flavor.
• For potato lovers, we have a fantastic collection of recipes to choose from, including perfectly seasoned roasted potatoes in the air fryer and many more creative variations.
• Don’t forget crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts or sweet air fryer sweet potato fries!

Embrace the convenience and flavor that air frying brings to your kitchen. Happy cooking!