If you’re looking for a simple and healthy side dish, learning how to cook beetroot air fryer style is a fantastic place to start. This method is quicker than roasting and gives you tender, caramelized beets with minimal effort and cleanup.
Air fryer beetroot is a game-changer. It concentrates the natural sugars, making them sweet and delicious. You can enjoy them warm as a side, or chill them for salads. Let’s get into the easy process.
How To Cook Beetroot Air Fryer
This is the basic method for perfect whole or quartered beets everytime. The key is to coat them well in oil and not to overcrowd the basket.
What You’ll Need
- 3-4 medium fresh beetroots
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: herbs like thyme or rosemary, garlic powder, balsamic vinegar
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Beets
First, scrub the beets thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. You don’t need to peel them before cooking; the skin helps hold in moisture and is easy to remove after. Pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
Trim off the leafy tops and the long root tail. Then, cut them into even-sized pieces. For medium beets, cutting them into quarters or sixths works well. Uniform size ensures even cooking.
2. Season Them
Place the beet pieces in a large bowl. Drizzle with oil and add your salt, pepper, and any other seasonings. Toss everything together until the beets are evenly coated. The oil is crucial for crisping and preventing sticking.
3. Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. This helps with an even cook from the start. Arrange the beet pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they aren’t piled on top of each other.
Air fry for 15 minutes. Then, shake the basket or use tongs to turn the pieces. Cook for another 10-15 minutes, until the beets are fork-tender and the edges are slightly crispy. Total time is usually 25-30 minutes, depending on size.
4. Serve
Let the beets cool for a few minutes. If you prefer, you can now easily rub off the skins with a paper towel—they should slip right off. Serve them warm. A final drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of feta cheese works wonderfully.
Recipe Variations to Try
Once you master the basic recipe, you can easily mix things up. Here are some popular ideas.
Air Fryer Beetroot Chips
Use a mandoline to slice beets very thinly, about 1/8 inch thick. Toss with a little oil and salt. Air fry at 360°F (180°C) in a single layer for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp. Watch them closely at the end to avoid burning.
Honey-Glazed Beetroot
About 5 minutes before the beets are done, take out the basket. Drizzle the beets with a mix of honey and a little orange juice. Toss and return to the air fryer for the final few minutes for a sticky, sweet glaze.
Herbed Beetroot Wedges
Toss your beet wedges with dried herbs like Italian seasoning or fresh dill before cooking. A teaspoon of garlic powder or onion powder adds great savory flavor too.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Beetroot?
The air fryer offers several big advantages over traditional oven roasting. It’s not just a gimmick.
- Speed: It cooks faster due to the concentrated, circulating hot air. You save at least 15-20 minutes.
- Texture: You get a better exterior texture—lightly caramelized and slightly crispy edges with a tender inside.
- Convenience: No need to heat up a large oven. The basket also makes for easy shaking and serving.
- Healthier: You use significantly less oil than traditional roasting methods.
Choosing and Storing Your Beets
For the best results, start with good produce. Look for firm, smooth beets with deep color. If they still have fresh, green tops attached, that’s a sign of freshness. The leaves themselves can be sauteed like spinach.
Store unwashed beets in a plastic bag in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer. They’ll last for a couple of weeks. Once cooked, air-fried beets can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They reheat well in the air fryer or a skillet.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a simple recipe can have pitfalls. Here’s what to watch for.
- Cutting Pieces Too Big: Large chunks take much longer to cook and might burn on the outside before the center is soft.
- Overcrowding the Basket: This leads to steaming instead of air frying. Cook in batches if necessary for the best texture.
- Skipping the Oil: A light coating of oil is essential. Without it, the beets can dry out and stick to the basket.
- Not Shaking the Basket: Turning or shaking the beets halfway through ensures all sides get crispy and cook evenly.
Serving Suggestions
Air fryer beetroot is incredibly versatile. Here are some ways to enjoy it.
- As a Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled chicken, fish, or a veggie burger.
- In Salads: Let them cool and add to a bed of greens with goat cheese, walnuts, and a simple vinaigrette.
- In Grain Bowls: Add them to a bowl with quinoa, roasted chickpeas, and avocado.
- As a Dip: Blend cooked beets with Greek yogurt, garlic, and lemon juice for a vibrant dip.
Cleaning Tips for Your Air Fryer
Beet juice can stain. To make cleanup easy, let the basket cool completely after use. Soak it in warm, soapy water. The non-stick coating should then allow most residue to wipe off easily.
For any stubborn, colorful spots, a paste of baking soda and water can help. Always check your manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning advice specific to your model.
FAQ Section
Do you have to peel beetroot before air frying?
No, you don’t. It’s much easier to peel after cooking. The skin softens and can be rubbed off with your fingers or a paper towel once the beets are cool enough to handle.
How long to air fry beetroot?
For 1-inch cubes or wedges, it typically takes 25-30 minutes at 380°F (190°C). For whole small beets, it may take 35-40 minutes. Always check for tenderness with a fork.
Can you cook raw beetroot in the air fryer?
Absolutely. That’s the main advantage! You put raw, cut beetroot directly into the air fryer. There’s no need to boil them first, which saves a lot of time and preserves nutrients.
What temperature is best for beets in air fryer?
A temperature of 380°F (190°C) is ideal for achieving a tender interior and slightly crispy edges. For beet chips, a slightly lower temp of 360°F (180°C) works better to prevent burning.
Can I cook other vegetables with the beets?
Yes, but choose vegetables with similar cooking times. Carrots and parsnips are good companions. Softer veggies like zucchini will cook much faster and should be added later.
Are air fryer beets good for meal prep?
They are excellent for meal prep. Cook a large batch at the start of the week. Store them in the fridge and add to meals as needed. They retain their flavor and texture well.
Learning how to cook beetroot air fryer style opens up a world of easy, healthy meals. The process is straightforward and the results are consistently good. With a little seasoning and the right cook time, you’ll have a colorful, tasty dish that goes with almost anything. Give it a try next time you’re looking for a simple vegetable side.