Air Fryer Roasted Beets

Air fryer roasted beets are the ultimate combination of simplicity and flavor! These naturally sweet and caramelized gems are easy to make and packed with nutrients like folate, potassium, and vitamin C. Whether you’re a beet lover or just discovering their magic, this recipe will make you fall in love with their earthy and sweet goodness.

Air fryer roasted beets are a bright and vibrant veggie dish. If you haven’t been a beet fan in the past, these may change your mind! These roasted beets are on the sweeter side and are completely yummy, not to mention crispy!

Healthy Air Fryer Roasted Beets

Many people tend to avoid beets simply because they might leave a stain (or two) but they are actually quite delicious! These roasted beets are super easy to make and are packed full of flavor. When they are air roasted, beets will even have a slightly sweeter taste to them too.

Beets are an amazing vegetable to add to your weekly menu plan. Not only are they super low in calories but they are high in important vitamins and nutrients. These roasted beets are full of folate, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins C + B6.

This veggie is also known to help lower and maintain healthy blood pressure!

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Roasted Beets

• Naturally Sweet and Caramelized
  Roasting in the air fryer brings out the natural sweetness of the beets, creating a flavor profile that’s both earthy and slightly sweet. The caramelized edges add a touch of crunch that’s simply irresistible.
• Quick and Easy
  With just a few minutes of prep and the magic of the air fryer, you’ll have perfectly roasted beets in no time. There’s no need to babysit them in the oven, making this a hassle-free recipe.
• Healthy and Nutrient-Packed
  Beets are a powerhouse of nutrition, loaded with folate, magnesium, and potassium. This recipe retains all the goodness while creating a dish that’s low in calories but high in flavor.
• Versatile Dish
  Whether you’re adding them to salads, serving them as a side dish, or enjoying them solo, roasted beets can elevate any meal. They pair beautifully with proteins, grains, or even other roasted veggies.
• Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor
  With just beets, olive oil, salt, and pepper, this recipe proves that simplicity can lead to incredible flavor. You don’t need fancy ingredients to create something truly special.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Roasted Beets

• Beets – The star of the dish! Use fresh, firm beets for the best flavor and texture.
• Olive Oil – Helps the beets caramelize and adds a touch of richness.
• Salt – Enhances the natural sweetness of the beets and brings out their flavor.
• Pepper – Adds a subtle spice to balance the sweetness.

For the exact measurements, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need to Make Air Fryer Roasted Beets

• Air Fryer – The essential tool for perfectly caramelized and crispy roasted beets.
• Knife – For peeling and cutting the beets into bite-sized pieces.
• Cutting Board – A sturdy surface for preparing your beets.
• Mixing Bowl – To toss the beets with oil and seasonings.
• Potato Peeler or Paring Knife – To easily remove the skin from the beets.
• Measuring Spoons – For precise measurements of oil, salt, and pepper.

Other Ways To Roast Beets

If you don’t have an air fryer, there are other ways to roast beets!

You could use the same recipe from this air fryer version and roast the beets in the oven instead. To make some tender beet bites, take a look at this post to learn how to cook beets in the Instant Pot. You can have these veggies ready in under 30 minutes!

How To Air Fry Beets

To clean the beets, you need to peel the skin off. You can do this by using a potato peeler or a paring knife if the skin is too thick.

Cut the beets into 1-inch pieces.

Place the beet pieces in a bowl and toss them with some olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Put the beet pieces in the air fryer basket and cook at 390F for 30 minutes, shaking the basket every 10 minutes so they don’t stick or burn.

Cooking Tips

• Make sure you wear disposable gloves to avoid staining your hands pink!
• Double-check and make sure the beets are cooked completely through. Sometimes they aren’t completely tender and are still a bit tough. If that happens while you are making a batch, finish cooking them in a microwave for 3-5 minutes so you don’t burn them in the air fryer.
• If you have some extra fresh beets leftover, check out this blog on how to store beets.

What To Serve With Roasted Beets

You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how versatile beets actually are. Personally, I usually love to add roasted beets to some fresh salads. You can add them to an egg and carrot salad or this roasted beet salad with feta cheese and mandarin oranges.

If you like the roasted beets on their own, you can serve them as a side dish with some air fryer cornish hens, or any other main course you’d like.

Variations and Substitutions

• Seasoning Variations: While salt and pepper keep the flavors simple and natural, you can experiment with additional seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or ground cumin. For a touch of sweetness, sprinkle a pinch of brown sugar or drizzle with honey before air frying.
• Herbs and Aromatics: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill can be added for a flavorful twist. You can mix the herbs with the oil before tossing the beets or sprinkle them on after roasting.
• Oil-Free Option: If you’re looking to cut down on calories, skip the olive oil and spray the beets lightly with cooking spray instead. You’ll still achieve that crispy texture without the added fat.
• Citrus Zing: After cooking, drizzle the roasted beets with fresh lemon or orange juice for a refreshing and tangy flavor. This works especially well when adding beets to salads.
• Balsamic Glaze: Enhance the sweetness of the roasted beets with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. This adds a rich depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the earthy notes of the beets.
• Different Veggies: Want to mix things up? Add other root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, or parsnips to the mix. Just make sure to cut them into similarly sized pieces for even cooking.
• Alternative Cooking Methods: If you don’t have an air fryer, this recipe works great in an oven set to 400°F. Spread the beet pieces on a baking sheet and roast for 35-40 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Dietary Adaptations: This recipe is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and paleo-friendly. For a low-sodium option, reduce or omit the salt and season with herbs instead.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Once cooled, store any leftover roasted beets in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Avoid leaving them at room temperature for extended periods to maintain their freshness and prevent spoilage.
• Reheating in the Air Fryer: To restore their crispy texture, reheat the beets in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. This method keeps the edges caramelized and delicious.
• Reheating in the Microwave: If you’re short on time, place the beets in a microwave-safe dish, cover lightly, and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
• Freezing Tips: While not ideal, you can freeze roasted beets for up to 2 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Serving Cold: Roasted beets are also excellent served cold, especially in salads or grain bowls. Simply take them out of the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent beet stains on my hands and countertops?

Beets are notorious for staining, but disposable gloves can save your hands. To protect countertops, use a cutting board or place a sheet of parchment paper underneath. If stains occur, scrub the surface with baking soda and a little water.

Can I use pre-cooked or canned beets for this recipe?

Pre-cooked or canned beets can work, but the texture and flavor will differ. They may not caramelize as well in the air fryer and could become too soft. If using them, reduce the cooking time to avoid overcooking.

Why aren’t my beets tender after 30 minutes?

Larger beets or unevenly cut pieces may need additional cooking time. If they’re still firm after 30 minutes in the air fryer, transfer them to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 3-5 minutes until tender.

What’s the best way to clean the air fryer basket after cooking beets?

Soak the basket in warm, soapy water immediately after use to loosen any stuck-on pieces. Use a soft sponge to clean the basket, avoiding abrasive materials that could damage the non-stick coating.

Can I season the beets with other spices?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with seasonings like garlic powder, cumin, paprika, or dried herbs for extra flavor. Balsamic vinegar or a touch of honey also adds a delightful sweetness.

Are air fryer roasted beets healthy?

Yes! Beets are low in calories and packed with nutrients like folate, potassium, and vitamin C. Air frying uses minimal oil, making this a heart-healthy, nutrient-rich dish.

More Healthy Air Fryer Recipes

If you loved these ‘fried’ beets, check out some of my other air fryer recipes!

These are some of my current veggie go-to’s:

• Roasted Mushrooms In The Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts
• Crispy Roasted Asparagus

If you like air fryer beets, you will also love these easy recipes:

• Air Fryer Cornish Hens
• Air Fryer Roasted Peppers
• Air Fryer Roasted Chickpeas