Air Fryer Roasted Beets
Air Fryer Roasted Beets transform ordinary beets into caramelized, sweet morsels with minimal effort. The hot circulating air creates perfectly tender centers with slightly crispy edges, highlighting beets’ natural sweetness in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh beets about 3-4 medium beets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary optional
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar for finishing
- 2 tablespoons crumbled goat cheese optional, for serving
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the beets by washing them thoroughly under cold water. Trim off the leafy tops and roots, then peel the beets using a vegetable peeler. The peeling is optional but recommended for better texture.
- Cut the beets into uniform pieces, aiming for 1-inch cubes or ½-inch thick wedges. Consistent sizing ensures even cooking throughout.
- Place the cut beets in a mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and dried herbs if using. Toss until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 2-3 minutes. This ensures proper cooking temperature from the start.
- Arrange the seasoned beets in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding – cook in batches if necessary for proper air circulation.
- Cook for 15 minutes, then shake the basket or flip the beets with tongs. Continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes until the beets are tender when pierced with a fork and slightly crispy on the edges.
- Transfer the hot beets to a serving dish and immediately drizzle with balsamic vinegar while they’re still hot. This allows the vinegar to slightly caramelize on the warm surface.
- Top with goat cheese and fresh herbs if desired, allowing the cheese to slightly melt from the residual heat.
Notes
- For extra flavor, toss the beets with a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup before air frying.
- Precut beets from the produce section work well if you’re short on time, though fresh whole beets offer the best flavor.
- The peel is edible if the beets are organic and well-washed, which saves prep time and adds texture.
- This recipe works with golden beets, Chioggia (candy stripe) beets, or classic red beets – each offering slightly different flavors.
- Leftover roasted beets keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and are excellent cold in salads.