Air Fryer Beets are honestly the hero of lazy vegetable nights. Ever get that strange beet craving, but the thought of turning on your oven (or, ugh, peeling forever) kills the vibe? Been there. I used to dread those stubborn, rolling red bulbs. But then—oh life hack—my air fryer totally saved the day. So yeah, if you’re wondering how to make beets quick, easy, and drool-worthy, this is for you. Whether you’re veggie-obsessed or beet-shy, I promise: Air Fryer Beets will surprise you.
Is It Better to Peel Beets Before or After Roasting?
So here’s the thing nobody tells you when you first buy beets: peeling is, well, optional. Like, some days I skip it entirely, and guess what? The world keeps turning. If you roast them with the skin on in your air fryer, the peel just slips off once cool, kinda like magic. No more purple-stained fingers for ninety minutes. But hey, craving quicker results? Peel them before roasting. Up to you. Personally, if I’m in a rush, I’ll scrub, chop, and toss them in with their skin. Less mess too, which is a win. Now, if you’re going for super-smooth texture (or you get squeamish about the skin), definitely peel beforehand.
“After years of stained hands, I finally just roast my beets with skins on. It’s so easy, I actually eat them more now!” —My Aunt Pam, beet convert since 2019.
Different Varieties of Beets
Alright, did you know there’s more to beets than the basic red ones you find in the grocery store? It’s true. Honestly, I was stunned the first time I saw the pretty stripes of a chioggia beet. So here’s the rundown: you’ve got your standard red beets (classic, slightly earthy), golden beets (sweeter, less likely to stain—thank you), and even candy-striped chioggia beets (they’re basically vegetable art). Sometimes at farmers markets I’ll see purple or white beets too, but let’s be real, any variety works in the air fryer. Mix them up if you can, makes for extra drama on your plate. That’s my favorite party trick for boring salads.
How to Roast Beets in the Air Fryer
This is where the fun starts and honestly, it couldn’t get simpler. Wash your beets, peel if you’re feeling fancy, chop them in bite-ish pieces (not too tiny, they shrink a bit). Drizzle with a good bit of olive oil. Salt and pepper are basically non-negotiable at my house, but toss in garlic powder, rosemary, or whatever floats your boat. Pop them in your air fryer at 380°F for about 16-20 minutes, give or take. Shake halfway. If you like them crispy, add a minute or two. Soft and sweet? Check a little earlier. You’ll be shocked at how fast you get those roasted edges—no oven marathon required. The end result is gold: tender, a little sweet, edges with just enough crunch.
What Goes Well with Beets?
If you’re stuck in the “what am I doing with these beets now?” zone, here’s my regular rotation.
- Feta or goat cheese – Creamy, tangy, and totally distracts from any beet-earthy flavor haters out there.
- Crispy walnuts or pecans – Crunch plus flavor, what’s not to love?
- Bright vinaigrettes – A drizzle makes beets pop every time.
- Herby friends – Parsley or dill, always sneaking in.
I also throw them on salads, with eggs for brunch, or honestly just snack them right outta the bowl.
Helpful Tips
So, after many accidental beet explosions and questionable color combos, I have opinions, okay? First, cut those beets into even-ish chunks so they cook evenly. Easy, but I forget sometimes too. Don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket or your beets will end up steamed, not crispy (sad times). Toss ‘em well with oil—naked beets will not crisp up, trust me. And hey, wear gloves if you care about keeping your hands not-pink. Last tip: save the beet greens. If they look good, just sauté them up. Waste not!
Common Questions
Q: Do I have to use oil?
A: Nope, but a little helps with that crispy finish.
Q: Will Air Fryer Beets stain the basket?
A: Not usually, but if you do notice a tinge, just scrub promptly.
Q: Can I use canned beets?
A: Honestly, fresh works best here. Canned get mushy. Try not to.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Toss ‘em in the fridge in a sealed container. Good for a few days.
Q: Can I freeze roasted beets?
A: Sure, just know they’ll lose that edge a bit after thawing.
Why You’ll End Up Air Frying Beets All Year
If you told me a year ago I’d eat Air Fryer Beets for fun, I wouldn’t believe you. Really, though, they’re easy, fast, and let you skip the oven in summer (YES). Plus, there’s nothing better than a five-star restaurant veggie night… cooked in your pajamas. You can always check out The Kitchn’s Air Fryer Beets Recipe if you want more ideas or even Crumb Top Baking’s version for extra spice. Now, go try these. Seriously. You’ll barely recognize your own weeknight routine.
Air Fryer Beets
Ingredients
Method
- Wash the beets and peel if desired. Chop them into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, drizzle the chopped beets with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and any optional seasonings if using.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
- Place the seasoned beets in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Cook for 16-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Adjust cooking time for your desired level of crispiness.
