Take an underrated root vegetable for a quick spin in a modern appliance with this simple Air-Fryer Beets recipe!
Beets were always a favorite of mine as a kid. They’re sweet and delicious whether they’re hot or cold, and they turned the vegetable side dish into something I looked forward to eating. For the duration of my childhood, they came out of a can, so when I got my own place (and kitchen), I was excited to get my hands on fresh beets from the local farmers’ market.
Have you ever peeled a beet? Trust me, you’d remember it. If you’ve never peeled a beet, I’ll give you a tip: wear gloves. If you don’t have any gloves, just make sure you don’t have to give any presentations, wait tables, or go to church in the next day or so. Preparing fresh beets can make your hands look like a butcher’s hands, but they’re well worth the trouble, because fresh beets win over the canned variety every time.
This recipe for air-fryer beets is about the simplest way you can prepare beets at home, and it keeps you from having to heat up the kitchen with your oven! These beets turn out tender and sweet, with a light savory spin from the simple salt and pepper seasoning. They make a great side with no other additions, and leftovers are excellent in salads or rice bowls.
Are Air-Fryer Beets Healthy?
Beets are packed with essential nutrients and are a great source of fiber, folate (vitamin B9), manganese, potassium, iron, and vitamin C. They’re also naturally low in fat, and the olive oil in this recipe provides a dose of healthy fats. This recipe makes a very healthy vegetable side dish that’s suitable for vegan, gluten-free, and Paleo diets, so it can be a healthy addition to many different dietary lifestyles.
Variations, Additions, And More
How do you like your roasted beets? If you’ve never thought about it before, I have a well of experience in the arena, so let me guide you to your next favorite beet side! Here are a few of my favorite ways to dress up roasted beets.
- Add more colors: Depending on the mood you are going for, consider mixing up different colored beets. There are red, purple, golden, and candy cane beets (yes, candy cane beets take after their name and look like the sweet Christmas treats). Multicolored roasted beets can be a beautiful holiday side dish!
- Add feta or goat cheese: After roasting your beets, sprinkle on a bit of crumbled feta cheese or break up some fresh goat cheese. The tanginess is a perfect complement to the sweet flavor of roasted beets.
- Add aromatics and spices: Adding some garlic or dried herbs like oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme, can truly elevate this roasted root veggie. I also love adding a dash of cayenne pepper to my beets. Don’t hold back when it comes to adding your favorite herbs and spices!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Once cooked, store your beets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Use the air fryer or a microwave to reheat them.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your air-fryer beets with hearty proteins like this Lemon-Roasted Chicken, Oven-Baked Lamb Chops, or Beef Kabobs. I love these roasted beets over Cilantro-Lime Brown Rice, along with grilled shrimp or Crispy Baked Tofu and other veggies like cucumbers and avocado.
Or, blend one or two roasted beet chunks into a batch of homemade hummus, transforming it into a savory pink dip that pairs great with slices of pita bread, cucumbers, tomatoes, and carrots.
Ingredients
- 1 pound beets peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- In a large bowl, toss the peeled and cubed beets with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Place the beets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the beets are fork-tender.
- Serve the beets warm as a side dish or incorporate into salads.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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