Air Fryer Beets
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Ever since cooking beets in the air fryer, I haven’t gone back to oven roasting. They turn out crisp and caramelized around the edges while staying tender, smooth, and almost buttery in the middle.
Roasted beets were a staple in my home growing up, thanks to my mom’s half-Persian background. It wasn’t until I was developing recipes for my air fryer cookbook that I thought to try them in the air fryer.
I was skeptical of how they’d turn out, because properly cooked beets should have an almost buttery texture in the middle (similar to a soft sweet potato). I shouldn’t have been, because they tasted identical to roasted beets, just in a fraction of the time.
When testing this recipe, I started with whole beets, but found that dicing them first helped them caramelize more quickly and enhanced their natural sweetness. I’ll include my tips for cooking whole beets; they turn out more dense and velvety, but still delicious.
I love them tossed through a salad, as a summertime side dish, or even with whatever protein I’m serving my partner and me for dinner. They actually taste delicious cold, so use them as a veggie meal prep.
Key Ingredients
Here’s what goes into air fried beets, along with my kitchen notes. Full measurements are in the recipe card below.
- Beets. I recommend choosing super-fresh beets because they cook up silky and tender. Older beets (those with soft spots and a dry feel) can turn out a little woody or grainy.
- Juice. My mom’s secret ingredient for roasted beets is either pineapple or orange juice. Not only does the acidity cut through the earthy flavors of the beets, but it also helps caramelize them faster, adds a little moisture, and gives them a sweet glaze.
- Salt. A pinch of salt enhances the dish’s natural sweetness.
- Olive oil. You need some fat to help the beets ‘brown’ and prevent them from drying out.
Cooking beets in the air fryer
First, season the beets.
Second, assemble in the air fryer. I recommend placing them in a single layer so the hot air circulates evenly around them.
Third, air fry at 350°F for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket several times during cooking.
Finally, serve the beets as a side dish or use them in salads or dinner bowls. I like to toss through some fresh parsley and crumbled feta cheese.
Cooking whole beets in the air fryer
I prefer diced beets for air frying, but I also tested them whole. They do turn out a little different and follow a different process:
Lightly coat the beets with juice, salt, and oil. Loosely tent each beet with foil. The foil traps steam, helping the beets cook thoroughly without drying.
Air fry for 30 minutes, turn, and continue air frying in 5-minute increments until done (whole beets usually take 35-50 minutes). The cooking time depends on the size of the beets, and you’ll know they are done when a knife slides in easily to the center.
Once cooked, let the beets rest for a few minutes before peeling.
Just something to keep in mind- whole beets won’t turn out crisp around the edges. Instead, they’ll be soft and tender in the middle, quite similar to steamed beets.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Keep the skin on. I tested these peeled and unpeeled, and I prefer the latter. The skin locks in moisture and also concentrates the flavor as it cooks.
- Don’t skip the juice. The orange or pineapple juice is important to ensure the beets caramelize properly and don’t dry out. The amount I use isn’t enough to overpower the beets.
- Cut to a uniform size. I recommend cutting the beets into 1 to 1 1/2-inch cubes. If they’re too big, the outside can dry out before the insides soften. If they’re too small, they can get a little crisp and leathery.
- Add moisture, if needed. If you notice the beets drying out too much (common in older beets), add an extra teaspoon of oil or water during cooking. Older beets have less moisture content than fresh ones. If yours have been in the fridge for more than a week, they’ll likely need the extra liquid.
How to store leftovers
Leftover beets will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the beets in a Ziploc bag for up to 2 months.
While I love the beets cold, you can reheat them in the air fryer (4 minutes at 350°F) or in a skillet with a tablespoon of water.
Air Fryer Beets
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 medium beets about 3/4 pound, unpeeled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons orange juice or pineapple juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
- Dice the beets into 1 to 1 1/2-inch cubes and add to a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and juice, season with salt, and mix well.
- Place the seasoned beets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If they don't all fit, cook in batches. Air fry for 15 minutes, shaking the basket several times throughout. The beets are cooked until tender, crisp around the edges, and soft to the touch.
- Remove the beets from the air fryer. Sprinkle with feta and herbs and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
More air fryer vegetable recipes to try
- Air fryer cauliflower– With crispy edges and tender stems, it’s easy to customize.
- Air fryer broccolini– Tender stems and crisp florets, broccolini makes an elegant and fast side dish.
- Air fryer brussels sprouts– This is the brussels sprouts recipe I make to convert sprout haters.
- Air fryer mushrooms– Flavored with garlic butter, I love these mushrooms over some air fryer steak or chicken breast.
A new way to cook beets, and I found them really tasty. I’ll toss them with some carrots next time.
Adding carrots to the air fryer while these cook is a great idea, as they both cook at a similar time. Let me know how you go!
I love beets and this was fantastic for air frying. Never tried it there.
Such an easy side! Especially with a little feta crumbled on top. So glad you liked the recipe Lucy!
A fun new way to air fry beets. I used pineapple juice and it did add a subtle sweetness to them. Very good.
Such a great trick right!? And a perfect balance when you garnish with feta too. Thanks so much for the review Emma!
I typically only roast beets, but I saw your Instagram video and knew I had to try air frying them. I used my Ninja air fryer and it turned out really tasty, I would never have thought to add juice. Will make again.
PS- the leftovers were great cold.
Thanks, Eleni. Oh i hear you- leftover cold beets are soo good! Try them in a salad with greens, tomatoes, and a sprinkling of feta. It’s so good!
I would like emails to notify me of new posts please. Thank You!!
Hi Sue Ellen- absolutely. Added! 🙂
Hello! Does this work with cooked beets? My husband just bought the peeled, pre-cooked beets from Costco. I might try for less time but worried they won’t crisp up before getting too soft.
Hi Lori- yes, it does, but I’d suggest slicing them versus dicing them, and cooking for about 5 minutes. It should crisp up on both sides nicely.
This way to cook beets looks fab. Do you peel the beets, or not?
Hi Arlene- No need to peel them! They help crisp them up beautifully 🙂
When do you add the OJ. Not mentioned in the recipe?
Hi Shana! The second step tells you to add it with the oil 🙂
Do I -eel them first?
Hi Janet- No need to peel them. I’ll make a note of it in the recipe card 🙂