My air fryer beets turn out so tender and caramelized, even my kids love them! I make them as an easy side dish for weeknight dinners, and they taste like they came straight from a restaurant kitchen!
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My Favorite Way to Air Fry Beets
Last year at the farmer’s market, I was searching for something in season to cook when I came across some beets that looked so good, I just had to take them home! Before I was even back to my car, I knew I wanted to try making air fryer beets.
My kids were skeptical when they saw me set the big red bulbs on the cutting board, but I had a plan. I peeled and cut the beets into wedges, tossed them with olive oil and herbs, and popped them into the basket.
When they came out fork-tender and caramelized in less than 20 minutes, I couldn’t believe I hadn’t been making beets for years! They smelled so good, my kids agreed to give them a try. They ended up eating every bite on their plates!
Since then, air fryer beets have become a go-to root vegetable side dish. I tried to roast whole beets in the oven and even boiled them before, but nothing beats the quick cooking time and consistent flavor of the air fryer.
And, if you love a good air fryer vegetable recipe, try my recipes for air fryer green beans, air fryer sweet potato fries, air fryer acorn squash, air fryer carrots, and air fryer cauliflower.
Beets in the Air Fryer Ingredients
- Beets – I peel them with a vegetable peeler and cut them into bite-sized wedges so they cook evenly. I usually go for medium red beets since they’re easier to cut with a sharp knife and roast nicely.
- Olive oil – This helps the seasoning stick and gives the beets that caramelized finish. Avocado oil works well too.
- Dried rosemary and thyme – These herbs bring out the earthy flavor of the beets. I also sometimes add fresh herbs after cooking for extra brightness.
- Salt and black pepper – Classic, simple seasonings balance the natural sweetness of the root vegetable.
How to Roast Beets in the Air Fryer
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F.
STEP TWO: In a large bowl, toss the beet wedges with oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper until they’re well coated.
STEP THREE: Place the beets in the air fryer in a single layer and air fry them for 12-14 minutes or until the beets are tender.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Beets
- Cutting the beets into uniform pieces helps them cook at the same rate. I aim for wedges that are all about the same size.
- I toss the beets thoroughly with olive oil and seasoning so every piece gets coated.
- Using plenty of herbs like rosemary and thyme is my trick to making the flavor pop.
- I cook the beets in the air fryer in a single layer so they roast instead of steaming. I’ll cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the basket.
- To help the beets air fry evenly, I shake the basket halfway through the cook time.
- I check the beets for fork-tender texture around the 12-minute mark to keep them from overcooking, which can make them bitter.
Air Fry Beets Variations and Substitutions
- When I want a little heat, I’ll add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning.
- Use golden beets instead of typical red beets. I find golden beets are a little sweeter and a good change up when I find them at the farm.
- Adding orange zest or lemon zest after cooking gives the beets a bright, fresh flavor I especially love in the summertime.
- I sometimes add a drizzle of honey or balsamic to make the roasted beets slightly sweet.
- For some cheesy goodness, I’ll sprinkle goat cheese or feta cheese over the beets just before serving.
What to Serve with Beets in the Air Fryer
For a quick and healthy weeknight meal, I love serving air fried beets with air fryer chicken breast, air fryer pork chops, or air fryer turkey breast.
They’re also amazing alongside other root vegetables like air fryer baby carrots, air fryer sweet potato cubes, or candied yams!
Air Fryer Beets FAQs
How long to cook beets in the air fryer
I usually air fry my beet wedges at 375 degrees F for about 12-14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. I take the beets out of the air fryer as soon as they’re fork tender to avoid overcooking.
Are air fryer beets bitter?
Air fryer beets only turn bitter if they get overcooked or burnt. When I pull mine out as soon as they’re fork-tender, they stay sweet and earthy with caramelized edges.
How to store leftover air fried beets
I store my leftover beets in an airtight container or wrapped in foil in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for about 3–4 days, and I like having them ready to toss into salads or grain bowls!
How should I reheat leftover beets?
I always reheat leftover roasted beets in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for about 3 minutes so they warm through without drying out. This crisps up the edges so they taste just as amazing as when I first made them!
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- Air fryer biscuits
- Air fryer garlic bread
- Air fryer spaghetti squash
- Air fryer sweet potato
- Air fryer baked potato
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Easy Air Fryer Beets
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds beets peeled and cut into bite sized wedges
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F.
- In a large bowl, toss the beet pieces with oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper until well coated.
- Place the beets in the air fryer in a single layer and cook them for 12-14 minutes, or until tender.
Notes
- Cut the beets into uniform pieces to help them cook at the same rate.
- Toss the beets thoroughly with olive oil and seasoning so every piece gets coated.
- Cook the beets in a single layer so they roast instead of steaming. Cook them in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the basket.
- To help the beets air fry evenly, shake the basket or turn the beets halfway through the cook time.
- Check the beets for fork-tender texture around the 12-minute mark to keep them from overcooking, which can make them bitter.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
- Reheat leftovers in the air fryer preheated at 350 degrees F for about 3 minutes.
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
Hello
I never had an air fryer, Iam looking to buy one.
Would you have any suggestions for one?
Iam definitely going to make the red beet recipe!
Thank you!
Hi Faye, Yes! I love the Cosori Air Fryer Dual Blaze. I have it linked on the page above for your convenience. Welcome to air frying!
This worked exactly as written, thanks!
Hi Robert, So glad you enjoyed the recipe!