The exact cook time can vary. Read below for our tips!
For a vibrant side dish that makes use of a root vegetable, air fryer beets are a great option!
Easy to prepare with a simple seasoning, these roasted beets in the air fryer add a splash of color to any meal!
Recipe Tips
Before you head off to air fry beets, read through these few recipe tips so that you know what you’re dealing with!
- Beets can stain surfaces really easily. So, be careful of which cutting board you cut on, the clothing you wear, and any dish towels or cloths you use to wipe up!
- You can choose to peel the beets or leave the skin on. If you peel them, we’d recommend doing so in the sink with a little bit of water (to reduce the risk of staining). If you want to leave the skin on, just scrub the beets really well.
- We use a simple spice blend on these beets and they taste great. Of course, you can add different spices to better suit your tastes!
- The exact cooking time might vary slightly because all air fryers are different and the thickness/size of your beets might also differ slightly.
Step by Step Instructions
For the detailed steps on how to cook fresh beets in the air fryer, you can follow the instructions with recipe process photos in this section.
This way, you have an idea of how we make ours!
If you just want the cooking times and temperatures for making air fryer roasted beets without visuals, you can skip to the recipe card at the bottom of this post!
First, cut the ends off the beets on a cutting board (or a plate as an exception – although we don’t usually recommend cutting vegetables on plates) that you don’t mind getting stained.
Either peel the beets, if desired, or scrub them with a vegetable scrubber in the sink (we usually don’t peel them but make sure to scrub the beets well).
Pat the beets dry with a paper towel (don’t use a dish towel that you really like!)
Then cut the beets into 8 wedges each (cut each beet into quarters, then cut those quarters in half again to get 8 pieces total).
If the beets are very small, you can also just cut them into quarters.
Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit.
While you wait for the air fryer to preheat, add the beet wedges to a mixing bowl. Also add oil, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
Gently toss or mix everything with a spoon until evenly coated.
When the air fryer is hot, add the beets into the air fryer tray in one even layer.
Be sure that there is little to no overlap so that the beets can cook evenly.
If you can’t fit this amount of beets into your air fryer without overcrowding, cook them in two batches or make less.
Cook the beets for 15-20 minutes total until tender (you can test this with a fork).
Shake the air fryer basket every 5 minutes to help with even cooking.
The exact cook time can vary depending on the size of the beet wedges and your air fryer.
When done, remove the beet wedges from the air fryer tray, add them to a serving bowl or plate.
You can sprinkle some chopped parsley on top before serving (optional). Enjoy!
Storage Tips
It’s best to enjoy these air-fried beets while they are hot and fresh.
However, you can store leftovers in a container and place them in the fridge. The cooked beets will last for 3-4 days like this.
To reheat them, you can toss them back in the air fryer until they reach your desired temperature or eat them cold.
Keep in mind – whatever container you store them in may get stained!
Related Recipes
For more yummy vegetable side dishes in the air fryer, have a look at these creations!
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
- Air Fried Radishes
- Frozen Veggie Fries in the Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries
Air Fryer Beets
Ingredients
- 3 medium-sized beets or 4 smaller ones, approximately 1 pound total
- 2 teaspoons avocado oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- chopped parsley to garnish, optional
Instructions
- Cut the ends off the beets on a cutting board that you don't mind getting stained.
- Either peel the beets, if desired, or scrub them with a vegetable scrubber in the sink (we usually don't peel them but make sure to scrub the beets well).
- Pat the beets dry with a paper towel, then cut them into 8 wedges (cut each beet into quarters, then cut those quarters in half again to get 8 pieces total). If the beets are very small, you can also just cut them into quarters.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit.
- While you wait for the air fryer to preheat, add the beet wedges to a mixing bowl. Also add oil, salt, and pepper to the bowl and gently toss or mix everything with a spoon until evenly coated.
- When the air fryer is hot, add the beets into the air fryer tray in one even layer. Be sure that there is little to no overlap so that the beets can cook evenly. If you can't fit this amount of beets into your air fryer without overcrowding, cook them in two batches or make less.
- Cook the beets for 15-20 minutes total until tender (you can test this with a fork). Shake the air fryer basket every 5 minutes to help with even cooking. The exact cook time can vary depending on the size of the beet wedges and your air fryer.
- When done, remove the beet wedges from the air fryer tray, add them to a serving bowl or plate. You can sprinkle some chopped parsley on top before serving (optional). Enjoy!
Notes
- Be very careful when you are preparing the beets since they can stain surfaces (mostly clothing, cloths, hands, cutting boards) very easily!
Nutrition
This nutritional information has been estimated by an online nutrition calculator. It should only be seen as a rough calculation and not a replacement for professional dietary advice.
I forgot to cook some beets for a salad recipe but cooked this way they were quick and delish and got the meal done in time.
I’m so happy to hear that, Trish! I love cooking vegetables in the air fryer because it’s so quick and easy.