Air Fryer Beets
sandravalvassori.com
Air fryer beets are sweeter, crunchier, and more flavorful than if you roast them in the oven. Best of all, they're ready in just 20 minutes and make the perfect veggie side for a family meal or holiday table.
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 3 medium beets can use red, golden, candy cane, or a mix
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Optional Balsamic Dressing
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 small garlic clove, grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Give the beets a quick scrub under running water then chop off the top and root end. Use a peeler to remove the skin, then slice the beets into small wedges or small chunks that are about 1-inch thick. You might want to use gloves to prevent your hands from staining.
- Place the sliced beets in a large mixing bowl then toss with olive oil, salt and pepper until well coated.
- Transfer the seasoned beets into the air fryer basket and arrange in a single layer. (It's okay if the beets are touching, but don't overcrowd them too much.) Set the air fryer temperature to 400ºF and cook for 18 to 20 minutes or until beets are tender when tested with a fork or sharp knife. TIP: Halfway through the cooking time, remove the basket and give it a shake so the beets cook more evenly.
- Meanwhile, make balsamic dressing, if using. In a small saucepan, heat the balsamic vinegar over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Let it simmer until it thickens and takes on a syrup-like consistency, adjusting the heat as needed to avoid burning, for about 2 to 3 minutes. (Watch it carefully, as it can go from reduced to burned quickly.) Remove from the heat and whisk in the garlic and oil.
- Once the beets are ready, transfer them from the air fryer to a plate or platter. Serve as is with a pinch more salt and pepper to taste, or drizzle with optional balsamic dressing.
Notes
Cut beets into relatively uniform pieces: The beets will cook more evenly if you cut them into uniform pieces. That said, don't sweat it too much to get them perfectly even. You just don't want tiny pieces that will burn, and very large pieces that won't get tender enough on the inside.
Shake the basket halfway through: Just like an oven, an air fryer can have cooler spots. About halfway through cooking time, remove the basket and give it a gentle shake.
Add spices towards the end of cooking time: This recipe doesn't call for spices but if you wish to add some, add them during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking time so they don't burn.
Cook in batches: If your air fryer is small, you might need to cook the beets in batches.
Test for doneness: Depending on the size of your beets or the potency of your air fryer, cooking times may vary. To test if the beets are done, poke a few of the larger pieces with a small sharp knife. If they seem tender all the way through, they are done. If the knife is not going through easily, cook the beets for 2-5 minutes longer.
A note on salt – I only use Diamond Crystal Kosher salt for all my cooking and baking. Other brands, or table salt, might be saltier so err on the side of caution and use a little less.