Air Fryer Beets

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Air fryer beets are one of my favorite ways to cook this vibrant root vegetable. The outsides become golden and crispy, and the insides become sweet and tender. Best of all — they’re done in half the time of the oven roasted version!

Air fryer beets on a plate
Photo: Gayle McLeod

I’m always looking for ways to incorporate more beets into my diet as they’re packed with nutrients. And while I’ve got a great recipe for roasted beets, I’ve been using my air fryer more often lately and tossing in all of my favorite vegetables – making air fryer carrots, air fryer broccoli, and air fryer cauliflower.

Needless to say, my air fryer has quickly become a much loved tool in my kitchen, and you can’t deny a time saving method – these air fryer beets are done in about 20 minutes compared to one hour in the oven!

But what makes these roasted air fryer beets extra delicious is the homemade garlic aioli sauce that I serve alongside them. You get sweet, creamy, and garlicky flavors all in one bite!

Ingredients for air fryer beets

Ingredients for Air Fryer Beets

  • Beets: These hearty root vegetables are technically available year-round. But, their prime time is during the winter months when they are sweet and vibrant. And if you want to use golden beets instead of red beets, feel free to swap them in!
  • Seasoning: We’re letting the beets shine here, so all you need is olive oil, salt, and black pepper.

Find the printable recipe with measurements below

How To Cook Beets In The Air Fryer

Slice and toss the beets. Carefully peel and slice each beet into eight pieces (they should look like mini wedges). Then, toss the beets with oil, salt, and black pepper. Be aware that your hands and cutting board can stain easily from the beets! To avoid that, wash your hands immediately after prepping them.

Tossing beets in seasoning

Air fry the beets. Transfer the beets to your air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 18 to 20 minutes at 390°F (200°C). Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches as you don’t want to crowd your beets.

Beets in an air fryer basket

Ready to serve. Once the beets are fork-tender, remove them from the air fryer and serve! You can eat air fryer beets on their own with how tasty they are. But if you want to go the extra step, I highly recommend the garlic aioli, or adding feta cheese or crumbled goat cheese on top!

Air fryer beets in a basket

Common Questions

Can you leave the peel on beets?

Although beet skins are edible and have a ton of nutrients, it’s best to peel them off since the skin can still hold a lot of dirt even after you’ve given them a good scrub.

What should I do with the beet stems?

Always remember to keep the beet stems! They can be used to cook up an easy and delicious sautéed side dish. You can find my favorite sautéed beet greens recipe in my Healthy Meal Prep cookbook.

Dipping air fryer beets in garlic aioli

Storage Tips

  • To store for the week: It’s always a treat finding beets that are prepped and ready to eat in the fridge! So make an extra batch and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 to 5 days.
  • To freeze for later: Since they will stain, I recommend freezing beets in a glass container (for easy cleanup). They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

More Beet Recipes

  • Beet Pickled Deviled Eggs: These ruby red deviled eggs are the best Easter appetizer.
  • Beet Soup: Turn roasted beets into this deliciously creamy soup loaded with health benefits.
  • Roasted Beet Hummus: If you love hummus, this roasted beet version is one you’ll make again and again!
  • Roasted Beet and Kale Salad: The ultimate winter salad with tender beets, goat cheese, crunchy walnuts, dried cranberries, and hearty kale.

I hope you enjoy these air fryer beets this season! If you make it, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this recipe in the comment box below. Your review will help other readers in the community!

A plate of roasted air fryer beets

Air Fryer Beets

5 from 1 vote
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Lisa Bryan

Description

These air fryer beets are the best vegetable side dish made in under 30 minutes with crispy golden outsides and sweet and tender insides!

Equipment

Ingredients 
 

Instructions 

  • Slice beets and toss. Peel and slice each beet into 8 pieces. In a mixing bowl, toss the beets, oil, salt, and pepper together.
    Seasoned beets in a bowl
  • Air fry the beets. Transfer the beets to the basket of an air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches as you want a single layer. Set the temperature to 390°F (200°C) and cook for 18 to 20 minutes, or until fork tender.
    Air frying beets
  • Ready to serve. Remove the beets from the air fryer and serve with the garlic aioli sauce.
    A white plate of roasted air fryer beets

Nutrition

Calories: 58kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 339mg | Potassium: 202mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 21IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Air fryer beets
Did you make this recipe?Mention @downshiftology or tag #downshiftology!

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About the author

Lisa Bryan

Lisa is a bestselling cookbook author, recipe developer, and YouTuber (with over 2.5 million subscribers) living in sunny Southern California. She started Downshiftology in 2014, and is passionate about making healthy food with fresh, simple and seasonal ingredients.

5 from 1 vote

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14 Comments

  1. I love beets and just got an air fryer. These are absolutely delicious! I have never peeled a raw beet before, but it wasn’t difficult. Thanks again Lisa!

  2. Followed the recipe but the beets were tough even though I cooked the length stated and then some more. Same with the carrots.
    Not sure what went wrong.

    1. Hi Debbie – your air fryer might require more time or a higher temp, as all air fryers cook a bit different. Play around with it a bit more. :)

  3. I tried the recipe. Delicious! I put the beets in your beets and spinach salad for a nice lunch. I used feta instead of goat cheese as I prefer that.