Air Fryer Beets roast up sweet and tender with just oil, salt and pepper. This simple preparation makes an easy side dish or a colorful salad topping — a great recipe to add to your regular dinner rotation.
This version differs from classic oven-roasted beets in a few helpful ways:
- The beets are peeled and cut into roughly 1-inch cubes, which gives them a texture similar to home fries.
- They’re roasted in an air fryer, saving time and freeing oven space for other dishes.
- The recipe works beautifully with a mix of beet varieties — red, golden, and candy cane (Chioggia) — which adds color and visual interest.
Different varieties of beets
Beets (also called beetroot) are root vegetables that prefer cooler growing conditions. While you can find them year-round, they are at their best from mid-summer through late fall.
Beets come in several shapes and colors. The varieties used here include:
Red beets: The most common type, deep maroon in color. They roast up sweet and are versatile in many recipes.
Golden beets: Bright yellow or orange-fleshed, slightly milder and less staining than red beets. They roast well and are delicious in soups and salads.
Candy cane beets (Chioggia): Pale pink to red on the outside with striking red-and-white concentric rings inside. Roasting softens their stripe pattern, but they keep a pleasant sweet-earthy flavor.
What you’ll need for these air fryer beets
This recipe is straightforward and relies on a few basic ingredients:
- Fresh beets (about 3 cups peeled and cubed)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
How to roast beets in the air fryer
- Peel the beets and cut them into roughly 1-inch pieces so they cook evenly.
- Toss the beet pieces in a large bowl with olive oil, salt and pepper until lightly coated.
- Spread the beets in the air fryer basket in a single layer if possible. Air fry at 400°F (about 200°C) for 18–20 minutes for 3 cups of beets, or until fork-tender and lightly caramelized. Stir or shake the basket a few times while cooking for even browning.
What goes well with beets?
- Serve these air fryer beets as a colorful side with roasted or grilled proteins — they complement poultry, pork, fish or plant-based mains.
- Add them to salads or grain bowls for texture and sweetness. They pair especially well with peppery greens, goat cheese, walnuts or pumpkin seeds.
- Use roasted beets in spreads like beet hummus or toss them with a splash of balsamic and fresh herbs for a simple warm salad.
Frequently asked questions
For this recipe, where beets are cut into smaller pieces, peeling first is recommended. When roasting whole beets, many people leave the skins on and remove them after cooking, when the skins typically slip off easily.
At 400°F, about 3 cups of 1-inch beet pieces need roughly 18–20 minutes. If you double the amount, plan for about 25–30 minutes. Cook until fork tender and slightly caramelized on the edges.
Leftover roasted beets keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. To reheat, arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and warm at 375°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
Freezing roasted beet pieces can change their texture, often making them softer or slightly rubbery after thawing. Freezing whole roasted beets tends to give a better result if you plan to freeze.
Additional recipe tips and substitutions
- Cut the beets into uniform 1-inch pieces so they cook evenly. Adjust cooking time if pieces are larger or smaller.
- Doubling the recipe is easy — increase the cook time to about 25–30 minutes and shake or stir occasionally.
- Experiment with seasonings: add minced garlic, smoked paprika, fresh or dried herbs, or a drizzle of balsamic after cooking.
- You can use a single variety of beet if you prefer; cooking times remain the same. Note that red beets may tint golden or Chioggia beets and the Chioggia striping will fade somewhat with roasting.
- Air fryer models and capacities vary; you may need to adjust temperature or time based on your appliance and basket size.
Other beet recipes you might enjoy
- Golden beet soup with carrot and ginger — a warming, one-pot, vegan option.
- Oven-roasted root vegetables paired with kale, rosemary, goat cheese and pumpkin seeds.
- Beet hummus tart with sautéed asparagus and an almond flour crust for a savory twist.
If you make this recipe, leave a comment to share how it turned out — feedback is always welcome.
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Sign up for the newsletter and follow on social media for more recipes and updates.
If you make this recipe, please leave a review and rating below — questions are welcome too.
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Beets (Easy Roasted Beets)
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh beets, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Pinch ground black pepper
Instructions
-
Add the peeled and cubed beets to a large bowl. Toss with the olive oil, kosher salt and a pinch of ground black pepper until evenly coated.
-
Place the seasoned beets in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 18–20 minutes for 3 cups of beets, or 25–30 minutes for a doubled batch. Stir or shake the basket a few times during cooking. Roast until fork-tender and slightly caramelized at the edges.
Notes
- Use any single variety of beet or a mix — cook time remains the same.
- Cut beets into uniform 1-inch pieces; change cooking time if pieces vary noticeably in size.
- Doubling the recipe requires more time in the air fryer (about 25–30 minutes) and occasional stirring.
- Red beets may color golden or Chioggia beets and Chioggia striping will fade with roasting.
- Air fryer size and model affect cook time. These instructions are based on a small countertop air fryer; adjust as needed for your appliance.
Nutrition Facts per Serving
| Carbohydrates: 10g
| Protein: 2g
| Fat: 4g
Disclaimer
Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary with substitutions and ingredient brands.