Air Fryer Beets with Garlic and Herbs

Crispy Air Fryer Beets with Garlic and Herbs

I rely on the visual cue more than the clock with air fryer beets because they can go from firm to fully tender pretty quickly once the centers start softening. The pieces should look browned at the edges and feel tender in the middle, and I find this works best when the beets are cut evenly and arranged in a single layer so they roast instead of steam.

I’d rather keep the seasoning simple here. Olive oil, garlic, and dried herbs add enough flavor without covering up the beets’ natural sweetness, and the air fryer gets them tender faster than oven-roasting. You can use red or golden beets and finish them with feta, goat cheese, or garlic aioli if you want a richer side dish.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Crispy Beets with Garlic and Herbs

• 1 1/2 pounds beets, peeled and cut into 1-inch wedges or chunks (about 675g)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 small clove finely minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or dried parsley

Golden beets are a little less messy to prep. If you use red beets, keep in mind that they can stain hands, towels, and cutting boards.

Garlic powder is the easier option in the air fryer because it is less likely to burn. If you use fresh minced garlic, keep it very fine and make sure it is coated in the oil instead of sitting loose on the surface.

Optional for serving:

• 1 to 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or dill
• 2 to 3 tablespoons crumbled feta
• 2 to 3 tablespoons crumbled goat cheese
• Garlic aioli, for dipping or drizzling

How to Make Beets in the Air Fryer

1. Prep the beets: Peel the beets, trim the ends, and cut them into even 1-inch wedges or chunks. Try to keep the pieces close in size so they finish at the same rate.
2. Season: In a mixing bowl, toss the beets with the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder or minced garlic, and dried thyme or parsley. The coating should look light and even, with no oil pooling in the bottom of the bowl.
3. Preheat the air fryer: Preheat to 380°F (193°C) for 3 to 5 minutes if your model benefits from preheating. A hot basket helps the cut sides start browning sooner.
4. Arrange in the basket: Place the beets in a single layer with a little space between pieces. Cook in batches if needed. This is the main thing that keeps them from turning soft and steamy.
5. Air fry: Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 15 to 22 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the pieces halfway through. Start checking on the early side if your pieces are small or your air fryer runs hot.
6. Check for doneness: The beets are ready when the edges are browned or lightly crisped and a paring knife or fork slides into the largest pieces with little resistance. The centers should be tender but not mushy.
7. Finish and serve: Taste and add a little more salt if needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or dill if using, and add feta, goat cheese, or garlic aioli after cooking.

Air Fryer Time and Temperature for Beets

380°F (193°C) is a good starting temperature for raw beet wedges or chunks. Most batches take 15 to 22 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces and the style of air fryer.

I usually look for color and texture instead of assuming one exact minute mark. Smaller pieces can be done several minutes sooner, while larger wedges may need the full time or a little longer. If you are using an oven-style air fryer, rotate trays as needed if one side browns faster than the other.

How to Keep Air Fryer Beets from Turning Soggy

This is where the texture can go wrong. Beets hold a lot of moisture, so they need enough space and just a light coating of oil to brown well.

• Cut the pieces evenly so they cook at the same pace.
• Use only enough oil to coat the surface lightly.
• Do not crowd the basket.
• Shake or turn the beets halfway through so more sides hit the hot air.

If the basket is small, batch cooking is worth it here. A crowded basket usually gives you tender beets, but not browned edges.

Air Fryer Beet Variations

Air Fryer Beets with Feta

Transfer the hot cooked beets to a serving bowl and top with 2 to 3 tablespoons of crumbled feta. A little fresh parsley or dill works well here too. Add the cheese after air frying so it stays creamy instead of drying out.

Air Fryer Beets and Sweet Potatoes

For a heartier side, combine the beets with sweet potato cubes or wedges cut to a similar size. Air fry them the same way, but start checking early since sweet potatoes can soften faster than beets.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Beets

These beets make an easy side for chicken, fish, pork, or tofu. They also work well spooned over grains or greens for a simple bowl.

For a richer finish, add crumbled feta or goat cheese after cooking, or serve garlic aioli on the side. For another easy vegetable side, try Air Fryer Green Beans.

Air Fryer Beet Troubleshooting

• Beets are still firm: Keep cooking for a few more minutes, especially if your pieces are on the larger side.
• Edges are browning too fast: Your pieces may be a little small, or your air fryer may run hot. Start checking earlier next time.
• Beets are soft but pale: The basket was likely crowded, or the pieces had too much moisture trapped around them.
• Garlic tastes burned: Use garlic powder instead of fresh minced garlic, or save fresh herbs for after cooking.

How to Store and Reheat Air Fryer Beets

Store cooled leftover beets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They will soften some after chilling.

To reheat, return them to the air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for a few minutes, just until warmed through. They will not be as crisp as freshly cooked beets, but the flavor holds up well. If you are making them ahead, slightly undercook the first batch so they do not get too soft when reheated.

If you want another quick side, see Air Fryer Yellow Squash. For a different vegetable side or appetizer, Air Fryer Artichoke Hearts are another good option.

Nutrition

Approximate nutrition per serving, based on 4 servings and not including optional toppings: 100 calories, 2g protein, 5g fat, 13g carbohydrates.

Approximate nutrition per 100g: 60 calories, 1g protein, 3g fat, 8g carbohydrates.

These values are estimates and will vary with the size of the beets and the exact amount of oil used.