Oh my gosh, can we talk about how air fryer beets changed my life? I used to dread roasting beets in the oven—so messy, so long! Then I discovered this magic trick: crispy, caramelized beets in just 20 minutes with zero fuss. The air fryer gives them this perfect texture—tender inside with these delightful crispy edges you just can’t get from boiling or steaming.
This became my go-to side dish last summer when my garden went bonkers with beets. My kids, who normally turn up their noses at anything remotely healthy, actually fight over these now! The garlic and thyme coating makes them smell incredible while cooking—trust me, your kitchen will smell like a fancy bistro. Plus, they’re so versatile—toss them in salads, grain bowls, or just eat them straight from the basket (no judgment here!).
If you’ve ever struggled with soggy beets or stained cutting boards, this method is your new best friend. Let’s make some magic happen!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Beets
These aren’t just any roasted beets—they’re crispy, caramelized perfection with minimal effort. Here’s why they’ve become my obsession:
- Crazy fast: Done in 20 minutes flat—no waiting for the oven to preheat!
- Perfect texture: That magical combo of tender inside and crispy edges you can’t get any other way
- Healthier than chips: All the satisfying crunch with way more nutrients and way less guilt
- No mess: Say goodbye to beet-stained pans—the air fryer basket cleans up in a snap
Seriously, once you try beets this way, you’ll never go back to soggy boiled versions again.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Beets
Here’s all you need to make these addictive crispy beets—simple ingredients with big flavor:
- 3 medium beets (about the size of a tennis ball each), peeled and cut into 1-inch wedges
- 1 tbsp olive oil (the good stuff—it makes a difference!)
- 1/2 tsp salt (I use kosher salt for better distribution)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked if you’ve got it)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (trust me, this is the secret weapon)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (or rosemary if you’re feeling fancy)
That’s it! Just six pantry staples transform into something magical. Pro tip: wear gloves when peeling beets unless you want temporary pink fingers!
How to Make Air Fryer Beets
Okay, let’s get cooking! I promise this is so easy you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with the oven. Just follow these simple steps for perfect beet wedges every time.
Step 1: Prep the Beets
First things first—peel those beets! I like to use a vegetable peeler (wear gloves unless you want pink hands for days). Cut off the tops and roots, then slice them into 1-inch wedges. The key here? Uniform size! If some pieces are thicker, they won’t cook evenly. I aim for wedges about the size of steak fries—big enough to stay juicy inside but thin enough to crisp up beautifully.
Step 2: Seasoning
Now for the fun part—tossing! I use a big bowl and add the beets, olive oil, and all the spices. Here’s my pro tip: mix the dry spices together first before adding to the beets. This way you won’t get a clump of garlic powder in one bite. Toss everything until each wedge is evenly coated—you should see a light sheen of oil on every piece, but they shouldn’t be swimming in it.
Step 3: Air Frying
Here’s where the magic happens! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F—yes, really preheat it (that makes all the difference for crispiness). Arrange the beets in a single layer—no stacking! They need space to breathe. Cook for 10 minutes, then shake that basket like you’re a bartender making a cocktail. Another 5-10 minutes and they’re done when a fork slides in easily but there’s still some resistance (like perfectly cooked potatoes).
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Beets
After making these dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds), I’ve learned a few tricks to guarantee beet perfection every single time:
- Size matters: Keep those wedges uniform! I aim for 1-inch thickness—too thin and they’ll burn, too thick and they won’t crisp up.
- Don’t crowd the basket: Give each beet wedge some personal space. If they’re piled on top of each other, you’ll get steamed beets instead of crispy ones.
- The fork test: Don’t just eyeball it—poke a wedge with a fork at 15 minutes. You want slight resistance (think al dente pasta), not mushy or rock-hard.
- Shake it up: That mid-cook shake isn’t optional! It ensures even browning on all sides—I set a timer so I don’t forget.
Follow these simple rules, and you’ll get restaurant-quality beets with minimal effort. Pinky promise!
Variations for Air Fryer Beets
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, the fun begins! Here are my favorite ways to mix things up when I’m craving something different:
- Smoky paprika: Swap the thyme for smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne – gives them this incredible barbecue vibe
- Sweet & sticky: Drizzle with honey during the last 5 minutes – the caramelization is unreal!
- Cheesy goodness: Toss with grated parmesan right after cooking – the residual heat melts it into salty perfection
The best part? You can try a new version every time and never get bored. My kids go nuts for the honey-glazed ones – shh, don’t tell them they’re eating vegetables!
Serving Suggestions
These crispy air fryer beets are crazy versatile! Here’s how I love to serve them:
- Tossed in a spinach salad with goat cheese and walnuts – the colors are gorgeous!
- Piled on grain bowls with quinoa, avocado, and a lemony tahini drizzle
- As a snack with tzatziki or garlic yogurt dip (perfect for dunking!)
- Alongside roasted chicken or salmon for an easy weeknight dinner
Honestly? They rarely make it to the plate – I usually just eat them straight from the basket while they’re still piping hot!
Storage & Reheating
Here’s the deal – these beets taste best fresh, but if you’ve got leftovers (miracle!), store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to revive them, toss them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. That quick blast brings back their crispy magic better than any microwave ever could!
Air Fryer Beets FAQ
I get so many questions about these addictive little beet wedges! Here are the answers to the ones that pop up most often in my kitchen (and my DMs):
Do I really need to peel the beets?
Okay, confession time – I’ve skipped peeling when I’m in a hurry! The skins are edible, but they can get tough when air fried. If you leave them on, scrub really well and expect a slightly earthier taste. But for that perfect tender bite? Peeling’s worth the extra minute.
Can I use canned beets instead of fresh?
Oh honey, no. I tried this once when I was desperate and… let’s just say it was a mushy disaster. Canned beets are already cooked and too soft – they’ll fall apart in the air fryer. Fresh beets give you that perfect crisp-tender texture that makes this recipe magical.
Help! My beets stick to the basket – what am I doing wrong?
First, make sure your air fryer is properly preheated (cold baskets are sticky magnets). A quick spray of oil on the basket before adding beets helps too. But here’s my secret weapon – give the basket a gentle shake after the first 2 minutes of cooking. This prevents any serious sticking before it starts.
How do I know when they’re done?
The fork test never lies! Pierce a wedge at 15 minutes – you want it to go in with slight resistance (like a baked potato). If the fork slides in too easily, they’re overdone. Still too hard? Give them another 2-3 minutes and check again.
Can I use golden beets instead of red?
Absolutely! Golden beets work beautifully and won’t stain everything pink. They’re slightly milder in flavor too. Mix red and golden for a stunning colorful side dish – just note that cooking times might vary slightly between the two.
Nutritional Information
Just a heads up—these numbers are estimates since beet sizes and oil amounts can vary slightly. But here’s the scoop on why these air fryer beets make me feel so good about snacking:
- 90 calories per serving (about 1 cup of beet wedges)
- 5g fat (the good kind from olive oil!)
- 3g fiber (hello, happy digestion!)
- 6g natural sugar (from the beets themselves—no added sugar here)
- 2g protein (not bad for a veggie side!)
Compared to potato chips? These give you way more nutrients with that same satisfying crunch. My nutritionist friend calls them “nature’s candy with benefits!”
Rate This Recipe
Did these air fryer beets rock your world? I’d love to hear about it! Drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram with your crispy beet creations. Your feedback helps me create more recipes you’ll love!
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Crispy Air Fryer Beets in Just 20 Minutes – Irresistible!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and flavorful air fryer beets make a healthy and easy side dish or snack.
Ingredients
- 3 medium beets, peeled and cut into wedges
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Toss beet wedges with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
- Place beets in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Check for doneness—beets should be tender and slightly crispy.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use similar-sized beet pieces for even cooking.
- Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American