I love roasting beets, and that’s simply because they taste better than any other preparation method! You get this beautiful natural sweetness when you roast them, making for an amazing vegetable option. These air fryer whole roasted beets in foil are really a game changer for cooking!
The air fryer is the perfect choice for roasting beets, as you’ll get the same flavor results as a traditional oven, but in far less cooking time. It’s also an energy saver, which is also important for dishes that take a while to cook!
Do you really need the foil for them to cook? Well, no. But I use foil for a couple reasons. The first is simply: cleanup! The foil contains the mess so there’s no beet juice staining everything. The second reason is that it helps to steam the beets, leaving them less wrinkly.
However, if you don’t want to use the foil – it’s totally fine! Just be prepared to need to clean up some juice afterwards.
Ingredients List
Beets, any variety
Optional seasoning:
½ tsp olive oil per beet
Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Tips and Notes
You can use any variety of beets. Common options include red, golden, or variegated (striped) beets
Quantity is up to you. You may cook as many beets at a time as fit in your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer (with a little space between them for air circulation). The time doesn’t change for different quantities
Seasoning is optional, and largely depends on what you plan to use the roasted beets in. They may be cooked plain as well! You can also add other seasonings, such as garlic powder, thyme, or other favorites
Step By Step Instructions
Trim the stems and roots from your beets, and wash them thoroughly. If you plan to season them, peel them. If not, you can leave the skins on, and choose to remove them after cooking if desired
Place each beet into a square of foil, and then wrap the foil around to seal the beet in. I leave the opening at the top to make it easier to unwrap the beet later
Set the beets into your air fryer’s basket or on the rack, leaving a little air space between each one to promote even heating
Cook on the air fry setting at 380°F (or the closest setting your specific air fryer has) for 30-35 minutes, or until the beets pierce easily with a fork or knife (I peel back the foil at the top opening to check, then carefully re-seal it if more time is needed)
Remove the peel if desired, season if needed, and serve with your favorite other dishes!
What to Serve With Roasted Beets
Toppings and Seasonings
Honey
Balsamic vinegar
Goat cheese
Feta cheese
Hummus
Sour cream
Creme fraiche
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Paprika
Lemon zest
Thyme
Parsley
Dill
Toasted nuts
Horseradish sauce
Garlic aioli
There are lots of great ways to dress up roasted beets for serving, from sweet to savory and crunchy to creamy.
I love them topped with a little goat cheese and Honey Roasted Pecans in the Air Fryer, on a salad with balsamic dressing, or with horseradish sauce alongside mashed potatoes and a beef roast!
How Do I Prepare Beets for Roasting in the Air Fryer?
To prepare beets for roasting in the air fryer, start by cleaning them thoroughly, scrubbing off any dirt. Trim off the beet greens, then wrap each beet individually in aluminum foil. Make sure the beets are dry before wrapping them.
Peeling is optional, as is adding seasoning to the beets before cooking.
What’s the Cooking Time and Temperature for Air Frying Whole Beets?
To roast whole beets in the air fryer, preheat the appliance to 380°F (193°C). Place the foil-wrapped beets in the air fryer basket or on the tray. Roast for 30-35 minutes on average, depending on the beet’s size.
You’ll know they’re done when a fork easily pierces the beet’s center.
Do I Need to Preheat the Air Fryer for Beet Roasting?
Preheating is not needed when roasting whole beets. The cooking time is long enough that it won’t be necessary.
However, you can preheat the air fryer if you prefer, and it may cut 2-3 minutes off of required cooking time overall.
Why Use Foil for Roasting Beets in the Air Fryer?
Using foil is beneficial because it helps retain moisture, prevents the beets from drying out, and keeps your air fryer clean by containing any beet juice that may escape during cooking.
However, you can skip the foil and still successfully roast beets. You’ll need to clean up more mess, and generally end up with a slightly more wrinkled beet overall.
Can I Add Seasonings or Herbs When Roasting Beets?
Yes, you can enhance the flavor by adding seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic, or herbs like rosemary or thyme.
Place the seasonings on the beets with a little bit of olive oil before wrapping them in foil.
How Do I Know When the Beets Are Done Roasting in the Air Fryer?
You’ll know the beets are done when a fork or knife easily pierces the center of the beet.
Cooking times may vary depending on the beet’s size, so this is the best way to test that they are actually done.
What’s the Best Way to Peel Air Fried Beets?
After cooking, let the roasted beets cool slightly, and then use a paper towel to rub off the skin. It should peel off easily. Alternatively, you can use a knife to gently remove the skin.
You may also peel the beets ahead of cooking them, which is recommended if you plan to season them so the seasoning doesn’t rub off with the skin.
Can I Use This Method for Different Types of Beets, Like Red, Golden, or Chioggia?
Yes, this method works well for various beet varieties, including red, golden, and Chioggia beets.
Adjust the roasting time based on the size of the beets and not the variety.
Can I Roast Beets Without Foil in the Air Fryer?
You can roast beets without foil by placing them directly on the air fryer basket or tray.
However, using foil is recommended for better moisture retention and easier cleanup.
What Can I Do with Roasted Beets Besides Serving Them as a Side Dish?
Roasted beets are versatile beyond just using them as a side dish. You can use them in salads, smoothies, or baked goods.
Get creative and incorporate them into various dishes for added flavor and nutrition.
Can I Store Leftover Roasted Beets, and How Do I Reheat Them?
Yes, you can store leftover roasted beets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Recipe Pro Tips
You don’t need to preheat your air fryer for this recipe, as it roasts long enough a few minutes additionally doesn’t matter
Note that if you peel your beets before roasting, they will bleed color more than if you do not. Since the mess is contained by the foil, I prefer to do this so I don’t need to do it after, but it’s entirely up to you!
My medium sized beets were perfectly cooked after 30 minutes in a Ninja air fryer. Various beet sizes and different brands of air fryer will cause this time to vary slightly
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover beets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
To reheat, air fry at 350°F for about 5 minutes, or until warmed through. The exact time will depend on the size of your specific beets (if you have cut them into smaller pieces, it will take less time as well)
These whole air fryer roasted beets in foil are easy and delicious, thanks to the cooking process bringing out their natural sweetness! With beets being the only required ingredient (though you can add seasonings as desired), it doesn’t get simpler than that.
Air frying is the perfect choice, taking far less time than a conventional oven, and saving on energy as well. You’ll get an equally perfect result, so you’re not missing out.
Beets are naturally vegetarian and gluten free, so this is an easy vegetable to prepare for many different diets.
Serve them up as a side dish, use them to top your salad, or make extra to use in another dish, like smoothies or baked goods! The vibrant colors and earthy flavors are perfect for fall, and this dish is even elegant enough for the Thanksgiving table!
Easy Air Fryer Roasted Beets in Foil (Whole Beets)
These simple air fryer roasted beets cook up perfectly in just 30 minutes. Foil keeps them moist and the mess contained, for an easy yet delicious side dish.
Trim the stems and roots from your beets, and wash them thoroughly. If you want to season them, peel them and season accordingly. If not, you can leave the skins on, and choose to remove them after cooking if desired
1 Medium fresh beet, ½ Tsp olive oil, ¼ Tsp salt, ¼ Tsp black pepper
Place each beet into a square of foil, and then wrap the foil around to seal the beet in. I leave the opening at the top to make it easier to unwrap the beet later
Set the beets into your air fryer’s basket or on the rack, leaving a little air space between each one to promote even heating
Cook on the air fry setting at 380°F (or the closest setting your specific air fryer has) for 30-35 minutes, or until the beets pierce easily with a fork or knife (I peel back the foil at the top opening to check, then carefully re-seal it if more time is needed)
Remove the peel if desired, season if needed, and serve with your favorite other dishes!
Notes
Quantity is up to you. You may cook as many beets at a time as fit in your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer (with a little space between them for air circulation). The time doesn’t change for different quantities
Seasoning is optional, and largely depends on what you plan to use the roasted beets in. They may be cooked plain as well! You can also add other seasonings, such as garlic powder, thyme, or other favorites
You don’t need to preheat your air fryer for this recipe, as it roasts long enough a few minutes additionally doesn’t matter
My medium (2-3” diameter) sized beets were perfectly cooked after 30 minutes in a Ninja air fryer. Various beet sizes and different brands of air fryer will cause this time to vary slightly
Store leftover beets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
To reheat, air fry at 350°F for about 5 minutes, or until warmed through. The exact time will depend on the size of your specific beets (if you have cut them into smaller pieces, it will take less time as well)
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand, size, and variety of ingredients. These numbers assume ½ tsp of olive oil and ¼ tsp each of salt and pepper. Any toppings or other seasonings added will vary, so please consider this a guideline only
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I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
