Colin FosterBy Colin Foster

Updated November 2026

Air fryer beet recipes give you tender, caramelized beets in roughly 35 to 40 minutes, with far less oil and heat than a conventional oven. The method works for whole beets, cubed pieces and thin chips. Once you know the prep and timing, you can season them in a handful of different ways for side dishes, salads or grain bowls.

Prep the Beets Before They Go in the Basket

Start by trimming the greens, leaving about an inch of stem attached so the skin does not bleed during cooking. Scrub the roots well, then choose your cut based on how long you want to cook them.

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  • Whole beets (1.5 to 2 inches across): Cook 35 to 40 minutes. Peel after cooking, when the skins slip off easily.
  • Cubes (about 1 inch): Cook 18 to 22 minutes. Peel first with a vegetable peeler.
  • Thin chips (1/8 inch): Cook 8 to 10 minutes. Peel first and slice with a mandoline or sharp knife.

Cook Beets at the Right Temperature

Preheat the air fryer to 380°F for about three minutes. Toss the prepared pieces with one tablespoon of oil per pound, which helps the surface brown and keeps the interior moist. Arrange them in a single layer, and shake the basket or flip the pieces halfway through.

Whole beets benefit from a fork test at 30 minutes. They are done when a knife slides into the center with no resistance. Cubes and chips should look browned at the edges and feel tender when pierced.

Seasoning Combinations That Work

Style Seasoning Finish
Savory herb Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, thyme Lemon zest after cooking
Balsamic glaze Salt and pepper before cooking Balsamic vinegar and honey tossed in at the end
Smoky Smoked paprika, cumin, a pinch of cayenne Plain Greek yogurt with a squeeze of lime
Ginger-orange Grated ginger, orange zest, a little brown sugar Toasted sesame seeds

Five Air Fryer Beet Recipes to Try

  1. Whole roasted beets with thyme: Cook at 380°F for 35 to 40 minutes, then peel and dress with olive oil and flaky salt.
  2. Balsamic beet cubes: Cook at 380°F for 20 minutes, then toss with balsamic and honey while hot.
  3. Smoky beet bites: Season cubes with smoked paprika and cumin, cook 20 minutes, and serve with yogurt.
  4. Crispy beet chips: Cook thin slices at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking once, until edges are crisp.
  5. Ginger-orange beets: Cook cubes for 20 minutes, then finish with orange zest and sesame seeds.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overcrowding the basket, which steams the beets instead of browning them. Cook in two batches if needed.
  • Skipping the trim, which lets color bleed into the basket and makes cleanup harder.
  • Adding sugar or honey at the start, which can burn before the beets are tender. Add sweet glazes in the last few minutes.
  • Cutting pieces unevenly, so some are mushy while others are still firm.
  • Mandoline slicer: Makes uniform beet chips in seconds, which helps them cook evenly. View on Amazon
  • Silicone air fryer liners: Keep beet juice off the basket and make cleanup faster. View on Amazon
  • Vegetable peeler: Removes the skin from raw beets quickly before cubing or slicing. View on Amazon

FAQ

Do I need to peel beets before air frying them?

For whole beets, no. Cook them with the skins on and peel after cooking, when the skins slip off easily. Peel cubes and chips first, since the skin is tough and can stay chewy.

Can I cook beets from frozen in the air fryer?

Yes, but add about 5 to 10 minutes to the cooking time and check for tenderness. Pat off any excess ice so the pieces brown instead of steaming.

How do I keep beets from staining my air fryer?

Line the basket with a silicone liner or a light coat of oil. Wipe the basket soon after cooking, before the juice dries.

Conclusion

Air fryer beet recipes are quick, hands-off and adaptable to whatever flavors you prefer. Match the cut to the cook time, season before cooking and add sweet glazes at the end. With those basics, you can produce tender, lightly crisp beets for weeknights or a dinner party.

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Colin Foster

About Colin Foster

Colin Foster is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our home cooking with appliances guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.