Air Fryer Beets with Balsamic Glaze Recipe

Introduction

Air fryer beets are a quick and easy way to enjoy this nutritious root vegetable with minimal effort. The air fryer gives the beets a tender texture and a slightly caramelized flavor. Tossed with a simple balsamic glaze, they make a delicious side dish or salad addition.

Ingredients

• 3 medium beets (red, golden, candy cane, or a mix)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 small garlic clove, grated
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for dressing)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Scrub the beets under running water, then chop off the top and root ends. Use a peeler to remove the skin. Slice the beets into 1-inch wedges or chunks. Wearing gloves is recommended to avoid staining your hands.
2. Step 2: Place the beet slices in a large bowl. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
3. Step 3: Arrange the beets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding but it’s fine if pieces touch. Set the air fryer to 400ºF and cook for 18 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Beets are ready when fork-tender.
4. Step 4: While the beets cook, prepare the balsamic dressing. Heat balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over medium heat until it simmers. Let it reduce to a syrupy consistency, about 2 to 3 minutes, adjusting heat as needed to prevent burning.
5. Step 5: Remove the saucepan from heat, then whisk in the grated garlic and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Set aside.
6. Step 6: Transfer the cooked beets to a serving plate. Serve plain with a pinch of salt and pepper, or drizzle with the balsamic garlic dressing for extra flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Use gloves when peeling beets to avoid staining your hands.
• Try mixing different colored beets for a vibrant presentation.
• The balsamic glaze can be substituted with a honey mustard dressing for a different flavor.
• If your air fryer is small, cook beets in batches to avoid overcrowding for more even cooking.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked beets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or enjoy cold in salads. Keep the balsamic dressing separate until ready to serve.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I cook whole beets in the air fryer instead of slicing?

Cooking whole beets will take much longer and may not cook evenly. Slicing them into 1-inch pieces helps them cook faster and more uniformly.

Is the balsamic dressing necessary?

The balsamic dressing adds a sweet and tangy contrast that complements the earthy beets, but the beets are delicious on their own seasoned simply with oil, salt, and pepper.

Air Fryer Beets with Balsamic Glaze Recipe

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4.4 from 61 reviews

• Author: Mariam
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 3 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Air Fryer Beets recipe offers a quick and easy way to enjoy tender, flavorful beets with a delightful balsamic garlic dressing. Perfectly roasted in an air fryer for a caramelized exterior and soft inside, these beets make a vibrant side dish or salad addition, showcasing a simple seasoning blend enhanced by a rich, tangy glaze.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beets

• 3 medium beets (red, golden, candy cane, or a mix)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Balsamic Dressing

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 small garlic clove, grated
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Beets: Give the beets a quick scrub under running water, then chop off the top and root ends. Use a peeler to remove the skin. Slice the beets into small wedges or chunks about 1-inch thick. Wearing gloves is recommended to prevent hand staining.
2. Season the Beets: Place the sliced beets in a large mixing bowl. Toss them with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper until well coated.
3. Air Fry the Beets: Transfer the seasoned beets into the air fryer basket, arranging them in a single layer. It’s okay if they touch but avoid overcrowding. Set the air fryer to 400ºF and cook for 18 to 20 minutes until tender, checking with a fork or knife. Halfway through, shake the basket to ensure even cooking.
4. Make the Balsamic Dressing: While the beets cook, heat 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Let it reduce for 2 to 3 minutes until syrupy, stirring carefully to prevent burning. Remove from heat and whisk in the grated garlic clove and 1 tablespoon olive oil.
5. Serve: Once cooked, transfer the beets to a serving plate. Optionally, drizzle with the balsamic garlic dressing and season with extra salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Wear gloves when peeling beets to avoid staining your hands.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
• Watch the balsamic vinegar closely as it reduces to avoid burning.
• The balsamic dressing is optional but adds a wonderful tang and depth of flavor.
• Use a fork or sharp knife to test beet tenderness before finishing cooking time.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: air fryer beets, roasted beets, balsamic beets, easy beet recipe, healthy side dish, vegetarian side