Beets are a delicious and nutritious vegetable that can be cooked in a variety of ways. One method that has gained popularity in recent years is cooking beets in an air fryer. This method allows you to achieve a crispy and flavorful result without the need for excessive oil or lengthy cooking times. If you’re looking for a simple and delicious recipe for cooking beets in an air fryer, you’ve come to the right place.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you begin cooking, you’ll need to gather your ingredients. For this recipe, you will need:
– 4 medium-sized beets
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Preparing the Beets
Once you have gathered all of your ingredients, it’s time to prepare the beets for cooking. Start by washing the beets thoroughly under cool running water. Make sure to remove any dirt or debris that may be clinging to the surface. Once clean, you can choose to leave the skin on or peel it off, depending on your personal preference.
If you decide to peel the beets, a vegetable peeler works well for this task. Simply hold the beet firmly in one hand and use the peeler with the other hand to remove the skin in a downward motion. Be careful not to remove too much of the flesh along with the skin.
Cutting and Seasoning
After peeling the beets, it’s time to cut them into bite-sized pieces. You can cube them or slice them, depending on your preference. Just make sure to keep the pieces relatively uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
Once the beets are cut, transfer them to a bowl and drizzle the olive oil over them. Use your hands or a spoon to toss the beets, ensuring that each piece is coated with the oil. This will help to enhance their flavor and texture.
Seasoning the Beets
Now it’s time to season the beets with salt and pepper. Sprinkle a generous amount of salt and pepper over the beets and toss once again to evenly distribute the seasoning. You can adjust the amount of salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Some other optional seasonings that pair well with beets include garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Cooking the Beets
With the beets prepared and seasoned, it’s time to cook them in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for a few minutes. Once it’s hot, carefully transfer the seasoned beets to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can prevent proper air circulation and result in uneven cooking.
Setting the Cooking Time
The cooking time for beets in an air fryer can vary depending on the size and desired level of doneness. As a general guideline, you can start with a cooking time of 15-20 minutes. However, it’s important to check the beets periodically and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
To check for doneness, simply insert a fork or a toothpick into a beet. If it goes in easily and the beet feels tender, they are likely cooked to perfection. If they’re not quite done, simply continue cooking for another few minutes and check again.
Serving Suggestions
Once the beets are cooked to your desired level of doneness, carefully remove them from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Transfer them to a serving dish and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help them retain their crispy texture.
Beets cooked in an air fryer make a delicious and versatile side dish. You can enjoy them as is or incorporate them into various recipes. They can be added to salads, used as a topping for pizzas, or even blended into a creamy beet soup. Their vibrant color and unique flavor make them a great addition to any meal.
Conclusion
Cooking beets in an air fryer is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable. By following the steps outlined in this recipe, you can achieve perfectly crispy beets with minimal effort. Remember to adjust the cooking time as needed and feel free to experiment with different seasonings to suit your taste preferences. So go ahead and give this method a try, and discover the wonderful flavor and texture of air-fried beets.