Air Fryer Roasted Beets with Lemon & Thyme

These air fryer roasted beets with lemon and thyme are simple, deeply flavorful, and surprisingly bright. Roasting beets in the air fryer brings out their natural sweetness while keeping the texture tender, then a quick toss with olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and thyme finishes them with balance and warmth. This is a vegetable side dish that feels intentional, not an afterthought.

One of the reasons I keep coming back to this method is how efficient it is. Beets that would normally take close to an hour in the oven cook much faster in the air fryer, with less heat in the kitchen and more consistent caramelization. It’s the kind of recipe that makes sense in the fall and winter, when hearty vegetables are in season and simple sides matter, especially around the holidays, when oven space is already spoken for.

Estimated Nutritional Information

The provided nutritional information has been compiled from various online sources and should be regarded as an estimate. Actual nutritional values may vary based on factors such as specific ingredients used, variations in portion sizes, and individual preparation methods. It is advisable to consider these numbers as general guidelines rather than precise measurements. For accurate nutritional information, it is recommended to consult with a registered dietitian or utilize specialized nutritional analysis tools based on the exact ingredients and quantities used in your preparation.

• Serving Size: 1/4 total

• Calories: 121

• Protein: 2 g

• Fat: 7 g

• Net Carbohydrates: 16 g

Ingredients- Air Fryer Roasted Beets with Lemon & Thyme

• 3-4 Large Red Common Beets

• Olive Oil

• 1 Lemon (For the juice and the zest)

• 1-2 Cloves of Garlic, zested

• Salt, Pepper, & Thyme

Instructions- Air Fryer Roasted Beets with Lemon & Thyme

Prepare the Beets

Start by peeling the beets. The outer skin can be tough, and since beets are root vegetables, they are often covered in dirt. Use a vegetable peeler and peel them the same way you would an apple. Be aware that beets stain easily and will turn anything they touch red or pink. This could be your hands, your shirt, your cutting board, or your countertops!

Cut and Season

Once peeled, slice the beets into sections about ½ inch thick, then dice them into roughly ½-inch chunks. Transfer the beet pieces to a mixing bowl and toss with just enough olive oil to lightly coat. Season with salt and pepper.

Air Fry the Beets

Line a baking sheet or air fryer tray with parchment paper and spread the beets out in an even layer. Air fry at 425°F. Flip the beets at least once during cooking and begin checking for doneness after 15–20 minutes. Beets cook much faster in an air fryer than in a traditional oven. They are ready when the centers are fork-tender but still hold their shape, with lightly charred edges and corners.

Prepare the Lemon Thyme Sauce

While the beets are air frying, make the sauce. In a mixing bowl large enough to also hold the finished beets, add a couple tablespoons of olive oil and a generous pinch of thyme. If using dried thyme, allowing it to sit in the oil while the beets cook helps soften and rehydrate the herbs.

Add Lemon Zest, Juice and Garlic

Zest the lemon directly into the bowl before cutting it. Zesting is much easier while the lemon is still whole. Once zested, cut the lemon in half, juice it into the bowl. Using a microplane grater, grate 1 to 2 cloves of raw garlic directly into the mixing bowl, and whisk or stir the mixture to combine.

Finish the Beets

When the beets are done cooking, transfer them directly into the bowl with the lemon thyme sauce while they are still hot. Toss well to coat. The residual heat helps the sauce come together and cling to the beets, similar to a light glaze. Stir once or twice as the beets rest. For garnish, fresh parsley can be added for a bright green contrast to the deep red and purple colors of the beets.

Serving Suggestions

These lemon thyme air fryer beets make a complementary side dish for fall and holiday meals. They pair well with pork loin, roasted chicken, turkey, ham, and other roasted meats. The lemon adds brightness that balances richer side dishes, such as a butter and cream mashed potato or squash. If you are looking for other side dishes to pair this with try Braised Pearl Onions.