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Air Fryer Roasted Beets With Goat Cheese – A Simple, Flavor-Packed Side

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ to 2 pounds beets (red, golden, or a mix; about 4–6 medium beets)
  • 1½ tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for savory depth)
  • 4 ounces goat cheese (chevre), crumbled
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice or red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (for the vinaigrette)
  • Fresh herbs (1–2 tablespoons chopped parsley, dill, or chives)
  • Optional toppings: toasted walnuts or pistachios, microgreens, orange zest

Method
 

  1. Prep the beets. Trim the tops and tails, then peel the beets with a vegetable peeler. Cut into ¾-inch cubes or wedges. Keep pieces uniform so they cook evenly.
  2. Season. In a bowl, toss the beets with 1½ tablespoons olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Coat every piece lightly but thoroughly.
  3. Preheat the air fryer. Set to 380°F (193°C) for 3–5 minutes. Preheating helps with browning and even cooking.
  4. Arrange in the basket. Place the beets in a single layer with a little space between pieces. If your air fryer is small, cook in batches so they roast rather than steam.
  5. Air fry. Cook at 380°F for 16–22 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. Start checking at 15 minutes. Beets are done when a fork slides in easily and the edges look slightly crisp.
  6. Make the vinaigrette. While the beets cook, whisk lemon juice (or vinegar), honey, Dijon, and 1½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust acidity or sweetness.
  7. Dress while warm. Transfer hot beets to a bowl and drizzle with the vinaigrette. Toss gently to coat. The warm beets absorb the flavors better.
  8. Add goat cheese and herbs. Let the beets cool for 2–3 minutes so the cheese doesn’t fully melt, then sprinkle on crumbled goat cheese and chopped herbs. Toss lightly or leave layered.
  9. Finish and serve. Top with toasted nuts for crunch and a little orange zest if you like. Taste and add a pinch of salt or an extra squeeze of lemon. Serve warm or at room temperature.