Crispy Air Fryer Beets

Ingredients

FOR THE BAY SALT:

• 1/4 cup loosely packed broken dried bay leaves
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper

FOR THE BEETS:

• 2 bunches beets (about 3 pounds total), beet greens reserved
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon bay salt, divided
• Cooking spray

Description

1. Place 1/4 cup broken bay leaves, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, and 1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper in a spice grinder. Pulse into a fine green powder, around 10 pulses. If needed, sift the powder through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any small pieces of bay leaves.

2. Heat an air fryer to 400°F. Meanwhile, prepare the beets.

3. Scrub, trim, and peel the beets from 2 bunches. Cut into 1-inch pieces (just over 3 cups). Transfer to a medium bowl. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 3/4 teaspoon of the the bay salt, and toss to combine. (If you are using a mix of beets, the red color will bleed onto the golden beets, so you may wish to toss in separate bowls, but this is not essential.)

4. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Air frying in batches if needed, place the beets in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 10 minutes. Flip the beets and air fry until caramelized at the edges and fork-tender, 8 to 10 minutes more.

5. Meanwhile, cut 5 medium beet green leaves into fine shreds (about 3/4 cup). Wash and rinse the greens with a salad spinner or fine-mesh strainer. Transfer to a large bowl.

6. Add the air-fried beets to the bowl with the beet greens, sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon bay leaf salt, and toss to combine.