Roasted Beets Recipe | Air Fryer Chermoula Roasted Beets

This Chermoula Roasted Beets recipe is a fantastically flavorful vegetable side dish! It's vegan-friendly and quick and easy to make in your air fryer!

What Makes This Chermoula Roasted Beets Recipe So Good?

This Chermoula Roasted Beets recipe has a robust flavor and goes well with a variety of dishes. It's delightfully herby, spicy, and is quite possibly the best way to enjoy beets.

Just sitting here typing about this Chermoula Roasted Beets Recipe makes me hungry. They make a great snack or even a light lunch. They're also the perfect side dish.

If you're unsure about beet recipes, give this recipe a try and it might change your mind. If you like potatoes, beets aren't far off, so give them a try and you might be surprised.

What Do Beets Taste Like?

The flavor of beets reminds me a lot of potatoes and they can be prepared much like potatoes as well. They have a very earthy flavor and can pair with just about anything if prepared properly. It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of potatoes in any form, so when it comes to these Chermoula Roasted Beets, I'm obsessed.

It's my firm belief that a side dish is an integral part of dinners. But I like to make side dishes spectacular as well. Using your air fryer to make a side dish allows you to create something virtually hands-free, while you get the rest of the meal together.

Is This Roasted Beets Recipe Easy?

I can't even begin to tell you how easy this Chermoula Roasted Beets recipe is. From the time you start chopping those beets to when they're coming out of the air fryer, only twenty minutes will have passed. Which, not coincidentally, is about the right amount of time for a leisurely cup of tea or glass of wine. 

With half of that being cook time, this side dish is so easy it will barely feel like you added in an extra dish or side dish at all. And that's the way I like my recipes: quick, easy, and delicious.

Is It Better To Boil Or Roast Beets?

This question can only be answered by your personal taste preferences. I enjoy my beets cooked both ways. However, I prefer my beets roasted. They come out perfectly crispy on the outside but soft and fluffy on the inside.

Boiling beets can drastically change their texture and this can be a deal-breaker for people with texture or sensory issues.

How To Roast Beets

1. In a food processor, combine the cilantro, parsley, garlic, paprika, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper. Pulse until coarsely chopped. Add the saffron (if using) and lemon juice; process until combined.
2. With the food processor running, slowly add the olive oil in a steady stream; process until the sauce is uniform. Season to taste with kosher salt.
3. Place the beets in a large bowl. Drizzle the beets with ½ cup of the chermoula or enough to coat the beets. Set the air fryer to 380°F for 25-30 minutes or until tender.
4. Serve the roasted beets topped with chopped cilantro and parsley.

What Is Chermoula?

Chermoula is an herb sauce that can also be used as a marinade or relish if desired. It's a north African sauce that is often used in Algerian, Libyan, Moroccan and Tunisian cooking.

It's a "Jack of all trades" type of sauce that can be used on anything from seafood to vegetables. While it is traditionally used for grilled meat and fish, I don't see why vegetables can't get in on the fun.

What Is Chermoula Made Of?

Common ingredients for chermoula include garlic, cumin, coriander, oil, lemon juice, and salt, but it can vary regionally. The chermoula I make for this Chermoula Roasted Beets Recipe consists of cilantro, parsley, garlic, paprika, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, saffron, lemon juice, olive oil and kosher salt.

Are Roasted Beets Good For You?

Beets are actually quite nutritious. They're loaded with vitamins and minerals while still being low in calories and fat. Beets can also help significantly lower blood pressure, which can help reduce the chance of heart disease, including heart attacks, heart failure and stroke.

I Thought Beets Were Red?

This correct. But only partially. The most commonly used beet is red, but there are several different colors available. Unfortunately, the red ones have a tendency to stain.

I thought these golden beets were beautiful and would be less hassle to clean up.

Do You Have to Peel Beets Before Roasting?

Nope. That's what makes this the perfect low effort side dish. You can just cut the beets into bite-sized portions and toss them in your air fryer for perfectly roasted beets. No need to peel before you cook them.

Can You Freeze Roasted Beets?

Yes, you absolutely can freeze them. Freeze some of these yummy roasted beets to eat later. Simply put them in a single layer inside of a freezer-safe container or baggie.

Freezing them in a single layer makes it easier for them to defrost evenly. You can keep them in your freezer for up to 6 months.

Tips And Tricks For Roasting Beets

• If I were you, I'd make twice as much of the chermoula and then use the leftovers with grilled fish the next day for an excellent #ruthlessefficiency move!
• Store leftover chermoula in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Serve with chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables.

Looking For More Great Vegan Recipes? Check These Out!

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• You have got to try this 15-minute Spiced Butternut Squash recipe with Chinese 5-spice powder. It’s bursting with flavor, vegan and made in an air fryer.
• Enjoy this traditional German Red Cabbage (or Rotkohl) recipe made in a non-traditional way. Make this delightfully sweet and sour side vegetarian dish right in your Instant Pot.
• And if you're looking for a great vegan dessert and snack option, check out my Brazilian Grilled Pineapple recipe! This delightful dish has only 4 ingredients and is made in your air fryer with minimal effort!
• This Tomato Eggplant Soup is a wonderful vegan dish that's done in under 30 minutes.
• This easy keto Tabouli Recipe uses hemp hearts for a delicious, vegetarian keto side dish.
• This Beet Salad with Lentils is like nothing you've ever had before.

This Chermoula Roasted Beets Recipe is the perfect spring and summertime Vegetarian recipe with its herby yet spicy flavor profile. Make sure to share this recipe with your friends on Pinterest and Facebook so they can enjoy it as well!

Originally published on February 18, 2019\