How Long to Cook Beets (Roasted)
Fresh whole beets, roasted until tender.
The Short Answer
Fresh whole beets, roasted until tender.
Cooking Methods
🔥 Oven
Temperature: 400°F
Time: 45–60 minutes
Wrap individually in foil with a drizzle of oil. Roast until a knife slides in easily. Smaller beets take 45 minutes, larger ones up to 75.
Rest: 10 minutes
✈️ Air Fryer
Temperature: 400°F
Time: 30–40 minutes
Peel and cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss with oil. Roast until tender and slightly caramelized. Shake basket every 10 minutes.
Rest: 5 minutes
🍳 Stovetop
Time: 30–45 minutes
Boil whole, unpeeled beets in salted water until fork-tender. 30-45 minutes depending on size. The skin slips off easily after cooking.
Rest: 10 minutes
Wear gloves when handling beets unless you want stained hands for two days. After roasting, the skins slip off easily under running water. Rub gently with a paper towel and the skin peels right off. This is much easier than peeling raw beets.
Frequently Asked Questions
A knife or skewer should slide into the center with no resistance, similar to a baked potato. Start checking at 45 minutes for medium beets.
After. Roast or boil beets with the skin on. The skin protects the flesh during cooking and slips off easily afterward. Peeling before cooking is more difficult and messy.
Beets contain betalains, a powerful pigment. Wear gloves, use a cutting board you do not mind staining, and clean surfaces immediately. Lemon juice or vinegar helps remove beet stains.
The Bottom Line
Beets (Roasted) cooking times vary by method and thickness. Check for doneness visually and by texture. The times above are guidelines; your specific results depend on the size and starting temperature of your food.