Air Fryer Beetroot Muffins

The humble beetroot is not only incredibly healthy but also wonderfully tasty. And these air fryer beetroot muffins are a perfect example of how versatile and delicious this vibrant vegetable can be. Moist, quick to make, and bursting with flavour, these muffins make an ideal option for breakfast, dessert, or even a snack at any time of day.

Imagine biting into a warm muffin, where the slight crunch on the outside gives way to a soft inside. The earthy sweetness of the beetroot pairs harmoniously with the subtle spice of turmeric and the savoury notes of Parmesan cheese. The grated carrots, adding a sweetness, work together with the beetroot to provide extra moisture. Making each bite practically melt in your mouth. The aroma that fills your kitchen as they cook is a delightful blend of fragrant spices and fresh vegetables. Creating an inviting atmosphere that promises a delicious treat.

Beetroot is packed with nutrients, making it a superfood that shouldn’t be overlooked. It’s an excellent source of fibre, which not only supports healthy digestion but also helps keep you feeling full longer. Making these muffins satisfying and nutritious. Beetroot is also rich in folate (Vitamin B9), which is important for cell function and tissue growth. In addition, it provides a good amount of manganese, potassium, iron, and Vitamin C. Manganese plays a key role in bone formation and nutrient metabolism. While potassium supports heart health and blood pressure. Iron is crucial for the production of red blood cells, and Vitamin C boosts the immune system.

These air fryer beetroot muffins are the perfect way to incorporate this nutrient-packed vegetable into your diet while enjoying a delicious and wholesome treat.

PREP 10 minutes

COOK 15 minutes

MAKES: 5 muffins

KIT you will need an air fryer, mixing bowl and silicon moulds.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Beetroot Muffins

1/2 a beetroot, grated

2 carrots, grated

Handful of parmesan cheese

1 egg

1 teaspoon of turmeric

100g of plain flour

1 teaspoon of onion granules

Salt and pepper

Method

Start by grating half a beetroot into a large mixing bowl. Follow this by grating two medium-sized carrots and adding them to the bowl as well. Next, add a generous handful of parmesan cheese, one egg, a teaspoon of turmeric, 100g of plain flour, and a teaspoon of onion granules. Season the mixture well with salt and pepper to taste.

Using a spoon, mix all the ingredients together until everything is well combined and you have a vibrant, thick batter. Then once your mixture is ready, spoon about a tablespoon of the mixture into each cavity of a silicone muffin mould. Silicone moulds are ideal because they make it much easier to remove the muffins once cooked without them sticking.

So carefully place the silicone moulds into your air fryer drawer. Set the air fryer to 180°C and cook the muffins for around 15 minutes. Keep a close eye on them as cooking times can vary depending on the brand and model of your air fryer. The muffins should be firm to the touch and lightly golden around the edges when done.

Then once cooked, remove the silicone moulds from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly. Then gently remove the muffins from the moulds and place them on a cooling rack to cool completely.

These air fryer beetroot muffins make a perfect savoury snack, whether you enjoy them hot straight from the air fryer or cold later in the day. They are full of flavour and have a beautiful colour thanks to the beetroot.

Incorporating beetroot into your diet through these muffins is a delicious way to boost your nutrient intake. They’re perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or even a healthy lunchbox addition. Simple, nutritious, and irresistibly tasty!

Tips for Air Fryer Beetroot Muffins

1. Use fresh or cooked beetroot
You can use fresh grated beetroot or pre-cooked beetroot purée. Fresh gives a more pronounced earthy flavour and texture, while purée adds moisture and makes mixing easier.

2. Grate finely
If using fresh beetroot, grate it finely to help it blend well into the batter and ensure the muffins stay light and fluffy instead of dense.

3. Balance sweetness
Beetroot has natural sweetness, so adjust added sugar accordingly. You can reduce sugar slightly or substitute with honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness.

4. Add complementary flavours
Beetroot pairs beautifully with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger. Adding a splash of vanilla extract or citrus zest (orange or lemon) will brighten the flavour even more.

5. Use oil or melted butter
A good fat source like vegetable oil or melted butter helps keep muffins moist and tender. Avoid using too little fat, or muffins might turn out dry.

6. Don’t overmix
Combine wet and dry ingredients gently until just combined. Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour and make muffins tough rather than soft.

7. Fill muffin cases properly
Fill your muffin cases about two thirds full to allow room for rising without spilling over.

8. Preheat the air fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 160°C (320°F) for around 3 minutes. A hot start promotes even cooking and a nice crust.

9. Cook at moderate temperature
Bake muffins at around 160°C for 12 to 15 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick. Cooking at too high heat risks burning the outside before the middle cooks.

10. Cool before removing
Let muffins cool for a few minutes before taking them out of the tin or cases to prevent crumbling.

Follow these tips for vibrant, moist, and delicious air fryer beetroot muffins.