Vibrant Air Fryer Roasted Beet Hummus: An Easy, Healthy & Flavorful Dip
Embrace the bounty of fall with a recipe that perfectly captures the essence of the season: homemade roasted beet hummus. As root vegetables like beets take center stage, transforming them into a delightful dip becomes an absolute pleasure. Whether you have leftover roasted beets from a previous meal or are specifically looking to create a show-stopping appetizer, this easy roasted beet hummus recipe is a fantastic choice for a vibrant, healthy, and incredibly flavorful snack or party dip.
Using the air fryer makes roasting beets exceptionally quick and convenient, locking in their natural sweetness and creating a depth of flavor that a regular oven sometimes misses in a shorter timeframe. The result is a smooth, earthy, and subtly sweet hummus with a stunning reddish-pink hue that is sure to impress both your taste buds and your guests!
What is Roasted Beet Hummus?
Roasted beet hummus is a dazzling, flavorful twist on classic Mediterranean hummus, distinguished by its striking reddish-pink color and unique earthy-sweet flavor profile. It’s crafted by blending nutrient-rich roasted beets with the traditional hummus staples: creamy chickpeas, rich tahini, zesty lemon juice, aromatic garlic, and smooth olive oil.
The roasting process is key here, as it caramelizes the natural sugars within the beets, enhancing their sweetness and mellowing their inherent earthiness. This transformation creates a harmonious balance that perfectly complements the tangy brightness of the lemon and the luxurious creaminess from the tahini and chickpeas. The result is a dip that is not just a treat for the palate, but also a feast for the eyes, making it an excellent centerpiece for any gathering.
Beyond its beautiful appearance and delicious taste, this version of hummus is incredibly good for you! Beets are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with antioxidants, dietary fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals like folate, manganese, and vitamin C. Combined with the plant-based protein and fiber from chickpeas, and healthy fats from tahini and olive oil, roasted beet hummus stands out as a genuinely wholesome snack or appetizer that supports overall well-being. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet in a delicious and appealing way.
This versatile beet hummus can be served in countless ways: as a vibrant dip with warm pita bread, crisp fresh vegetables, or your favorite crackers. It also makes an excellent spread for sandwiches, wraps, or even as a base for colorful grain bowls. Being naturally vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free (just remember to choose appropriate serving sides), it caters to a wide variety of dietary needs and preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy its deliciousness.
Katie’s Tip
Looking for more great dips to elevate your party spread or everyday snacking? Explore my extensive collection of the Best Air Fryer Dip Recipes for a plethora of delicious and easy-to-make ideas that are sure to be a hit!
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Roasted Beet Hummus Ingredients: Simple Yet Flavorful
Crafting this delicious roasted beet hummus requires a handful of accessible ingredients that come together to create a complex and satisfying flavor. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of taste and texture.
- 2 small red beets, peeled: The star of the show, providing both the vibrant color and earthy sweetness.
- 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained: The traditional base for hummus, lending its creamy texture and mild, nutty flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic (or more to taste): Adds a pungent depth that complements the sweetness of the beets.
- 2 Tbsp tahini: Ground sesame paste, essential for authentic hummus creaminess and a subtle nutty undertone.
- ¼ cup olive oil (divided): Provides richness, helps achieve a smooth consistency, and contributes to the overall Mediterranean flavor.
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice: Brightens the flavors, cutting through the richness and adding a refreshing tang.
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste): Balances and enhances all the other flavors.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Adds a hint of warmth and mild spice.
- ½ tsp cumin: A classic hummus spice that brings earthy, warm notes, tying all the flavors together beautifully.
For Topping (Optional, but highly recommended for an extra flourish):
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley: For a burst of freshness and color.
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon zest: Adds an aromatic citrus punch, enhancing the lemon juice.
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions for Perfect Beet Hummus
Don’t be afraid to experiment with your ingredients to personalize your beet hummus! Here are some tips to guide you:
- Beets: While red beets are ideal for that iconic, vibrant reddish-pink color, don’t hesitate to use yellow or striped beets if they’re what you have on hand. Yellow beets will produce a golden-hued hummus with a slightly milder, sweeter flavor. For a distinct flavor variation, you can also substitute fresh roasted beets with canned pickled beets. This will introduce a tangy, slightly vinegary kick that can be quite delightful and a time-saver. Just be sure to rinse them thoroughly before blending to avoid an overly acidic taste.
- The amount of cumin can be adjusted to your personal preference, or even omitted if you’re not a fan. For alternative warm spice notes, consider trying a pinch of ground coriander, smoked paprika for a smoky depth, or a Middle Eastern blend like za’atar for a more aromatic profile. Each spice will subtly change the character of your hummus.
- When it comes to topping ideas, the possibilities are endless and can really elevate your hummus both in flavor and presentation. Beyond parsley and lemon zest, consider a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for a buttery crunch, a medley of other chopped fresh herbs like dill or mint for added brightness, or a dusting of everything bagel seasoning for savory texture. Toasted sesame seeds can enhance the tahini flavor, while a dollop of pesto can add an Italian twist. Chopped nuts, especially pistachios, offer a lovely color contrast and satisfying texture. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt provides a pleasant textural crunch, and a final drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a swirl of balsamic glaze can add visual appeal and an extra layer of flavor.
Equipment Notes for Seamless Preparation
Having the right tools can make all the difference in achieving perfect hummus. Here’s what you’ll need and some considerations:
- For roasting the beets, I highly recommend using an air fryer. It’s incredibly efficient, offering faster cooking times and a lovely caramelization that enhances the beet’s sweetness without much effort. However, if you don’t have an air fryer, a regular oven works perfectly fine; it just requires a bit more time. For oven roasting, wrap your seasoned beets in foil and bake them at 400°F (200°C) for approximately an hour, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. For the air fryer method, simply follow the specific recipe directions below for quick and effortless roasting!
- To blend the hummus to a silky-smooth consistency, you’ll ideally need a food processor. A good food processor will break down the ingredients effectively, creating that desirable creamy texture with minimal fuss. While a high-speed blender can also be used if you don’t have a food processor, you might find that you need to stop and scrape down the sides more frequently, and you may need to add a touch more liquid (like ice water or olive oil) to help it blend smoothly. Generally, I find the food processor produces a superior, more consistent texture for hummus.
How to Make Roasted Beet Hummus: Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this vibrant roasted beet hummus is a straightforward process, especially when utilizing the efficiency of an air fryer for the beets. Follow these simple steps for a delicious and creamy dip:
- Prepare and Season Your Beets: Begin by peeling your small red beets. Once peeled, rub each beet evenly with about ½ teaspoon of olive oil. This helps them roast beautifully and prevents sticking. Season them generously with a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper to taste. After seasoning, securely wrap each beet individually in aluminum foil. This foil packet will help steam the beets as they roast, ensuring they become perfectly tender and retain moisture.
- Air Fry the Beets to Perfection: Carefully place the foil-wrapped beets into the basket of your air fryer. Set your air fryer to the air fry setting at 380°F (190°C) and cook for approximately 30 minutes. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of your beets and the specific model of your air fryer. To check for doneness, carefully unwrap one beet and pierce it with a fork; it should be easily fork tender.
- Prepare Hummus Base While Beets Roast: While your beets are roasting in the air fryer, you can get a head start on preparing the rest of the hummus ingredients. Add the drained chickpeas (rinse them well if you prefer), tahini, peeled garlic cloves, fresh lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and cumin directly into your food processor. At this stage, do not add the olive oil; it will be incorporated later for a smoother consistency.
- Blend Until Smooth and Creamy: Once the roasted beets are done cooking and have cooled slightly (enough to handle), carefully unwrap them. If your beets are on the larger side, you might want to cut them in half to help your food processor blend them more easily. Add the roasted beets to the food processor with the other ingredients. Blend on high speed, and while the mixture is processing, slowly drizzle in the remaining olive oil through the feed tube. Continue blending until the hummus is perfectly smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the food processor as needed. I typically use about 3 tablespoons of olive oil at this stage, but you can adjust the amount as needed to achieve your desired consistency. If the hummus is too thick, add a tablespoon of ice water at a time until it reaches ideal creaminess.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer your beautiful roasted beet hummus to a serving bowl. For an optional but highly recommended touch, top it with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and fresh lemon zest. If you desire extra richness and visual appeal, a final drizzle of high-quality olive oil can be added. Serve your homemade roasted beet hummus with your favorite dippers, such as warm pita chips, an assortment of crisp crackers, an array of fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips, or even crusty bread. Enjoy this vibrant and healthy dip as an appetizer, snack, or part of a larger meal!
What to Eat With Beet Hummus: Versatile Serving Ideas
The beauty of roasted beet hummus lies in its incredible versatility. Its vibrant color and unique earthy-sweet flavor make it a fantastic companion for a wide array of foods. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy your homemade beet hummus, ensuring every bite is a delightful experience:
- Pita bread: A classic choice, whether warm, toasted, or fresh, it’s perfect for scooping up generous amounts of hummus.
- Sandwiches & Wraps: Spread a thick layer on your favorite bread or tortilla for a flavorful and nutritious boost. Pairs wonderfully with fresh veggies or grilled chicken.
- Pita chips: Crispy and satisfying, they offer a great crunch that contrasts with the creamy hummus.
- Baby carrots & Radishes: Crisp and refreshing, these raw vegetables provide a delightful textural contrast and natural sweetness.
- Cauliflower florets & Bell pepper strips: Offer a mild flavor and satisfying crunch, making them excellent healthy dippers.
- Pretzels & Tortilla chips: For a salty, crunchy pairing that is perfect for game day or casual snacking.
- Vegetable chips & Crackers: Elevate your snack platter with gourmet vegetable chips or your favorite artisan crackers.
- Crostini & Focaccia: Toasted bread slices or soft, herby focaccia make for elegant and hearty dippers.
- Falafel: The rich, spiced flavor of falafel is a natural partner for the bright, earthy hummus, creating a truly Mediterranean experience.
- Goat cheese: A dollop of tangy goat cheese on top or alongside provides a creamy, sharp contrast that is utterly delicious.
- Pickled vegetables: Add a zesty crunch and a burst of acidity that complements the hummus beautifully.
- Grilled chicken & Lamb: Serve as a flavorful condiment or a smear on your plate alongside grilled meats for a healthy and tasty meal.
- Stuffed zucchini or bell peppers: Use it as a filling component for baked or roasted vegetables.
- Green salad: Thin it slightly with a touch more lemon juice or water to create a creamy, flavorful salad dressing.
As you can see, there are a plethora of fantastic dippers and sides you can choose to serve alongside your vibrant beet hummus. I love serving mine with crispy pita chips, alongside a colorful array of rainbow baby carrots and fresh, peppery radishes, but the ultimate choice is always yours to customize!
For a more substantial meal, some other truly great options include pairing it with my Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Breasts for a protein-packed meal, or alongside Trader Joe’s Frozen Falafel in the Air Fryer for a quick and easy vegetarian option. For an extra special touch, consider serving it with my Air Fryer Goat Cheese Balls for a tangy complement, or with warm, garlicky Air Fryer Focaccia for an irresistible combination.
Recipe FAQs: Your Top Questions Answered
What Are The Health Benefits Of Roasted Beets?
Beets are incredibly high in beneficial antioxidants, dietary fiber, folate, and vitamin C, all of which are crucial for promoting robust heart health and supporting a strong, resilient immune system. Beyond these, beets also provide manganese, potassium, and iron. The chickpeas, a foundational ingredient in hummus, further boost the nutritional profile by offering plant-based protein and additional fiber, which aid in digestion and satiety. Tahini and olive oil contribute essential healthy monounsaturated fats, making this hummus a remarkably nutritious and well-rounded snack or a valuable addition to any meal.
How Does Roasting The Beets Affect The Flavor Of Hummus?
Roasting the beets profoundly transforms their flavor profile, bringing out their natural sweetness and significantly softening their distinct earthy notes. This culinary process, known as caramelization (the Maillard reaction), enhances the sugars in the beets, making them far more palatable and complex. The result is a delicious balance with the tangy lemon and the creamy richness of tahini and chickpeas, giving the hummus a deeper, sweeter, and more mellow taste than if raw beets were used. The roasted beets also blend seamlessly into the hummus, contributing to its incredibly smooth and luxurious texture.
Can Roasted Beet Hummus Be Made Ahead Of Time?
Absolutely! Roasted beet hummus is an excellent make-ahead dish. It can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. In fact, preparing it a day ahead often allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in an even more delicious dip. This makes it an incredibly convenient option for entertaining, whether you’re hosting a party or a casual gathering, or simply for meal prepping healthy snacks throughout the week. Just give it a quick stir before serving to restore its creamy texture, and you’ll have a low-stress, flavorful appetizer or snack ready to go.
What Is The Best Way To Serve Roasted Beet Hummus?
Roasted beet hummus is incredibly versatile and can be served in numerous appealing ways. It shines as a dip with classic accompaniments such as warm pita bread, a variety of crackers, or an assortment of fresh, crisp vegetables like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips. Beyond dipping, it works beautifully as a colorful and flavorful spread for sandwiches and wraps, adding both moisture and nutrients. It also makes a stunning addition to any charcuterie board or appetizer platter, instantly elevating the visual appeal with its bright reddish-pink hue. Consider using it as a base for vibrant grain bowls or thinning it slightly to create a unique salad dressing. Its striking appearance makes it a fantastic appetizer for special events and everyday enjoyment alike!
Is Roasted Beet Hummus Vegan And Gluten Free?
Yes, one of the many fantastic qualities of roasted beet hummus is that it is naturally both vegan and gluten-free. The core ingredients – beets, chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil – are all plant-based and do not contain any animal products or gluten. This makes it a wonderfully inclusive and popular option for individuals with various dietary restrictions or preferences, including those following a plant-based diet, those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, and those simply looking for healthier alternatives. Its delicious taste and creamy texture ensure that even those without dietary restrictions will thoroughly enjoy this delightful dip!
Recipe Pro Tips For the Best Roasted Beet Hummus
To ensure your roasted beet hummus turns out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips and tricks:
- You may find it helpful to cut your beets in half after they have been roasted and cooled slightly, before adding them to your food processor. Especially with smaller food processors, full beets can sometimes be challenging to blend smoothly. Cutting them down into smaller, more manageable pieces will significantly aid the blending process, ensuring a super creamy and uniform hummus without any stubborn chunks.
- For an elevated flavor profile, consider taking your garlic to the next level by roasting it along with your beets. Roasting garlic caramelizes the cloves, mellowing their pungent bite and transforming them into a sweeter, nuttier, and much more complex flavor. Simply wrap the garlic cloves in a separate foil packet (you can leave them unpeeled) and toss them into the air fryer with the beets. Depending on the size of the cloves, they should be done in about 10-15 minutes, becoming browned and wonderfully softened. Adding this roasted garlic will impart an incredible depth to your hummus.
- If you’re pressed for time and need to reduce the cooking duration for the beets, you can pre-cut them into smaller, uniform pieces before roasting. For instance, slicing them into approximately ½-inch thick pieces, similar to how they are prepared in my Air Fryer Beets and Carrots recipe, typically allows them to be fully cooked and tender in just about 15 minutes in the air fryer. This simple trick can save you valuable time without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Storage Tips For Your Delicious Beet Hummus
Proper storage ensures your roasted beet hummus stays fresh and delicious for days, making it perfect for meal prep or easy entertaining:
- To store any leftover beet hummus, transfer it to an airtight container. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the hummus before sealing the container. This helps prevent a dry crust from forming and maintains its vibrant color. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Before serving again, give it a good stir to restore its creamy texture, and feel free to add fresh toppings like a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or lemon zest to refresh its flavors and appearance.
- This hummus is an excellent candidate for making ahead of time, especially for easy entertaining! Simply prepare the recipe as instructed, transfer it to its storage container, and pop it right into the fridge. When it’s time to serve, remove it from the refrigerator about 15-20 minutes beforehand to allow it to come slightly closer to room temperature for optimal flavor. Give it a good stir and then add any fresh toppings right before serving for an effortless and impressive appetizer or snack option.
More Vibrant Beet Recipes to Explore
Simple Air Fryer Whole Roasted Beets in Foil
3 Ingredient Beetroot Pomegranate Juice Lemonade
Roasted Air Fryer Beets and Sweet Potatoes in 15 Minutes!
Whole Fresh Microwave Beets With Goat Cheese and Herbs!
Beetroot Waffles: Air Fryer Breakfast With Roasted Beets!
20 Min Air Fryer Beets and Brussels Sprouts: Quick Side!
Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Homemade Beet Hummus
This easy homemade roasted beet hummus is truly the perfect, vibrant twist on a classic Mediterranean recipe. With its beautiful, caramelized beets roasted to perfection in the air fryer, then blended seamlessly with aromatic garlic, creamy tahini, bright lemon, and hearty chickpeas, it creates a dip that is both visually stunning and utterly delicious. The air fryer method ensures the beets are tender and sweet with minimal effort, making the entire process a breeze.
Its versatility means you can serve it in countless ways – as a vibrant dip with crunchy pita chips, an assortment of crisp veggies, or alongside a more substantial meal. It’s particularly fantastic for fall entertaining, bringing the rich flavors of seasonal root vegetables to your table. Moreover, its delightful taste and eye-catching color make it an ideal option for game day snacking, holiday spreads, or simply a healthy everyday treat.
What’s even better is that this roasted beet hummus is naturally vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free, making it an inclusive dish that works wonderfully with a huge variety of diets and dietary needs. But don’t let that fool you – it’s so incredibly tasty and satisfying that everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions, will absolutely love it!
Ready to explore even more delicious ways to incorporate the versatile and nutritious beet into your cooking? Be sure to check out my entire collection of Air Fryer Beet Recipes for a wealth of inspiration and exciting meal ideas!
Roasted Beet Hummus (Air Fryer Roasting Method)
Equipment
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Air Fryer
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Food processor (or blender)
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Measuring spoons
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Foil
Ingredients
- 2 small beets (peeled)
- 15 ounce can chickpeas (drained)
- 3 cloves garlic (or to taste)
- 2 Tbsp tahini
- ¼ cup olive oil (divided)
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- ½ tsp cumin
For Topping (Optional)
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon zest
Instructions
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Rub your peeled beets in ½ tsp olive oil each, and a little salt and pepper to taste. Then, wrap them in foil2 small beets
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Place the wrapped beets into your air fryer and cook on the air fry setting at 380°F for 30 minutes, or until fork tender
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While the beets are roasting, you can add the chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and cumin to your food processor (not the olive oil yet)15 ounce can chickpeas, 3 cloves garlic, 2 Tbsp tahini, 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp cumin
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Add the beets to the other ingredients once they’re done cooking, and blend on high, drizzling in the olive oil while it’s blending, until the mixture is smooth (I usually use 3 Tbsp olive oil, but you can adjust as needed)¼ cup olive oil
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Top with chopped fresh parsley and lemon zest (optional) and any remaining olive oil if you want (also optional). Serve with pita chips, crackers, fresh vegetables, or your favorite dippers!2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 Tbsp fresh lemon zest
Notes
- Red beets will give you the most vibrant color, but you can use yellow or striped beets if that’s what you’ve got! You can also substitute canned pickled beets for a different flavor variations
- The cumin can be adjusted to taste, including omission. You can also try coriander, or another spice of choice
- Other topping ideas include: pine nuts, chopped fresh herbs (parsley and dill are great choices), everything bagel seasoning, toasted sesame seeds, pesto, chopped nuts (pistachios work well), flaky sea salt, or a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic vinegar
- You may need to cut your beets in half after roasting before adding them to your food processor. My small food processor struggled with the full ones, but cutting them down did the trick!
- If you want to roast your garlic too (which will caramelize it so it’s mellower and sweeter), wrap them in a separate foil packet and throw them in the air fryer with the beets. Remove after 10-15 minutes, depending on size of cloves (they should be browned and softened)
- To reduce the cooking time for the beets if you’re in a rush, you can cut them into smaller pieces before roasting. Approximately ½” thick slices are done in 15 minutes for me usually
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any toppings, dippers, or sides added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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