Beetroot (beets) cooking times
How long to cook beetroot: 30–45 min boiled, 45 min to 1 h in the oven at 200°C (180°C fan), 20–25 min in an air fryer at 190°C and 30–40 min steamed. Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.
How long to cook beetroot
Times are for 4 medium beetroot (about 500 g).
| Method | Time | Heat | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boil Whole | 30–45 min | simmering, covered with water | Small beetroot take about 30 minutes, large ones up to an hour. |
| Oven Whole | 45 min to 1 h | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Wrap each one in foil. |
| Oven Wedges | 35–45 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Peel, cut into wedges and toss in oil. |
| Air fryer Cubes | 20–25 min | 190°C (375°F) | Peeled and cut into 2 cm cubes, tossed in oil. |
| Steam Whole, small | 30–40 min | over simmering water | Small whole beetroot, unpeeled. |
| Microwave Whole, 4 medium | 10–12 min | on full power, covered | In a bowl with 3 tablespoons of water; turn halfway. |
| Pressure cooker Whole | 15–20 min | on high pressure | Whole, on a trivet with 250 ml water; natural release. |
Before you start
Leave the skin and roots on for boiling and roasting whole, so they don’t bleed; the skin rubs off once cooked. Wear gloves, it stains.
How to tell it’s done
A knife slides into the middle easily.
Questions
How long to boil beetroot?
Whole: 30–45 min simmering, covered with water. Small beetroot take about 30 minutes, large ones up to an hour.
How long to cook beetroot in the oven?
Whole: 45 min to 1 h at 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6. Wrap each one in foil. Wedges: 35–45 min at 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6. Peel, cut into wedges and toss in oil.
How long to cook beetroot in an air fryer?
Cubes: 20–25 min at 190°C (375°F). Peeled and cut into 2 cm cubes, tossed in oil.
How long to steam beetroot?
Whole, small: 30–40 min over simmering water. Small whole beetroot, unpeeled.
How long to microwave beetroot?
Whole, 4 medium: 10–12 min on full power, covered. In a bowl with 3 tablespoons of water; turn halfway.
How long to cook beetroot in a pressure cooker?
Whole: 15–20 min on high pressure. Whole, on a trivet with 250 ml water; natural release.
Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and the size of what you’re cooking all vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer before serving. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance, last checked 11 November 2026.