Step 1

Place 1/4 cup broken bay leaves, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, and 1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper in a spice grinder. Pulse into a fine green powder, around 10 pulses. If needed, sift the powder through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any small pieces of bay leaves.

Step 2

Heat an air fryer to 400°F. Meanwhile, prepare the beets.

Step 3

Scrub, trim, and peel the beets from 2 bunches. Cut into 1-inch pieces (just over 3 cups). Transfer to a medium bowl. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 3/4 teaspoon of the the bay salt, and toss to combine. (If you are using a mix of beets, the red color will bleed onto the golden beets, so you may wish to toss in separate bowls, but this is not essential.)

Step 4

Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Air frying in batches if needed, place the beets in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 10 minutes. Flip the beets and air fry until caramelized at the edges and fork-tender, 8 to 10 minutes more.

Step 5

Meanwhile, cut 5 medium beet green leaves into fine shreds (about 3/4 cup). Wash and rinse the greens with a salad spinner or fine-mesh strainer. Transfer to a large bowl.

Step 6

Add the air-fried beets to the bowl with the beet greens, sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon bay leaf salt, and toss to combine.