roast beef in my air fryer

How to Make Air Fryer Roast Beef

Step 1: Prepare the Roast

Start by prepping your roast. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the seasoning stick and give the roast a nice, crispy exterior.

• Rub the roast with olive oil: Drizzle a little olive oil over the beef and rub it in to coat the entire surface. This will help the seasoning adhere and create a golden crust.
• Season the roast: Combine the garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, oregano, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the roast and rub it in, making sure every side is well-coated.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures the roast cooks evenly from the start and helps achieve a crispy exterior.

Step 3: Air Fry the Roast Beef

• Place the roast in the air fryer basket: Carefully place the seasoned roast in the air fryer basket or on the air fryer tray. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, make sure the roast fits comfortably without overcrowding.
• Set the cooking time: For a medium-rare roast, cook the beef for about 25-30 minutes at 400°F (200°C). For a medium roast, aim for 30-35 minutes. For well-done, cook it for 35-40 minutes. The cooking time will vary based on the size of the roast and your air fryer model.
• Flip halfway: To ensure even cooking, flip the roast halfway through the cooking time. This step is optional, but it helps achieve an even golden crust on all sides.

Step 4: Check for Doneness

To check for doneness, the best method is to use a meat thermometer. Here are the target internal temperatures for different levels of doneness:

• Rare: 120-125°F (49-52°C)
• Medium-rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
• Medium: 140-145°F (60-63°C)
• Medium-well: 150-155°F (66-68°C)
• Well-done: 160°F (71°C) and above

Keep in mind that the roast will continue to cook a little after you remove it from the air fryer due to residual heat (carryover cooking), so it’s best to pull the roast out of the air fryer about 5°F below your desired final temperature.

Step 5: Let the Roast Rest

Once your roast reaches the desired temperature, carefully remove it from the air fryer and let it rest on a cutting board for at least 10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring a juicy and tender roast.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

After the roast has rested, slice it against the grain into thin slices. This helps ensure that each slice is tender and easy to chew. Serve your air fryer roast beef with your favorite sides, like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Optional: If you’d like, you can drizzle a bit of homemade gravy or a simple pan sauce over the slices for extra flavor. To make gravy, follow the simple steps below:

Step 7 (Optional): Make Gravy

• In a saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
• Stir in 1 tablespoon of flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1 minute.
• Add 1 cup of beef broth to the roux, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Pour the gravy over the sliced roast beef before serving.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Roast Beef

1. Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid overcooking your roast, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. This ensures that your roast is cooked exactly how you like it, whether rare, medium, or well done.
2. Rest the Meat: Let the roast rest after cooking. This is a crucial step to keep the meat tender and juicy. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the roast, which helps maintain moisture.
3. Experiment with Seasonings: While garlic and rosemary are classic, feel free to get creative with the seasonings! Add smoked paprika, mustard powder, horseradish, or even a dash of soy sauce for a unique twist.
4. Use a Fatty Cut: Choose a cut of beef that has some marbling (fat), like ribeye or sirloin. This will result in a more tender and flavorful roast.
5. Air Fryer Size Matters: Ensure your roast fits comfortably in your air fryer. If it’s too large, you may need to cut it in half or cook it in two smaller portions.
6. Baste for Extra Flavor: If you want an extra crispy, flavorful crust, you can baste the roast with melted butter or olive oil during the cooking process. This adds flavor and helps with browning.
7. Don’t Overcrowd: Give your roast some room in the air fryer for even cooking. If you’re cooking vegetables or sides at the same time, make sure there’s enough space for the air to circulate around the beef.

Conclusion: The Easiest Way to Cook Roast Beef

Making roast beef in the air fryer is a quick, easy, and hassle-free way to prepare a delicious meal that’s tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. With just a few simple ingredients and a little prep time, you can enjoy a perfectly roasted beef roast with minimal effort and in much less time than traditional oven roasting.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a holiday meal, or a special occasion, air fryer roast beef is sure to impress with its crispy exterior and melt-in-your-mouth interior. Pair it with your favorite sides and a drizzle of gravy for a complete and satisfying meal.

So the next time you’re craving a roast but want to skip the long cooking times and heat from the oven, try your hand at air fryer roast beef — you won’t be disappointed!