Need a super simple main dish? This air fryer roast beef recipe requires just a few simple steps and can be cooked in less than 30 minutes. The end result is a delicious and tender meat that will leave your guests wanting more.
What could be more comforting than a medium rare roast beef that’s been air fried to be pink in the middle and crisp on the outside? This easy and delicious recipe is perfect for a special meal or even just as a regular weeknight dinner. Air frying makes the meat so tender and juicy that you won’t believe it’s not roasted in the oven.
The great thing about air frying is that it cooks food by using hot air instead of oil. Air fryers are often considered to be better than traditional ovens because less heat is needed and food cooks faster.
Cooking with an air fryer is also a great way to reduce the amount of oil you use, as well as calories and fat in your food. Plus, they’re easy to clean!
Table of Contents
Ingredients
The best thing about air fryer roast beef is that you only need three primary ingredients: the meat, olive oil, and a seasoning blend.
Roast beef
You may need to adjust the size of the meat depending on the number of servings and the size of your air fryer. The base recipe uses a 2 pound beef roast which should enough to feed four people.
The type of roast you choose is up to you. A chuck roast, round roast, and sirloin roast are good options.
Seasoning blend
Any steak seasoning mix works. Montreal steak seasoning is a popular choice. However, we like to make a homemade blend with salt, paprika, garlic powder, ground black pepper, onion powder, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Feel free to change things up to suit your own taste.
Olive oil
The seasonings are whisked into olive oil then spread onto the meat. The oil helps seal in the juices while the outside browns in the air fryer. This results in a really flavorful roast beef!
Note: The full list of ingredients with the exact amounts used are in the recipe card at the end of this post.
Instructions
This easy air fryer recipe that is sure to become a go-to for easy dinners. Here’s a quick overview of how to make it.
Prepare seasoned oil
Mix your seasoning blend with a couple tablespoons of olive oil.
Season meat
Rub the seasoned oil on all sides of the roast beef.
Put meat into air fryer
Place seasoned roast in the air fryer basket and place into the preheated air fryer.
Air fry
The initial cooking is done at a higher temperature to sear the outside of the roast beef. Then, the temperature is lowered and the air fryer beef is cooked until the desired temperature is reached. Use a meat thermometer to check the as close to thee center as possible.
- 125°F for rare
- 130°F for medium rare
- 140°F for medium
- 145°F for medium well
Tips
- Cooking times and temperatures can vary depending on the specific air fryer used. Keep an eye on it to make sure the roast beef doesn’t overcook.
- Flipping halfway helps to cook the beef more evenly.
- After you remove the roast, cover it loosely with foil and let the meat rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Serving suggestions
Serve with some mashed potatoes and a green vegetable for a traditional beef roast meal. If you’re following a low-carb diet, you’ll want to use a keto potato substitute and a side that low in carbs like our gluten-free green bean casserole.
FAQs
Here’s a list of common questions often asked about air fryer roast beef. If your question isn’t answered, leave a comment below the recipe.
A roast will take about 25-30 minutes in an air fryer.
Air fryers are a great way to cook a roast. They cook the meat evenly and give it a crispy crust.
Cooking time can vary. But generally, it takes about an hour to cook a 3 pound roast in an air fryer.
Related recipes
Need a few more simple dinner recipes? Check out some of these favorites.
Air Fryer Roast Beef
Ingredients
Rub:
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoons paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons oil
Beef:
- 2 pound beef roast
Video
Instructions
- In small bowl, whisk together the dry rub ingredients. Stir in olive oil and allow to sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Run the seasoning rub on all sides of the meat.
- Place meat in air fryer and cook 12 to 15 minutes to sear the outside.
- Flip the roast then finish cooking at 360°F for 20 minutes and check temperature.
- Continue cooking for until meat reaches desired doneness (125F/Rare, 130F/MedRare, 140F/Med, 145F/MedWell).
- Remove from oven and tent with foil for 10-15 minutes before serving.
I have a Ninja 2basket air fryer. Do I use the crisper trays when I cook this roast? Or can I just put it in the basket? Thanks for helping.
You should just put it in the basket.