There’s nothing quite like the savory aroma and exquisite taste of perfectly cooked roast beef. Imagine a tender, flavorful cut, boasting a beautiful medium-rare interior and a deliciously crisp exterior. It’s the quintessential centerpiece for cherished Sunday family gatherings, festive holiday dinners, and memorable celebrations. This classic dish evokes a comforting warmth and a sense of home, making any meal feel truly special.

While the allure of roast beef is undeniable, traditional preparation can often seem daunting and time-consuming. From searing on the stovetop to prolonged baking in the oven, the process has historically been a bit of a fuss. However, culinary innovation brings good news: the air fryer offers a remarkable solution! As a passionate advocate for kitchen convenience, I’ve discovered how this versatile appliance can drastically speed up the cooking process without compromising on the quality or incredible flavor of your roast beef.
If you’re searching for a simple yet spectacular dish that will impress your guests and delight every palate, look no further. This air fryer roast beef recipe promises to transform your cooking experience. Say farewell to dry, overcooked meat and welcome a perfectly juicy, tender, and mouthwatering roast, enveloped in a wonderfully crispy crust. It’s a culinary embrace that tastes as good as it feels. The best part? You’ll only need a handful of accessible ingredients to create this masterpiece. Let’s dive right into making this effortlessly delicious meal!
New to air frying? Unlock your full potential with our free printable Air Fryer Cooking Chart. It’s packed with essential cooking times, temperatures for all your favorite foods, and expert tips and tricks to maximize your air fryer’s capabilities.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS AIR FRYER ROAST BEEF RECIPE

The era of labor-intensive roast beef preparations is over. Gone are the days of searing your beef in a pan only to transfer it to the oven for hours of baking. For all the savvy home cooks seeking efficiency without sacrificing quality, this air fryer roast beef recipe is a game-changer. It offers a hassle-free method to achieve a succulent roast with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
The secret lies in the simplicity of the ingredients – a quality beef roast, a touch of olive oil, and aromatic herbs – coupled with the remarkable capabilities of your air fryer. If you’re accustomed to traditional cooking methods, here are even more compelling reasons to embrace your air fryer for your next roast beef:
- Unmatched Speed and Convenience: We all appreciate smart shortcuts in the kitchen. This air fryer roast beef comes together remarkably fast, demanding minimal hands-on time. It’s typically ready in under an hour, making it almost twice as quick as conventional oven roasting. This efficiency means less time cooking and more time enjoying your delicious meal.
- Remarkably Budget-Friendly: You’ll only need about five core ingredients for this dish, many of which are likely staples in your pantry. Even if you need to purchase them, the cost is a mere fraction compared to more elaborate beef recipes. Opting for a quality cut of beef, while an initial investment, pays off in flavor and tenderness, making it an economical choice for such an impressive meal.
- Naturally Nutrient-Rich: Air fryer beef roast isn’t just delicious; it’s also a powerhouse of essential nutrients. Beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein, vital for muscle growth and repair. It’s also abundant in crucial vitamins and minerals such as riboflavin, vitamin B12 (essential for nerve function), zinc (for immune support), iron (preventing anemia), and phosphorus (for bone health). Incorporating this dish into your diet offers significant health benefits.
- Versatile and Diet-Friendly: This recipe is a fantastic main dish for those following specific dietary plans. It naturally fits into low-carb, keto, dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free diets. While not suitable for vegetarians or vegans, it’s a versatile and satisfying option that most meat-eaters can enjoy regularly as part of a balanced weekly meal rotation.
- Explosion of Flavor: It’s no exaggeration to say this is one of the most flavorful beef recipes you’ll ever make! The air fryer creates an incredible contrast: a deeply savory, juicy, and tender interior perfectly complemented by a beautifully crispy, golden-brown crust on the outside. This textural and flavor combination is simply divine. The quality of your ingredients, from the beef itself to the fresh herbs, plays a crucial role in elevating this dish to a league of its own.
- Consistent, Even Cooking: The air fryer’s powerful convection fan circulates hot air rapidly and evenly around the roast. This ensures that every inch of the beef cooks uniformly, resulting in a consistent medium-rare doneness from edge to center, without dry spots.
- Less Mess and Easy Cleanup: Compared to traditional roasting, air frying often results in less splatter and grease in your kitchen. Most air fryer baskets are non-stick and dishwasher-safe, making post-meal cleanup a breeze.
- Energy Efficient: Air fryers are smaller than conventional ovens and preheat much faster, meaning they use less energy overall. This makes them a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective choice for cooking smaller roasts.
BEEF GRADES: SELECTING THE BEST CUT FOR ROAST BEEF
Achieving the most tender and flavorful air fryer roast beef begins with selecting the right cut. The USDA beef grading system helps classify beef based on two critical factors, offering a guide to quality:
- Quality: This assesses desirable characteristics such as overall flavor, juiciness, and tenderness. It’s largely determined by the degree of marbling (intramuscular fat) and the maturity of the animal.
- Yield: This factor reflects the amount of usable lean meat a carcass provides, which is less relevant for individual consumer cuts but important for producers.

Understanding these grades is key to ensuring your air fryer roast beef turns out exceptionally well. Here’s a breakdown of the different beef grades and their suitability for this recipe:
- Prime Beef: This is the highest grade available, distinguished by abundant marbling throughout the meat. This intramuscular fat melts during cooking, infusing the beef with incredible flavor, juiciness, and unparalleled tenderness. Prime beef is an ideal choice for making roast beef in an air fryer, as its inherent quality shines even with shorter cooking times. Naturally, it tends to be more expensive due to its superior characteristics.
- Choice Beef: While also a high-quality option, Choice beef exhibits slightly less marbling than Prime cuts. Despite this, it remains an excellent alternative for this recipe, offering a wonderful balance of flavor, tenderness, and juiciness without the premium price tag of Prime beef. It’s a widely available and highly recommended choice for a delicious air fryer roast.
- Select Beef: Falling below Choice beef in marbling, Select beef typically has a leaner profile. While still palatable, it may not be the optimal choice for air-fried roasts, which benefit significantly from good marbling to prevent drying out during quicker cooking. If you opt for Select beef, it is highly recommended to marinate it before cooking. A good marinade will help tenderize the meat and enhance its juiciness and flavor, compensating for the lower fat content.
- Standard Beef and Commercial Beef: These grades are generally considered among the lower tiers of beef quality. They possess minimal marbling and tend to be less tender and flavorful. For the best results with an air fryer roast, we do not recommend using these grades due to their poorer quality, which can lead to a less satisfying dish.
- Utility Beef, Cutter Beef, and Canner Beef: These are the lowest grades of beef, typically reserved for highly processed meat products, ground beef, or canning. Their quality is unsuitable for roasting. I strongly advise against using these grades for your air fryer roast beef recipe, as they will not deliver the desired tenderness, flavor, or texture.
For an exceptional air fryer roast beef with incredible flavor and juiciness, always aim for Prime or Choice grades. These selections will guarantee a delightful culinary experience that stands out.
TYPE OF BEEF TO USE FOR THE AIR FRYER ROAST BEEF RECIPE
When it comes to preparing air fryer roast beef, the cut of meat you choose significantly impacts the final result. While cheaper cuts like stewing beef are excellent for slow-cooked dishes such as soups and stews, where their tougher fibers and fats have ample time to break down, air frying requires a different approach. The air fryer’s shorter, intense cooking times are best suited for cuts that are naturally more tender or have sufficient marbling to remain juicy. This is one instance where splurging a little on quality truly pays off, ensuring a tender, flavorful roast.
The efficient, quick-cooking nature of the air fryer beautifully enhances the inherent flavors of higher-quality cuts. Here are my top recommendations for achieving an outstanding air fryer roast beef:
- Prime Rib Roast: Often considered the king of roasts, a prime rib is known for its exquisite tenderness, rich flavor, and generous marbling. It’s perfect for special occasions and yields a succulent, impressive roast in the air fryer.
- Sirloin Roast: A leaner yet flavorful cut, sirloin roast is a great choice for those who prefer less fat but still desire tenderness. It cooks beautifully in the air fryer, offering a robust beefy taste. Look for cuts with some visible marbling for optimal juiciness.
- Rump Roast: Also known as a round roast, the rump roast is a leaner, more economical cut from the hindquarter. While it can be slightly less tender than prime rib or sirloin, it still roasts well in the air fryer, especially when cooked to medium-rare to prevent dryness. Its compact shape makes it suitable for many air fryer baskets.
- Beef Chuck Roast: Traditionally used for pot roasts and stews, a well-marbled chuck roast can also be air-fried, especially smaller, more compact cuts. It offers deep, rich beef flavor. For best results, ensure it has good marbling and consider a slightly longer resting period.
- Inside Round Roast: This lean cut from the round primal is another good option for air frying, particularly if you’re looking for a healthier alternative. It’s best cooked to medium-rare to maintain tenderness and juiciness.
When selecting your roast, always consider its size and shape to ensure it fits comfortably within your air fryer basket without overcrowding. Look for cuts that are relatively even in thickness to promote uniform cooking. Crucially, seek out roasts with good marbling – those tiny flecks of fat distributed throughout the muscle. Marbling is essential for delivering that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and rich flavor that makes roast beef truly special. Now that we’ve covered the fundamentals, let’s jump into the delicious details of preparation.
INGREDIENTS FOR AIR FRYER ROAST BEEF

Creating this delicious air fryer beef roast requires just a few simple, high-quality ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in how these basic components combine to produce extraordinary flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- 2 lb beef roast: Choose a high-quality cut such as sirloin, rump, or prime rib roast for the best results. Ensure it fits well within your air fryer basket.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds a lovely flavor and helps the seasoning adhere to the meat, promoting a crispy crust.
- 2 teaspoons fresh or dried rosemary and thyme: These classic herbs impart a fragrant, earthy, and savory aroma that complements beef perfectly. Fresh herbs offer a more vibrant flavor, but dried herbs work wonderfully too.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt: Essential for seasoning the meat and bringing out its natural flavors. Adjust to your preference.
AIR FRYER ROAST BEEF INSTRUCTIONS
Follow these straightforward steps to achieve a perfectly cooked, tender, and flavorful air fryer roast beef:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Resting Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Serves: 6 servings
Preparation Steps:
Before you begin cooking, it’s crucial to bring your beef roast to room temperature. Remove it from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes (or up to an hour) before you plan to cook. This crucial step helps the meat cook more evenly from edge to center, preventing a cold, undercooked middle and an overcooked exterior.

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This high initial temperature is vital for creating a quick, intense sear on the exterior of the beef. The searing process locks in all the natural juices, forming a delicious, flavorful crust. If your air fryer model doesn’t have a specific preheating setting, simply run it empty for 5 minutes at 400°F (200°C) to achieve the desired temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Herb Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the sea salt, fresh or dried rosemary, and olive oil. Mix these ingredients thoroughly to create a fragrant, cohesive herb paste. This mixture will form the flavorful crust of your roast beef.


Step 3: Season the Beef Roast
Using paper towels, thoroughly pat dry the entire surface of the beef roast. Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving a crispy crust. Once dry, generously coat the beef with the oil-herb mixture. You can do this by rubbing it evenly all over the roast or by rolling the beef directly on a plate containing the mixture, ensuring every side is well-covered.


Step 4: Initial Air Frying (Searing)
Carefully place the seasoned beef roast into the preheated air fryer basket. Immediately air fry it at the high temperature of 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. This initial burst of high heat creates that beautiful, seared crust and helps to lock in the juices.


Step 5: Continue Cooking to Desired Doneness
After the initial 5 minutes of high-heat cooking, reduce the air fryer temperature to 360°F (180°C). If your air fryer model requires it (check your manual if unsure), flip the roast halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. Continue cooking the beef for an additional 30 minutes for a perfect medium-rare doneness. Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your roast.

Step 6: Check for Doneness and Adjust
The most accurate way to determine doneness is by using a reliable meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the roast, avoiding any bone. Refer to the temperature chart below for your preferred level of doneness. If the beef hasn’t reached your desired temperature after 35 minutes, extend the cooking in 5-minute increments, checking the temperature each time, until it is perfect. The air fryer allows for easy, periodic checking without issues.

Step 7: Rest the Roast Beef
Once the roast reaches your desired internal temperature, carefully remove it from the air fryer basket. Immediately wrap the roast beef loosely in kitchen foil. This crucial resting step allows the internal temperature to continue rising slightly (known as carryover cooking) and, more importantly, gives the meat fibers a chance to relax and reabsorb all those delicious juices. Skipping this step can result in a dry roast, as the juices would simply run out when sliced. Allow it to rest for a minimum of 10 minutes (ideally 15-20 minutes for larger roasts) before slicing. I strongly advise against slicing the beef immediately after cooking.

Step 8: Slice and Serve
After resting, unwrap the roast beef and slice it thinly against the grain. Slicing against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, making each bite incredibly tender. Serve your perfectly cooked air fryer roast beef immediately, accompanied by your favorite roasted or steamed vegetables, a dollop of tangy wholegrain mustard, and a rich, savory gravy.
WHAT IS THE OPTIMAL AIR FRYER ROAST BEEF INTERNAL TEMPERATURE?
Achieving your preferred level of doneness for roast beef is critical for a truly satisfying meal. A reliable meat thermometer is your best friend in the kitchen, taking all the guesswork out of cooking. Here are the key internal temperature guidelines to help you adjust your air frying time:
- Rare: 120-125°F (49-52°C) – The center will be bright red and cool.
- Medium-Rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C) – A vibrant red center with some pink towards the edges. This is often considered the ideal doneness for roast beef, offering maximum juiciness and tenderness.
- Medium: 140-145°F (60-63°C) – The center will be distinctly pink, transitioning to a slightly paler hue.
- Medium-Well: 150-155°F (66-68°C) – The center will be only slightly pink, bordering on grayish-brown.
- Well-Done: 160°F (71°C) and above – The meat will be uniformly grayish-brown throughout with no pink, and will be firmer in texture.
It’s important to note the USDA recommendation for a safe minimum internal temperature for all cuts of beef, which is 145°F (63°C), followed by a 3-minute rest. This temperature typically results in a medium or medium-well cooked roast. Keep in mind that the internal temperature of the roast will continue to rise by a few degrees during the resting period (known as “carryover cooking”). Therefore, it’s often best to remove the roast from the air fryer when it’s 5-10 degrees below your target final temperature, allowing it to reach perfection during the rest. This guideline is particularly crucial for ensuring food safety while still allowing for individual preferences, especially for those who prefer their meat more well-done.

Understanding and utilizing this temperature guide will ensure your air fryer roast beef is cooked precisely to your liking every single time.
HOW TO SERVE MY AIR FRYER BEEF ROAST?
The deliciousness of air fryer roast beef truly shines when paired with the right accompaniments. While the classic combination of roast beef with roasted vegetables or potatoes is a match made in heaven, there are countless ways to elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic side dish ideas that beautifully complement the rich flavors of your air-fried beef roast:
- Greek Lemon Potatoes: These crispy, tangy potatoes, infused with lemon and herbs, offer a bright counterpoint to the richness of the beef.
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges: Sweet and savory, these wedges provide a touch of sweetness and a soft texture that contrasts wonderfully with the tender beef.
- Air Fryer Broccoli: Perfectly tender-crisp broccoli, seasoned and lightly charred, adds a healthy and vibrant green element.
- Air Fryer Potato Wedges: A simpler, classic potato option, offering a satisfying starch with a crispy exterior.
- Turmeric Rice: A fragrant and colorful rice dish that adds an exotic touch and absorbs the savory juices of the beef beautifully.
- Air Fryer Roasted Cauliflower: Roasting brings out the nutty flavor of cauliflower, making it a delicious and healthy vegetable side.
- Air Fryer Carrot Fries: Sweet, caramelized carrot fries offer a healthy and flavorful alternative to traditional potato fries.
- Roasted Lemon Garlic Asparagus: Fresh asparagus spears roasted with lemon and garlic are a light, elegant, and flavorful green side.
- Crispy Brussels Sprouts With Bacon: The slightly bitter notes of crispy Brussels sprouts, especially with a savory bacon addition, create a fantastic pairing.
Don’t forget classic sauces and condiments like horseradish cream, a rich gravy (made from the pan drippings, if available), or a bold Dijon mustard to further enhance the dining experience. A fresh green salad can also provide a refreshing balance to the rich meat.
HOW TO STORE AND REHEAT MY AIR FRYER ROAST BEEF?
Proper storage and reheating are essential to enjoy your delicious air fryer roast beef long after the initial meal. With a few simple steps, you can keep your leftovers fresh and flavorful for future enjoyment.
Storing Leftovers:
Once your air fryer roast beef has thoroughly cooled to room temperature (this is crucial to prevent bacterial growth and condensation), transfer any extra slices or larger pieces into an airtight container or a heavy-duty plastic freezer bag. Ensure as much air as possible is squeezed out of bags to prevent freezer burn. Store the container or bag in the refrigerator for a maximum of 3 to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the roast beef for up to 3 months. When freezing, it’s often best to wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag to maintain quality.
Reheating Instructions:
To reheat your beef roast, especially if frozen, make sure to defrost it completely in the refrigerator overnight before use. To prevent the beef from drying out, which can easily happen with reheated meat, it’s highly recommended to splash a little beef broth, water, or even a thin slice of butter over the meat before reheating. This added moisture will help keep it tender and juicy.
Place the beef roast slices in your air fryer basket. Set your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) and reheat for 3-5 minutes, or until the beef is warmed through. Avoid overcooking, as this is the quickest way to dry out the meat. The goal is to gently warm it, not to cook it further.
Creative Uses for Leftovers:
Leftover roast beef is incredibly versatile! Beyond simply reheating, consider transforming it into new delicious meals:
- Beef Sandwiches: Thinly sliced roast beef makes an incredible sandwich filling, especially on crusty bread with horseradish sauce, cheese, and fresh greens.
- Fajitas or Tacos: Slice the beef into strips, sauté with bell peppers and onions, and serve in tortillas for a quick and flavorful fajita night.
- Salads: Add cold, sliced roast beef to a fresh green salad for a protein-packed and satisfying meal.
- Stir-fries: Quickly toss thinly sliced beef into a vegetable stir-fry for a hearty Asian-inspired dish.
- Hash: Dice the roast beef and combine with potatoes, onions, and spices for a delicious breakfast or brunch hash.
AIR FRYER ROAST BEEF SEASONING
The beauty of air fryer roast beef extends to its seasoning, offering endless possibilities to customize the flavor profile to your preference. While our primary recipe calls for the classic combination of rosemary and thyme, feel free to experiment with any herbs and spices you love. Don’t hesitate to go heavy on your favorite flavors and omit any you don’t care for to create your unique herb crust.
Here are more fantastic seasonings and aromatics to consider:
- Sage: Earthy and slightly peppery, sage pairs wonderfully with beef, adding a traditional savory note.
- Parsley: Fresh, bright, and herbaceous, parsley adds a clean finish and vibrant color.
- Oregano: A robust herb that offers a slightly bitter, peppery flavor, perfect for a Mediterranean twist.
- Fresh Minced Garlic: Garlic is an indispensable aromatic that provides a pungent, savory depth.
- Garlic Powder: A convenient way to add consistent garlic flavor throughout the rub.
- Onion Powder: Sweet and savory, onion powder complements garlic and beef beautifully.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a subtle kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a delightful warmth.
- Smoked Paprika: Infuses the beef with a rich, smoky aroma and a beautiful reddish hue.
- Cumin: Adds an earthy, slightly spicy note that can be a pleasant surprise with beef.
If you’re using fresh rosemary, remember to carefully collect the leaves from the woody stems and chop them up finely. This ensures their aromatic oils are released and they integrate well into the crust. And, of course, never underestimate the power of salt and freshly ground black pepper. These are your best friends for enhancing the meat’s natural flavor and creating a truly savory experience. For a 2 lb beef roast, I typically use 1 teaspoon of good quality sea salt, but always adjust to your taste.
Regarding oil, my personal preference for this recipe is extra virgin olive oil due to its robust flavor, but you can confidently use any cooking oil you have on hand. Vegetable oil or avocado oil are excellent neutral alternatives that will still help create that desirable crispy crust and ensure the seasonings adhere perfectly. For an extra layer of aromatic complexity, you can optionally place an onion, cut in half, directly into the air fryer’s basket alongside the beef. As it cooks, the onion releases sweet, savory vapors that subtly infuse the meat with additional flavor.
And for those busy days when time is of the essence, don’t hesitate to reach for your favorite pre-mixed instant steak seasoning. These blends are designed for convenience and often contain a balanced mix of herbs and spices that work well with beef.
Finally, a small piece of advice: I generally recommend against coating your roast with gravy or a heavy sauce before or during cooking in the air fryer. These are best served on the side, allowing the crispy, seasoned crust of your air fryer roast beef to truly shine. Save the rich gravies and sauces for drizzling over your thinly sliced roast beef and accompanying sides like potatoes and vegetables.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT AIR FRYER ROAST BEEF
Are air fryers good for roasting beef?
Absolutely, air fryers are excellent for roasting beef! They function much like a powerful convection oven, rapidly circulating hot air around the cooking space. This ensures an incredibly even cook, leading to a beautifully crispy exterior while maintaining a juicy, tender, medium-rare interior. The efficiency and precision of an air fryer make it a top choice for perfect roast beef.
How do you prepare a beef roast without drying it out?
Preventing your precious beef roast from drying out is key to a successful dish. The best strategies involve choosing high-quality cuts with good marbling, using a meat thermometer for accurate temperature monitoring, and following the right cooking technique. Preheat your air fryer thoroughly to ensure an immediate sear on the surface, which locks in juices. Then, lower the temperature to allow for gentler, even cooking through to your desired doneness. Always remember to rest the meat after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.
How long does cooking 2 lbs or 1kg of roast beef in an air fryer take?
Cooking times for a 2 lb (approximately 1kg) roast beef can vary depending on your specific air fryer model and the desired doneness. However, on average, expect it to take about 35-40 minutes of actual cooking time in the air fryer for a medium-rare result. Including the 5 minutes of prep and 10-15 minutes of resting, the total time from start to delicious finish is typically around 50-60 minutes.
How much roast beef to cook per person?
When planning your meal, a good guideline is to prepare roughly 400g (approximately 0.9 lbs) of bone-in air fryer beef roast per person. If you are cooking boneless beef, a slightly smaller portion of about 200-300g (0.4-0.7 lbs) per person is usually sufficient. This means a 2 lb (1kg) roast will typically serve 4 persons generously, and a 3 lb (1.5kg) roast can comfortably serve 6.
Should I wrap my beef roast in aluminum foil before cooking it in the air fryer?
No, it is generally not recommended to wrap your beef roast in aluminum foil before cooking it in the air fryer. The air fryer works by circulating hot air to create a crispy exterior, and foil would hinder this process, essentially steaming the meat rather than roasting it. Instead, leave the beef uncovered during the air frying process until it reaches your desired doneness. Once you remove it from the air fryer, however, it is crucial to immediately cover it loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes. This post-cooking rest allows the meat to finish cooking gently and, most importantly, helps redistribute its flavorful juices, ensuring a tender and moist final product.
Can I use frozen roast beef in the air fryer?
While it’s possible, it’s generally not recommended to cook a large frozen roast directly in the air fryer. Cooking from frozen can lead to uneven cooking, with the exterior potentially overcooking before the interior is done. For best results, always thaw your roast beef completely in the refrigerator before air frying. If you’re in a pinch, smaller, thinner cuts of frozen beef might work, but a large roast needs to be thawed for proper cooking.
MORE DELICIOUS AIR FRYER RECIPES
If you loved making this easy and delicious air fryer roast beef, you’re in for a treat! The air fryer is incredibly versatile and can transform many of your favorite dishes. Explore more exciting recipes to make the most of your kitchen superhero:
- Air Fryer Roast Pork
- Beef and Vegetable Stew
- Air Fryer Ground Beef
- How to Cook Corned Beef (Stovetop)
- Braised Beef
- Corned Beef Fritters
- Air Fryer Tilapia
Want to discover even more fantastic Air Fryer recipes and tips? Be sure to join our vibrant community on Facebook – Air Fryer Fun. It’s the perfect place to share your creations, ask questions, and get inspired!
You can also follow us on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to stay up to date with new, delicious, and easy-to-make recipes that will revolutionize your cooking.
If you’ve had the pleasure of trying this incredible Air Fryer Roast Beef recipe, we would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Please take a moment to share your thoughts by leaving a comment and a star rating below. Your feedback helps us create even better content for you!
An air fryer is truly a must-have kitchen gadget for modern cooking, but with so many options, which one is best? Check out our comprehensive guide to the Best Air Fryer 2024 to find your perfect match! 👇
After every delightful meal, proper air fryer cleaning is vital to maintain your appliance and ensure longevity. Discover our best tips and tricks on how to clean an air fryer effectively and easily! 👇

Air Fryer Roast Beef
4 servings
5 minutes
35 minutes
10 minutes
50 minutes
Nothing compares to a tender, flavorful air fryer roast beef with the perfect medium-rare interior. A perfectly cooked roast beef is always a must for Sunday family gatherings, holiday dinners, and parties. Just something so special about hearty home-cooked meals makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.
Ingredients
- 2 lb beef roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons rosemary and fresh or dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Bring your beef to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before cooking to help cook more evenly.
- Start by preheating the air fryer to 400°F/200°C. This will allow the beef to sear quickly, lock all the juices, and form the crust. If you don’t have a preheating setting, just run your air fryer for 5 minutes.
- Mix sea salt, rosemary, and olive oil in a bowl.
- Dry the beef with paper towels and coat it with the oil-herb mixture by rolling it on the plate.
- Put the beef roast in the air fryer basket, air fry for 5 minutes at 400°F/200°C, then adjust the air fryer to 360°F/180°C.
- Flip the roast halfway through if your air fryer model requires it and continue cooking the beef for 30 more minutes for medium-rare.
- Use a meat thermometer to check its doneness, and extend the cooking in 5-minute increments for more well-done meat.
- After cooking, wrap the roast beef in kitchen foil and let it sit for a minimum of 10 minutes before slicing. This step helps the meat finish cooking and reabsorb its juices.
- Serve the thinly sliced roast beef against the grain, accompanied by roasted or steamed veggies, wholegrain mustard, and gravy.
Notes
Tips for making Air Fryer Roast Beef
- During cooking, some air fryers require you to turn over the food, while others don’t. If you are unsure if this is required, check your air fryer’s manual.
- Cooking time will vary depending on your specific air fryer model and the thickness of your beef roast. I recommend you check in on your beef at the 35-minute mark and adjust accordingly.
- The great advantage of having a meat thermometer is that it removes all guesswork, but the air fryer also allows you to periodically check on the beef without significantly impacting the cooking process.
- Feel free to experiment with your favorite spice mixes! Try a blend of oregano and rosemary, or even a touch of smoked paprika for an extra layer of savory flavor.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 718
Total Fat: 47g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 23g
Cholesterol: 272mg
Sodium: 643mg
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 68g
Nutrition is provided as a courtesy only. Please re-calculate on your own with the ingredients and amounts you used for the most accurate data.
