Beef Roasts In An Air Fryer: A Juicy, Crispy Treat

Yes, you can cook a beef roast in an air fryer rotisserie. The air fryer rotisserie feature can be used to achieve a similar result to a rotisserie roast beef cooked in a traditional oven. The air fryer method is also said to be easier and quicker.

Choosing the right cut of beef

• Tenderloin Roast (Chateaubriand): The most tender option, but also the most expensive.
• Ribeye Roast: A classic choice with plenty of marbling.
• Shoulder Petite Tender: Smaller and more affordable, it cooks quickly in the air fryer.
• Tri-tip Roast: Delicious and full of flavour, but not as tender as other cuts.
• Sirloin Tip Roast and Top Sirloin Petite Roast (Top Loin): Lean, budget-friendly cuts suitable for roasting and air frying.
• Rolled Rib Roast (Boneless Prime Rib): A tender cut that works well for air frying.
• Top Round Roast: While typically used for slow cooking, it can also be used in an air fryer.

When selecting a cut of beef, it's important to consider your budget and the desired level of tenderness. Tougher cuts like bottom round, silverside, bolar, or chuck roast are better suited for slow roasting.

Additionally, the USDA grades of beef can also be considered:

• Prime Beef: The top grade with the most marbling.
• Choice Beef: High-quality, but with less marbling than prime cuts.
• Select Beef: A grade below choice, with less marbling and better suited for marinating.
• Standard Beef and Commercial Beef: Typically ungraded, lower-grade cuts.
• Utility Beef, Cutter Beef, and Canner Beef: Used primarily for ground beef and highly processed foods.

For air fryer roast beef, it's best to choose cuts with "loin" or "round" in the name for a lean option. Tender, juicy, and flavourful beef will make your roast a success!

How to season the beef

Seasoning the beef is a crucial step in infusing the meat with flavour. Here is a detailed guide on how to season your beef roast:

Step 1: Choose Your Seasonings

Select your preferred spices and herbs for seasoning the roast. Common choices include salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, rosemary, thyme, dried oregano, sage, dried parsley, dried thyme, garlic granules, dried rosemary, and mustard powder. You can also use a French onion soup mix or a pre-made herb seasoning mix.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef

Take your beef joint out of the fridge and pat it dry. Leave it to reach room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. This step is important as it allows the meat to cook more evenly and helps the seasonings penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavourful roast.

Step 3: Apply the Seasonings

Rub your chosen spices and herbs generously onto the beef, ensuring all sides are covered. You can also brush the beef with olive oil before applying the seasonings to help them adhere better and create a crispier exterior. If using a French onion soup mix, rub the beef with a couple of teaspoons of oil, sprinkle the mix on the surface, and press it into the roast.

Step 4: Let it Rest

After seasoning, let the beef rest for another 20-30 minutes to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat further. This step is crucial to achieving a delicious and flavourful roast.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for an air fryer roast beef will depend on the size of the beef, the desired doneness, and the type of air fryer being used. Here are some general guidelines and tips for cooking times and temperatures:

• For a rare roast, cook for 13 minutes per pound or 15 minutes per 500 grams. The final temperature should be 125°F (rare) to 130°F (medium-rare).
• For a medium roast, cook for 18 minutes per pound or 20 minutes per 500 grams. The final temperature should be 135°F (medium-rare) to 140°F (medium).
• For a well-done roast, cook for 23 minutes per pound or 25 minutes per 500 grams. The final temperature should be 150°F (medium-well) to 160°F (well-done).
• It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the roast. Remove the roast from the air fryer when it is about 5 degrees Fahrenheit below your desired doneness, as the temperature will continue to rise while the meat rests.
• For a rotisserie roast, choose a roast that is under 4 pounds as that is the maximum weight for most rotisseries.
• Preheat the air fryer to a high temperature (around 400°F/200°C) for the first 10 minutes to sear the outside of the roast and create a delicious crust.
• After the initial sear, lower the temperature to 300°F/150°C and continue cooking until the desired doneness is achieved.
• For a 2.5-pound roast, cooking for 35-45 minutes at 360°F should result in a rare to medium-rare roast.
• For a frozen roast, it is recommended to thaw it overnight in the fridge before cooking. Do not cook a fully frozen roast in the air fryer.
• If using an air fryer basket, place the roast in the basket and turn it during cooking to ensure even cooking.
• The type of beef roast used can also impact the cooking time. Tender cuts such as top round, rump roast, sirloin roast, or boneless ribeye are better suited for air frying due to the shorter cooking time. Tougher cuts like chuck roast or bottom round are better suited for slow roasting.
• The size and shape of the beef joint, as well as the brand and model of the air fryer, can also impact the cooking time.

Resting the beef

During cooking, the juices in the meat are driven towards the centre of the roast by the heat. If you were to cut into the beef immediately after removing it from the air fryer, these juices would end up on your cutting board and be lost. By letting the meat rest, you give the juices time to be reabsorbed, resulting in a more tender and flavourful roast.

The ideal resting time for beef is around 10 to 15 minutes. This gives the juices enough time to redistribute without the meat cooling down too much. It is best to cover the beef loosely with foil to help retain heat during the resting process.

While the beef is resting, you can prepare any side dishes or sauces to accompany your meal. Some great side dish options include roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, mashed potatoes, and steamed or roasted vegetables.

Once the resting time is complete, use a sharp carving knife to slice the beef thinly against the grain. This will help ensure that your beef is tender and not chewy.

What to serve with roast beef

Yes, you can cook a beef roast in an air fryer rotisserie. It is a quick and easy way to make a roast dinner, taking about half the time it would in the oven.

Now, what to serve with roast beef? Here are some ideas for side dishes to accompany your roast beef:

• Potatoes: roast potatoes, mashed potatoes, or potato cakes are all great options. For something more indulgent, try cheese scones or potato gratin.
• Vegetables: roasted carrots, brussels sprouts, green beans, or asparagus will all pair well with roast beef. You could also try something different like roasted beets with goat cheese and walnuts or balsamic mushrooms.
• Bread: serve your roast beef with Yorkshire puddings, breadsticks, or pull-apart garlic bread.
• Salads: a fresh and crunchy side dish like a salad with arugula, fruit, and feta would complement the richness of the roast beef.
• Other options: try something different like poutine twice-baked potatoes, or roasted acorn squash stuffed with wild rice.

There are endless possibilities for what to serve with roast beef, so feel free to get creative and choose sides that you and your guests will enjoy!

Frequently asked questions