Air Fryer Pot Roast: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a great alternative to ovens for making pot roasts. They are quicker, easier, and can be just as tasty. While air fryers are not meant for tenderising meat, they can still be used to make a roast that is tender, juicy, and tasty.

The key to a good air-fried pot roast is to use a suitable cut of meat. Top round roast, also known as beef topside, is a good option as it is a tender cut that cooks well in the air fryer. Other options include rump roast, sirloin roast, or boneless ribeye. It is also important to season the meat well and to use a meat thermometer to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

In terms of the cooking process, it is recommended to cook the beef on its own first to create a crust that will seal in the juices. This can be done by cooking the beef at a high temperature for a short period of time, such as 10-15 minutes at around 390-400°F (200°C). After this initial searing, the temperature can be lowered to around 320-350°F (150-180°C) and the beef can be cooked for an additional 20-45 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness.

Potatoes, carrots, and other root vegetables can be added to the air fryer during the second stage of cooking. These vegetables can be seasoned and cooked in a braising liquid such as red wine or beef broth, with the beef placed on top. The beef and vegetables should be cooked until the desired level of doneness is reached, and then allowed to rest before serving.

Overall, making a pot roast in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious and tender meal.

Choosing the right cut of beef

Opt for Tougher Cuts with More Connective Tissue

Pot roast involves braising the beef at a low temperature for an extended period. This cooking method helps break down the tough connective tissues in the meat, transforming them into natural gelatin, which moistens and tenderises the beef. Therefore, it is best to choose cuts with more connective tissue, such as those from the steer's shoulder, chest, belly, and hip. These cuts may include chuck, brisket, or round roasts.

Consider the Fat Content

The fat content of the beef will impact the flavour and texture of your pot roast. Chuck roast, for example, is slightly fattier than brisket or round, resulting in a richer taste but higher saturated fat content. If you prefer a leaner option, opt for the round roast, sourced from the hind legs and rump of the cow. While it may lack the intense beefy flavour of other cuts, it is still a good choice for pot roast and tends to be more affordable.

Know Your Primal Cuts

When selecting your beef, it is helpful to understand the different primal cuts. The chuck primal, from the shoulder and neck region, includes cuts like chuck roast, shoulder steak, and boneless chuck roast. The brisket primal, located in the lower breast area, offers a tough, sinewy piece of meat rich in collagen, making it ideal for smoking and braising. Finally, the round primal, sourced from the hind legs and rump, provides leaner cuts like the rump roast, round roast, or London broil.

Choose Bone-In or Boneless

You can opt for either bone-in or boneless cuts for your pot roast. Bone-in cuts, such as short ribs, can add flavour to your dish as the bones release gelatin during cooking. However, boneless cuts are easier to prepare and serve. If you choose a bone-in cut, consider removing the bones after cooking to take advantage of the gelatin they release.

Size and Weight Considerations

When selecting your beef, ensure it fits your air fryer with enough space for potatoes and carrots. A typical chuck roast weighs between 2 and 3 pounds, while a brisket can weigh around 13 pounds. Choose a size that suits your air fryer and feeding needs.

In summary, when choosing the right cut of beef for an air fryer pot roast, opt for tougher cuts with more connective tissue, consider your preferred fat content, understand the different primal cuts, and choose between bone-in or boneless options. Additionally, ensure the size and weight of the beef fit your air fryer and serving requirements. With the right cut of beef, your air fryer pot roast is sure to be a success!

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for an air fryer pot roast will depend on the size of your beef joint, the type of air fryer you use, and your desired level of doneness.

As a rule of thumb, estimate the cooking time as follows:

• Rare: 13 minutes per pound / 15 minutes per 500g
• Medium: 18 minutes per pound / 20 minutes per 500g
• Well-done: 23 minutes per pound / 25 minutes per 500g

For a medium-rare roast, aim for an internal temperature of about 125°F / 52°C. For a medium roast, aim for 130°F / 55°C.

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Take the beef out of the fridge 20 minutes before cooking. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and mixed herbs. Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Place the beef joint in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes at 350°F (180°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

While the beef is cooking, drizzle your vegetables (such as potatoes, carrots, and shallots) with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. You can also add a beef stock cube.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables and Beef Together

Place the beef joint on top of the vegetables in a deep container (such as a cake tin). Pour in a braising liquid such as red wine, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Add flavour enhancers such as redcurrant jelly, brown sugar, and bay leaves. Stir to dissolve the jelly, then place the cake pan in the air fryer basket.

Step 4: Check the Doneness

Cook for 20 minutes, then start checking the doneness of the beef with a meat thermometer. For medium-rare beef, aim for an internal temperature of 150°F (65°C).

Step 5: Rest the Beef and Continue Cooking the Vegetables

Once the beef has reached the desired internal temperature, cover it loosely with foil and let it rest. Continue cooking the vegetables for another 20 minutes or until tender.

Step 6: Serve

Slice the beef and arrange it with the vegetables on a platter. Serve with a generous drizzle of the gravy from the pan.

Note: The cooking time will depend on the size of the beef joint and the type of air fryer you use, so it's important to monitor the internal temperature of the beef with a meat thermometer and adjust the cooking time as needed.

How to get a good sear

To get a good sear on your roast, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, preheat your air fryer to around 390°F to 400°F for about 5 minutes. While it's preheating, season your roast with your choice of seasoning. You can also coat the roast with olive oil or cooking spray to help achieve a better sear. Once preheated, place the roast in the air fryer and cook for around 15 minutes to sear the outside.

To get a good sear, it's important to have the meat close to the heating element. If your air fryer has a rack, you can use it to lift the roast closer to the heating element. Make sure there's enough airspace between the meat and the heating element to prevent any spontaneous combustion. It's also important to note that there will be a lot of smoke, so make sure to have proper ventilation or consider taking your air fryer outside.

After searing, you can wrap the roast in foil and continue cooking at a lower temperature until it reaches your desired internal temperature.

Resting the meat

After removing the beef from the air fryer, it is important to let it rest before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat. Cover the beef loosely with foil to keep it warm and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. If you are cooking vegetables alongside the roast, they can be cooked further while the beef rests, ensuring that everything is ready to serve together.

For a more precise approach to resting the meat, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the beef. The ideal temperature for medium-rare beef is around 130-135°F, while medium-well is 145-155°F. The temperature will continue to rise slightly as the meat rests, so remove it from the air fryer just before it reaches your desired temperature.

When resting the meat, place it on a clean platter or cutting board and tent it loosely with foil. This will help to keep the beef warm without drying it out. Let the beef rest for at least 3 minutes per pound, or longer if you have the time. For example, a 3-pound roast should rest for at least 9 minutes.

While the beef is resting, you can prepare any desired sauces or side dishes to accompany the pot roast. Gravy can be made from the drippings in the air fryer, and vegetables such as carrots and potatoes can be cooked separately or alongside the meat.

Once the resting time is complete, you can slice the beef against the grain and serve it with your chosen sides and sauces. Enjoy your delicious air fryer pot roast!

What to serve with pot roast

A pot roast is a hearty meal, and there are plenty of sides that can complement it. Here are some ideas to serve with your pot roast:

Starchy Sides

• Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish to serve with pot roast. They can absorb all the delicious juices from the roast.
• For a lighter option, try cauliflower mashed potatoes. They are just as creamy and fluffy as regular mashed potatoes.
• Cheesy polenta is another option to soak up all the tasty gravy.
• Homemade bread rolls are always a winner and can be used to mop up any leftover sauce on the plate.
• For something a little different, you could try making air fryer Yorkshire puddings.

Vegetables

• Roasted vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts are a great way to add some colour and crunch to your plate.
• Green beans are a tasty side dish, especially when paired with garlic and Parmesan or bacon.
• If you're looking for something more indulgent, try an easy cauliflower or broccoli cheese casserole.
• For a lighter option, a simple salad of romaine, oranges, and radishes can help cut through the richness of the pot roast.
• Sautéed squash and zucchini is another quick and easy side dish that lets the vegetables shine.
• If you want to stick to the classic roast dinner trinity, roast some asparagus on the side.

Gravy

Don't forget to make the most of the pot roast juices by creating a delicious gravy to pour over the meat and vegetables or to use as a dipping sauce for your bread rolls!

Frequently asked questions