Air Fryer Roasts: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Method?

Cooking a roast in an air fryer is not only possible but also a quick, easy, and delicious way to prepare a roast. Air fryer roasts are said to be tender and juicy with a beautifully caramelized crust. The air fryer's ability to cook the roast at a high temperature creates a lovely crust on the exterior, sealing in the juices, before lowering the temperature to ensure the meat doesn't dry out. The cooking time is relatively short, so it is better to opt for a tender cut of meat.

Recommended cuts of beef for air fryer roast beef

Yes, you can cook a roast in an air fryer. In fact, roast beef is one of the first things that people cook when they get their first air fryer. It is incredibly easy to prepare, and the only tricky thing is getting the balance between the dark caramelized outer crust and the juicy pink inside.

There are a variety of cuts of beef that can be used for an air fryer roast beef recipe. The cut of beef will impact the amount of time it needs to be cooked. Cheaper cuts with a lot of connective tissue will require a lot longer to cook and may be better suited for oven roasting. For the air fryer, choose a tender cut of beef with a bit of marbling such as:

• Top sirloin roast
• Prime rib roast
• Rump roast
• Top-round roast
• Topside
• Boneless ribeye (scotch fillet)

Because the cooking time is relatively short, it is better to use the most tender beef joint that your budget will stretch to. For example, topside or top rump for a family dinner, or sirloin or ribeye for a special occasion. Tougher cuts (e.g. bottom round, silverside, bolar, or chuck roast) are generally best suited to slower cooking methods.

How to season and prepare the beef

While cooking a roast in an air fryer, it is important to choose the right cut of beef. Popular choices include ribeye, sirloin, top round, and tenderloin. A well-marbled cut like ribeye will produce the juiciest results.

Before seasoning, it is recommended to let the roast rest for at least an hour at room temperature. This is crucial for the success of the recipe as it is a tough cut of beef cooked at a fast pace. If time allows, let the roast rest for two hours at room temperature, or even 24 hours in the refrigerator, uncovered. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a tender and juicy roast.

For seasoning, you can use a store-bought rub or make your own. To make your own, mix olive oil, rosemary, garlic, basil, salt, thyme, and pepper in a small bowl. You can also add some red wine, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, redcurrant jelly, brown sugar, and bay leaves to the mix. Generously rub the seasoning mix over the roast, ensuring all sides are evenly coated.

After seasoning, heat a heavy oven-safe skillet or roasting pan over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil with a high smoking point, such as avocado oil, and sear the roast on all sides for about 2-3 minutes per side. This will create a rich brown crust.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for your roast will depend on the size of the joint of beef and the type of air fryer you use. It is recommended to use a tender cut of beef with a bit of marbling for the best results.

First, take your beef joint out of the fridge and pat it dry. Leave it to come to room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour. Preheat your air fryer to 380–400°F (around 200°C) for 5–10 minutes. Brush the air fryer rack with oil and place the seasoned beef inside.

Roast the beef for 10–15 minutes to create a crust. Then, reduce the temperature to 325–350°F (around 180°C) and cook for another 20–30 minutes. Check the internal temperature of the beef with a meat thermometer. The ideal temperature will depend on how well you want the beef cooked. For medium-rare, aim for 130–134°F (55–57°C).

Once cooked, transfer the roast to a cutting board and cover loosely with foil. Leave to rest for 10–30 minutes before slicing and serving.

How to cook vegetables with the roast

Yes, you can cook a roast in an air fryer! This method is perfect for cooking a roast with vegetables in under an hour.

First, select your vegetables. Root vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, and shallots, are great options for air frying. You can also add softer vegetables like zucchini, but keep in mind that they will take less time to cook.

Next, prepare your vegetables by cutting them into uniform sizes. This will help ensure even cooking. If you're cooking potatoes, cut them into halves or similar-sized pieces. For softer vegetables, cut them into slightly larger pieces to prevent overcooking.

Before placing the vegetables in the air fryer, coat them with a small amount of oil. This will help them cook evenly and give them a crispy texture. You can use avocado oil, olive oil, or another cooking oil of your choice.

Now, it's time to season your vegetables. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper, or get creative with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or other herbs and spices. If you're cooking a roast, consider using similar seasonings for the vegetables to create a cohesive flavor profile.

Place the vegetables in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer for even cooking. If you have a large batch of vegetables, you may need to cook them in batches.

Set the air fryer temperature between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit (180-200 degrees Celsius). The exact temperature will depend on the type of vegetables you're cooking and your desired level of doneness.

Cook the vegetables for 10-20 minutes, depending on the type of vegetables and your desired level of crispness. For softer vegetables, start with a shorter cooking time and adjust as needed. For root vegetables, they may take a little longer to cook through.

During the cooking process, remember to toss or turn the vegetables at least once to ensure even cooking on all sides.

Once the vegetables are tender and browned to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and serve them alongside your roast. Enjoy!

How to reheat leftover roast beef

Reheating roast beef in an air fryer is a convenient and effective way to enjoy your leftovers without compromising on flavor and texture. The hot air circulation of the air fryer ensures even reheating while retaining the moisture of the meat. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reheat leftover roast beef in an air fryer:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Before you begin reheating the roast beef, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. Preheating allows for a more even distribution of heat throughout the cooking process.

Step 2: Slice the Roast Beef

Slice the roast beef into smaller pieces to ensure even and thorough reheating.

Step 3: Place the Sliced Roast Beef in the Air Fryer

Place the sliced roast beef in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spritz with a little olive oil spray or add a pat of butter to the top of each slice.

Step 4: Air Fry

Air fry at 370º for 3 to 6 minutes, flipping the beef halfway through. The time it takes to reheat will depend on the thickness of the slices, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Step 5: Check the Internal Temperature

Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the beef. The USDA recommends that leftover cooked steak be stored in the refrigerator and reheated to a temperature of at least 110º F.

Step 6: Remove from the Air Fryer and Rest

Once the roast beef has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Alternative Methods

While the air fryer is an excellent option for reheating roast beef, there are alternative methods you can consider, such as using an oven or stovetop. If you prefer the oven method, preheat your oven to around 275°F (135°C), wrap the roast beef in aluminum foil, and place it on a baking sheet. Reheat for approximately 20 minutes or until the desired temperature is reached. For a stovetop method, simply heat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add a small amount of oil or butter before placing the roast beef in the pan.

Remember, when reheating roast beef, it is important to monitor the process closely to avoid overcooking and to ensure that the meat reaches a safe internal temperature.

Frequently asked questions