Air-Fryer Pot Roast: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a great alternative to cooking a pot roast in an oven or slow cooker. The air fryer's convection power creates an unbeatable crust and cooks the roast evenly, resulting in a juicy centre with a crispy outside. It also takes a fraction of the time – cooking a pot roast in an air fryer takes under an hour.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for an air fryer pot roast will depend on the size of the beef joint and the type of air fryer being used. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check that the roast has reached the desired internal temperature.

One recipe suggests preheating the air fryer to 390°F and cooking the roast for 15 minutes to sear it. Then, the temperature should be lowered to 320°F and the roast cooked for a further 45-60 minutes, depending on its size. The roast should be removed from the air fryer when the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F. It should then be allowed to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Another recipe recommends preheating the air fryer to 400°F and cooking the roast for 30 minutes, flipping it halfway through. The roast should be removed from the air fryer and allowed to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

A third recipe suggests preheating the air fryer to 390°F and searing the roast for 15 minutes. The temperature should then be lowered to 325°F and the roast cooked for a further 30-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F. Again, the roast should be removed from the air fryer and allowed to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

A fourth recipe recommends preheating the air fryer to 400°F and cooking the roast for 10 minutes at 350°F. The temperature should then be lowered back to 400°F and the roast cooked for a further 20 minutes, or until it reaches the desired internal temperature. The roast should then be removed from the air fryer and allowed to rest while the vegetables continue to cook.

Marinade

Marinating your beef roast is an important step in the cooking process, as it infuses the meat with flavour and helps to tenderise it. The ideal marinade is both simple and flavourful, and you can make it by combining the following ingredients:

• Orange juice
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Worcestershire sauce

You can also add other ingredients like garlic, onion powder, or dried rosemary to enhance the flavour. Once you have prepared the marinade, pour it over the meat in a baking dish or container, or place the meat and marinade in a resealable plastic bag. It is best to leave the beef to marinate overnight or for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator, so that it has time to absorb all of the flavours.

Before air frying, remove the roast from the marinade and sprinkle it with salt and pepper to enhance the flavour even further. Then, place the roast in the air fryer basket and cook according to your desired level of doneness, flipping the roast halfway through for even cooking and browning.

Meat type

The best cuts of meat for an air fryer roast are those with a higher fat content, as lean roasts tend to dry out. Chuck roast, sirloin roast, and prime rib roast are all good options. Bone-in or boneless chuck roast is a popular choice, as it has a good amount of even marbling, which results in a fall-apart roast.

Top round roast (also known as topside or London broil) is another option, but this cut is leaner and is best served medium-rare. Rump roast, rolled rib roast, or beef joint can also be used, but these cuts may be too large, depending on the size of your air fryer. If your roast is too big, you can use the air fryer to sear the meat before transferring it to the oven to finish cooking.

What to serve with it

There are many side dishes that can accompany a pot roast cooked in an air fryer. Here are some ideas:

• Roasted vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, Brussels sprouts, and carrots.
• Mashed potatoes with garlic-infused olive oil.
• Cheesy polenta.
• Breaded and fried yellow squash, zucchini, and onion rings coated in Parmesan and Italian breadcrumbs.
• Gluten-free scalloped potatoes.
• German noodle bake.
• Sour cream fan rolls.
• Chive pinwheel rolls.
• Blue-ribbon herb rolls.
• Honey-squash dinner rolls.
• Creamed spinach.
• Sauteed button mushrooms.
• Stuffed Portobello mushrooms.
• Irish mashed potatoes.
• Old-fashioned green beans with bacon.
• Potato wedges with a sweet and spicy sauce.
• Garlic Asiago cauliflower rice.
• Minty sugar snap peas.
• Rich and creamy Parmesan mashed potatoes.
• Creamy polenta with balsamic glaze.
• Moist corn spoon bread.
• Grilled cabbage.
• Collard greens with bacon.
• Butternut squash mac and cheese.

Reheating

Firstly, ensure your roast beef is stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for 3-4 days.

To reheat, set your air fryer to 350°F or 375°F. Then, place the roast beef in the air fryer basket and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through.

This method ensures your roast beef is heated quickly and efficiently, resulting in a tender roast every time.

Frequently asked questions