Air Fryer Pot Roast: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to traditional ovens for cooking pot roasts. They can cook a pot roast in under an hour, which is significantly faster than the traditional method. The convection heating method used by air fryers cooks the meat more efficiently than an oven, resulting in a tender roast in a shorter amount of time. Additionally, air fryers allow for customizable cooking temperatures and times, making them suitable for various cuts of meat and different levels of doneness. The key to achieving a tender and juicy pot roast in an air fryer is to let the meat rest after cooking, allowing it to reabsorb its juices. This convenient cooking method is perfect for busy individuals or those looking to impress guests with a delicious and efficient meal.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for a pot roast in an air fryer will depend on the size of the beef joint, the type of air fryer used, and the desired level of doneness. It is important to note that the air fryer cooks differently than an oven, and the meat does not need to get as hot to become tender.

For a rare roast, cook until the internal temperature reads 125-130°F (51.6°C-54.4°C). For a medium-rare roast, the internal temperature should be 135-140°F (57.2°C-60°C). For a medium roast, the temperature should be 145°F (62.8°C).

One recipe recommends preheating the air fryer for 5 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Then, place the beef joint in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes at 350°F (180°C). After this, add the vegetables to the air fryer and cook for another 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.

Another recipe suggests cooking the beef on its own first for 10 minutes at 390°F (198.8°C) to create a crust that seals in the juices. Then, add the vegetables and cook for another 20 minutes. Check the beef with a meat thermometer, and remove it once it reaches 150°F (65°C).

A third recipe recommends cooking a 2-3 lb roast beef in the air fryer for 40-42 minutes at 380°F (193°C), flipping the roast after 15 minutes. The desired level of doneness can be determined using a meat thermometer.

It is important to let the roast rest after removing it from the air fryer. This allows the juices to redistribute and the meat to continue cooking and become more tender. The roast should rest for at least 10 minutes, but 20 or 30 minutes is even better.

Preparing the roast

The next step is to season the roast. For a simple seasoning, rub the roast with oil, ensuring it is evenly coated, and then apply salt and pepper generously. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, paprika, or steak seasoning. After seasoning, let the roast rest, uncovered, at room temperature for at least one hour. This step is crucial for the success of the recipe as it allows the meat to come to room temperature and ensures even cooking. If you have the time, two hours of resting is even better, and for an extra crispy crust, you can season the roast and let it rest in the refrigerator, uncovered, for 24 hours before bringing it to room temperature.

Once the roast has rested, preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 380-400°F. It is important to preheat the air fryer to ensure the meat sears nicely. Then, place the roast in the air fryer basket. If desired, you can add a layer of aluminum foil to the basket to make cleanup easier and collect the meat drippings for gravy. Cook the roast for 10-15 minutes, then carefully flip it over. You can also surround the roast with the prepared vegetables at this point.

Continue cooking the roast for another 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of the roast and your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare roast, cook until the internal temperature reaches 125-130°F, and for a medium roast, aim for 135-140°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the roast from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period is essential as it allows the juices to redistribute and results in a more tender and juicy roast.

Cooking the roast

First, take your 2-3 lb roast beef out of the fridge and bring it to room temperature. Leave it uncovered for at least an hour, or two hours if time allows. This is an essential step as it is a tough cut of beef that is cooked at a fast pace. You can also try marinating the beef in a mixture of oil, herbs, and spices for 30 minutes to an hour to enhance the flavor and tenderize the meat.

Next, preheat your air fryer to between 380-400°F. Some recipes recommend lining the air fryer with aluminum foil to make cleanup easier and to collect the juices for gravy.

Now, you can place the beef in the air fryer basket. If you are cooking vegetables with the roast, you can add them now, or you can add them later to reduce the cooking time of the vegetables.

Cook the roast for 10-15 minutes, then flip it over. You can now add your vegetables if you haven't already. Continue cooking for 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of the roast. The total cooking time for the roast should be 40-60 minutes.

Check the internal temperature of the roast with a meat thermometer. For a medium-rare roast, the temperature should be 125-130°F, and for a medium roast, it should be 135-145°F. Remove the roast from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. The temperature will continue to rise about 5-10°F during this time.

Finally, slice the roast and serve with the vegetables and gravy. Enjoy!

Resting the roast

When resting the roast, it is important to cover it loosely with tin foil. This will help to collect the juices, which can then be used to make gravy. For every 2 tablespoons of drippings, add 2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch and 2 cups of liquid. While the roast rests, you can prepare some amazing air fryer sides, such as potatoes, which can be cut into small 1-inch chunks and cooked in the air fryer while the meat rests. You can also use this time to cook some vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, or baby potatoes, which can be cooked in a red wine braise.

The length of time you should rest the roast depends on the desired level of doneness. It is recommended to rest the roast for at least 10 minutes, but 20 or 30 minutes would be even better. It is important to note that the roast should not be rested for too long, as this could result in the meat becoming cold.

In addition to resting the roast after cooking, it is also important to let the meat come to room temperature before cooking. This will ensure that the roast can receive the heat properly. It is recommended to let the roast sit out for about 20 to 30 minutes before cooking.

Serving the roast

Once your roast is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest. This is an important step as it allows the meat to reabsorb its juices, making it tender and juicy. The roast should rest for at least 10 minutes, but 20 to 30 minutes is even better. Tent it loosely with foil to maintain warmth. If you used aluminium foil to line your air fryer, you can use the juices that have collected in the foil to make gravy.

While the roast rests, you can cook or reheat some sides. You can cut up potatoes and throw them in the air fryer for the last 20 minutes of cooking time. You can also cook or reheat vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or Oven-Roasted Grape Tomatoes.

When the roast has rested, place it on a cutting board with a juice groove. Locate the grain of the roast and cut slices across the grain with a very thin knife. If your roast is large, you may need to set it up on its end, cut it in half with the grain, and then set the cut edge down and slice across.

Arrange the sliced roast and any sides on a platter. If you made gravy, drizzle it generously over the meat.

Frequently asked questions