Air-Fried Rib Roast: A Tasty, Quick Treat

Cooking a rib roast in an air fryer is not only possible but also incredibly easy and delicious. The air fryer circulates hot air around the meat, cooking it evenly and quickly, while also creating a beautiful crust on the outside. It's perfect for special occasions or holidays when you want to spend less time cooking and more time with your loved ones. You can create a juicy, tender, and flavourful roast with a slightly crispy exterior. The air fryer also frees up your oven for other dishes, making it an even more appealing option for holiday meals.

Air fryer temperature and cooking time

The temperature and cooking time for your rib roast in an air fryer will depend on the size of your cut of beef and your desired level of doneness. It's recommended to use a tender cut of beef with a bit of marbling, such as a prime rib roast, top sirloin roast, rump roast, or top-round roast.

First, remove your prime rib from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about an hour before cooking. This will help the roast cook more evenly. For a roast of this size, you should only need to leave it out for about 30 minutes to an hour before it reaches room temperature.

When cooking your rib roast in the air fryer, it's best to start at a high temperature to sear the meat and create a crust, locking in the juices. Then, lower the temperature and cook over a long period to ensure the inside stays tender and juicy.

For a 3-pound boneless prime rib roast, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Then, place the prime rib roast on the tray and air fry at this temperature for 8 minutes. After that, lower the temperature to 300°F and air fry for 70 minutes. Check the internal temperature every 20 minutes using a meat thermometer. As soon as the roast reaches 5 degrees below your desired degree of doneness, pull it from the air fryer and leave it to rest for 15 minutes before slicing. For a medium-rare roast, this means taking it out of the air fryer at 130°F.

For a larger 6-pound cut of prime rib, you can follow a similar process but adjust the cooking time. After searing the meat, turn the temperature down to 315°F and continue to cook for about 55 minutes. Always use an instant-read thermometer to check for the internal temperature and pull it out at your desired doneness. If the prime rib roast needs more time, give it another 5 to 10 minutes, then check with a thermometer again.

Remember, the key to a perfect prime rib roast is a combination of a well-seasoned rub and the cooking method. Cooking it in an air fryer ensures even heat distribution, creating a beautiful crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

Choosing a rib roast that fits in the fryer

Choosing the right rib roast is crucial when cooking with an air fryer. The size of your roast will depend on the capacity of your air fryer, so it is important to check that your roast will fit in the basket. Most standard air fryers can accommodate a roast between 3-5 pounds, with some fitting up to 6 pounds. If your roast is too large, you may need to trim it to ensure it fits.

It is recommended to opt for a boneless rib roast, as bone-in roasts are often too large for the average air fryer and can be challenging to cook evenly. A boneless roast will fit better and cook more efficiently in the air fryer.

When selecting a rib roast, also consider the cooking time and desired doneness. A larger roast will take longer to cook, and you may need to adjust the cooking temperature and time accordingly. It is important to follow food safety guidelines and ensure that the roast is cooked thoroughly.

Additionally, consider the type of bone-in rib roast you choose. Different cuts of meat will have different cooking times and temperatures. Selecting a well-marbled rib roast with a good amount of fat will help ensure juicy and flavorful results.

By choosing a rib roast that fits your air fryer and considering the type of roast, weight, and desired doneness, you can optimize your cooking time and achieve delicious results.

Preparing the roast for cooking

Preparing a rib roast for cooking in an air fryer is simple, but there are a few important steps to follow. Firstly, ensure your roast will fit in the air fryer basket. If it is too large, you may need to trim it. Bone-in roasts are likely to be too big for the average air fryer, so it is recommended to choose a boneless joint.

Before seasoning, pat the roast dry with a paper towel. Place the roast in a shallow pan or on a cutting board. One seasoning option is to smear butter all over the outside of the raw meat, followed by Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, chives, and crushed garlic. Then, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Alternatively, you can make small slits in the roast and insert pieces of garlic into them, before sprinkling with salt and pepper and refrigerating for at least 8 hours or overnight.

It is important to let the roast come to room temperature before cooking, which can take around 15-30 minutes. This helps to ensure the beef cooks evenly.

Seasoning and marinating the roast

To season and marinate your rib roast, you can use a variety of herbs and spices. Firstly, pat the roast dry with a paper towel. You can then make small incisions in the meat and insert slivers of garlic. You can also rub the garlic onto the roast, along with other seasonings like salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, and sage. You can also add olive oil to make a paste.

For a more complex flavour, you can marinate the rib roast in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for 2 hours or overnight. To do this, make an incision along the middle of the roast and pour in Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce, concentrating on the cut in the meat. You can also add other liquids like red wine, beef broth, lemon juice, or water to the bag, along with onions, and seal it.

Alternatively, you can smear butter all over the roast, along with Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, chives, and garlic. This will give the roast a nice crispy crust.

Resting and slicing the roast

Resting the roast is a crucial step in the cooking process. It allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that your rib roast is juicy and tender. The roast should rest for at least 15 minutes, and up to 20 minutes, before slicing. During this time, the roast will also finish cooking to your desired level of doneness. For example, if you want a medium-rare roast, you would take it out of the air fryer at 130°F and let it rest until it reaches 135°F.

While the roast is resting, you can make a sauce to serve with it. One option is a horseradish cream sauce, made with sour cream, horseradish, chives, salt, and pepper. You can also use this time to prepare the rest of your meal, as the roast will be ready to eat after resting.

When slicing the roast, aim for a thickness of about 1/2 an inch. This will ensure that the meat is tender and easy to chew. You can also use the rendered fat from the roast to make a base for gravy or au jus.

Finally, keep in mind that the roast should not be left out for more than two hours before being stored in the refrigerator. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 5-6 days.

Frequently asked questions