Beef In The Air Fryer: The Ultimate Guide

Yes, you can cook beef in an air fryer! Whether you're cooking steak or roast beef, an air fryer can deliver a tender, juicy, and flavourful meal. The air fryer is also a quicker and less messy alternative to cooking beef in an oven.

Recommended cuts of beef for air frying

Yes, you can cook beef in an air fryer! It is super easy to make succulent roast beef in your air fryer. You can also make juicy, tender steak in an air fryer.

• Round roast: You can use any type of round roast for this recipe. Make sure the roast fits in your air fryer. If it's too big, you can cut a piece off and use it for something else. Adjust the seasoning and cooking time based on the size of the roast.
• Steaks with a higher degree of marbling: When air frying a steak, you may lose some juices. To avoid this, it is recommended to use steaks with a higher degree of marbling, like ribeyes or strip steaks.
• Filet mignon: This cut's soft texture and mild flavour allow you to experiment with rubs, marinades, butters, and sauces. It usually takes around 10 to 12 minutes to cook.
• Porterhouse: This cut is quite thick, so it will take longer to cook. A simple combo of salt, pepper, and olive oil will let the meat's flavours shine.
• Flank steak: Flank steak tastes best when cooked rare, medium-rare, or medium, as it can get somewhat chewy if it is overcooked.
• Cube steak: This affordable cut is also called Swiss steak. It is a very lean and sometimes tough cut. To prepare cube steak in the air fryer, it is best to marinate it first. Once seasoned or marinated, it will only take between five and seven minutes to cook in the air fryer.
• Other recommended steak cuts: Top Sirloin, KC Strip, Tenderloin, and Tri Tip.

How to season beef before air frying

Yes, you can cook beef in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season beef before air frying:

First, take your beef joint out of the fridge and pat it dry. Leave it to come to room temperature for 30 minutes. It is important to pat the beef dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy exterior. Next, check whether the joint fits into your air fryer. If you have a larger joint, you can slice it in half or cut off a piece to use for something else.

Now, you can season the beef. Mix all your seasoning ingredients together. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper, or get creative with spices and herbs. Some popular spice options include garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like rosemary, parsley, thyme, or oregano can also be used. If you want a more well-rounded flavor, marinate the beef in the refrigerator overnight. However, avoid acidic marinades for extended periods as they can affect the meat's texture.

Once your beef is seasoned, brush it all over with olive oil or another neutral oil like butter. This step helps the beef brown better during cooking. After oiling, press the seasoning mix all over the beef.

Finally, preheat your air fryer to 400°F /200°C for about 10 minutes. Use a liner in the air fryer basket (optional) and position the beef on top. Cooking the beef at a high temperature will create a lovely crust on the exterior, sealing in the juices.

And that's it! You're now ready to air fry your perfectly seasoned beef.

Air fryer temperature and timing

Air fryers are a great way to cook beef, with their consistent heat and even cooking. They are faster than traditional roasting methods and can produce a juicy, succulent roast beef with a perfectly cooked and evenly browned exterior.

Temperature and Timing:

Before cooking, it is important to bring the beef to room temperature, allowing it to sit out for 30-60 minutes. This helps the beef cook more evenly and prevents it from burning on the outside before the inside is cooked. It is also essential to pat the beef dry with paper towels and coat it with oil to promote browning.

When cooking beef in an air fryer, preheating is crucial. Preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C), for a few minutes. This helps to sear the beef quickly and lock in the juices.

The cooking time and temperature will depend on the size of the roast and the desired level of doneness. For a 2-3lb roast, cooking for 40-42 minutes at 380°F is recommended. For thicker or thinner roasts, adjust the cooking time accordingly. As a general guideline, cook a beef roast for about 20 minutes per pound of meat.

It is important to note that air fryers cook quickly, and overcooking can result in dry meat. To prevent this, use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the roast. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 125°F to 135°F, and adjust based on your desired doneness. The USDA recommends a safe minimum internal temperature of 145°F for all cuts, which will result in a medium to medium-well-done roast.

During cooking, some air fryers require you to turn over the beef halfway through, while others do not. Check your air fryer manual for specific instructions. Additionally, ensure proper air circulation by not overcrowding the air fryer basket.

Once the desired level of doneness is reached, remove the beef from the air fryer and let it rest for about 10 to 30 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful roast.

Resting the beef after air frying

After removing the beef from the air fryer, cover it loosely with foil and let it rest on a warm platter or plate for at least 10 minutes. The temperature of the beef will continue to rise slightly as it rests, so it is important to factor this into your cooking time. For example, if you are aiming for a medium-rare steak, you may want to remove it from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 130-134°F (55-57°C), as it will continue to cook and rise in temperature by about 5-7°F (2-3°C) while resting.

The resting time will also depend on the size of the cut of beef. For larger cuts, like a whole roast, allow it to rest for 20-30 minutes. This gives the muscle fibers time to relax, making each bite more tender and easier to chew. During this time, you can also use the juices that gather in the foil to make a delicious gravy.

Once the beef has rested, slice it thinly against the grain, or direction of the muscle fibers, and serve with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy your perfectly cooked, juicy, and tender air-fried beef!

Reheating and storing leftovers

When it comes to storing and reheating leftovers, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your beef stays tasty and safe to eat. Firstly, it is recommended to slice the whole roast before storing it. This makes it easier to reheat and store, and ensures the meat cools down quickly, reducing the risk of bacterial growth. Place the sliced beef in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It should keep for 3-4 days. If you want to keep it for longer, you can store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When it's time to reheat your beef, you can use either an air fryer or a microwave. If you're using an air fryer, set the temperature to 375°F and place the meat in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until warmed through. The air fryer method is quick and easy, and it ensures your beef stays tender. Alternatively, you can reheat the beef in the microwave in 30-second increments until it's heated through.

Frequently asked questions