Air-Fried Roast Beef: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Treat

Air fryer roast beef is a quick and easy way to get a delicious roast on the table in under an hour. It's perfect for busy at-home chefs and those who want to spend less time cooking and more time with their families.

This method of cooking delivers a tender, juicy roast with a mouthwatering crispy crust. It's also a budget-friendly option, requiring just a handful of simple ingredients.

So, if you're looking for a simple yet spectacular dish to satisfy your guests' taste buds, air fryer roast beef is a great choice!

Choosing the right cut of beef

Type of Beef

For air fryer roast beef, it is recommended to use a good-quality roasting joint with a little marbling of fat. This cooking method works best with tender cuts of beef that cook quickly. Some popular options include:

• Topside (top-round roast)
• Rump roast
• Sirloin roast
• Boneless ribeye (scotch fillet)
• Rolled rib roast
• Beef joint

These cuts are ideal because they are tender and flavorful, producing juicy and tender meat. Leaner options like sirloin are also suitable, but tougher cuts like bottom round, silverside, or chuck roast are less ideal and require slower cooking methods to become tender.

Budget and Availability

The right cut of beef may also depend on your budget and what is available to you. For example, ribeye and sirloin roasts may be more expensive, so if you're on a tighter budget, a topside or rump roast could be a more affordable option.

Size of the Beef Joint

Consider the size of your air fryer when choosing the size of the beef joint. You want to ensure that the joint fits comfortably in your air fryer with space for air circulation. If you have a larger joint, you may need to slice it in half to fit properly.

Personal Preference

Everyone has unique taste preferences, so consider what you like best when choosing the cut of beef. Some people prefer the marbling and flavor of a ribeye, while others might opt for a leaner cut like sirloin. You can also ask your local butcher for recommendations and advice based on your preferences.

Cooking Time

Since the cooking time in an air fryer is relatively short, it is advisable to use the most tender cut of beef that your budget allows. Tougher cuts require longer cooking times to become tender, so they are better suited to slower cooking methods or cooking in a Crockpot or Instant Pot.

In summary, when selecting the right cut of beef for air fryer roast beef, opt for tender, flavorful cuts like topside, rump roast, sirloin, or ribeye. Consider your budget, the size of the joint, and your personal taste preferences. Remember that the cooking time in an air fryer is shorter, so choose a cut that will yield tender and juicy results.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for your roast beef will depend on the size of your beef and your desired doneness. As a rule of thumb, estimate the cooking time as follows:

• Rare: 13 mins per lb / 15 mins per 500g
• Medium: 18 mins per lb / 20 mins 500g
• Well-done: 23 mins per lb / 25 mins per 500g

However, these are just estimates, and the exact cooking times will depend on the size and shape of the beef joint and the model of your air fryer. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure your roast beef is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

• Rare: 120-125°F (red centre)
• Medium rare: 130-135°F (red centre with some pink)
• Medium: 140-145°F (pink centre)
• Medium well: 150°F (centre only slightly pink)
• Well done: 160°F (no pink)

To achieve a perfect crust while maximising the pink and juicy interior, it is important to cook the roast beef hot initially and then lower the temperature to cook it slowly. This can be done by preheating the air fryer to a high temperature (around 400°F / 200°C) and then lowering the temperature to 300°F / 150°C - 350°F / 180°C after the first 10-15 minutes.

The total cooking time for a roast beef in an air fryer is typically around 40-50 minutes, depending on the size of the beef and the desired doneness. It is important to monitor the internal temperature and remove the roast beef a few degrees before it reaches the desired temperature, as the temperature will continue to rise while the meat is resting.

After cooking, it is crucial to let the roast beef rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a tender and juicy roast beef.

How to serve air fryer roast beef

There are many ways to serve air fryer roast beef. Here are some suggestions:

• With a side of roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, gravy, and steamed vegetables.
• With a mound of creamy mashed potatoes, mushroom gravy, and green beans or Brussels sprouts.
• Thinly sliced and piled on a crusty roll with horseradish sauce, sharp cheddar cheese, and rocket/arugula leaves.
• On a bed of mixed greens with blue cheese, cherry tomatoes, and red onion, drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette.
• With Air Fryer Green Beans, Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Ninja Foodi Baked Potato, or Roasted Carrots and Asparagus.

You can also serve it with any fresh vegetables of your choice.

Storing and reheating

Firstly, it is important to note that roast beef can be eaten cold, so you do not necessarily need to reheat it. If you do wish to eat it hot, however, there are a few ways to go about it.

Storing

Leftover roast beef should be sliced and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for 3-4 days. You can also store it in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat your roast beef, you can use your air fryer. Set the temperature to 350°F (180°C) and place the slices of beef in the basket. Cook for 1-2 minutes in the air fryer or 3-5 minutes if you want it well done, until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second increments.

Seasoning

• Bring the beef to room temperature before seasoning and cooking. This helps the meat cook more evenly and prevents it from burning on the outside before the inside is cooked.
• Use a combination of herbs, oil, and salt to season the beef. You can use fresh or dried herbs such as rosemary and thyme, or other herbs like oregano, sage, or parsley.
• If using fresh rosemary, finely chop the leaves before using them.
• For the oil, choose an option with a high smoke point, such as olive oil, vegetable oil, avocado oil, or grapeseed oil.
• It is important to season the beef with salt to bring out its flavour. Fine ground sea salt or kosher salt are good options, and you should use approximately half a teaspoon per pound/500g of beef.
• You can also add black pepper to taste.
• Mix the herbs, salt, and oil together on a plate, and then roll the beef in the mixture until it is evenly coated.
• For extra flavour, add an onion to the air fryer basket with the beef. Cut the onion in half or into quarters.
• If desired, use a pre-made steak seasoning or instant seasoning mix.
• Remember to pat the beef dry with paper towels before applying the seasoning. This helps ensure a crispy exterior.

Frequently asked questions