Pot Roast Perfection: Air Fryer Style

Air fryers have become a popular alternative to traditional ovens, and for good reason. They can cook food in a fraction of the time, and produce a crispy exterior crust that adds divine flavour. But can you make a pot roast in an air fryer? The answer is yes!

A pot roast is typically cooked in a covered pot with some sort of braising liquid, or in a slow cooker. However, it is possible to achieve a similar result in an air fryer. By marinating the meat beforehand and cooking it at a high temperature, you can get a tender, juicy pot roast with a crispy exterior.

The key to a successful air fryer pot roast is the marinade. A good marinade will add flavour and help to tenderise the meat. It is also important to let the meat come to room temperature before cooking, and to preheat the air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the size of the roast and the type of air fryer, but it generally takes around 30 minutes to cook a pot roast in an air fryer.

So, if you're looking for a quick and easy way to get a delicious pot roast on the table, don't be afraid to give your air fryer a go!

Marinating the beef

To prepare the marinade, combine orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir the mixture until the sugar is dissolved. You can also add other ingredients like coffee, garlic powder, onion powder, or olive oil. Once the marinade is ready, pour it over the beef chuck roast, ensuring that the meat is fully coated. Place the marinated beef in the refrigerator and let it rest for at least 30 minutes, turning the meat every 10 minutes or so to ensure even coating.

After marinating, sprinkle salt and pepper over the roast to enhance its flavour. Ensure that both sides of the roast are adequately seasoned for balanced seasoning throughout the dish. Place the seasoned roast in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 400°Fahrenheit. Cook the roast for about 30 minutes, flipping it halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning on both sides.

Once the roast is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for at least three minutes before slicing it into thick cuts. This resting period allows the meat to retain its juices, making it more tender and juicy.

Cooking the roast

The key to a good pot roast is the marinade. A good marinade is packed with flavour and helps to tenderise the meat. A simple marinade can be made by combining orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. You can also add in some olive oil, salt, pepper, and mixed herbs. Leave the beef to marinate for at least 8 hours, but preferably 24 hours.

Before cooking, take the beef out of the fridge for 20 minutes to half an hour to let it come up to room temperature. Drizzle with olive oil and season well with salt, pepper, and mixed herbs.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Place the beef joint in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes.

While the beef is cooking, prepare your vegetables. Drizzle with olive oil, season well, and sprinkle with a beef stock cube. You can use any root vegetables, but carrots, potatoes, and shallots are a great combination.

For the braising liquid, pour red wine, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce into a deep container. Add redcurrant jelly, brown sugar, and bay leaves. Stir to dissolve the jelly, then add the seasoned vegetables.

Place the beef joint on top of the vegetables and put the container in the air fryer basket. Cook for 20 minutes, then start checking the beef with a meat thermometer. You're aiming for an internal temperature of 125-130°F (52-54°C) for medium-rare, or 135-140°F (57-60°C) for medium.

Once the beef is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and cover it loosely with foil. Leave it to rest for 10-15 minutes. This will allow the meat to relax and make it easier to slice.

While the beef is resting, check that the vegetables are cooked. If they need a little longer, put them back in the air fryer for another 10-20 minutes.

Slice the beef against the grain and serve with the vegetables and a generous drizzle of gravy.

Resting the meat

After cooking the beef in the air fryer, it is recommended to transfer it to a platter or cutting board and cover it loosely with foil. The meat should then be allowed to rest for at least 10 minutes, but preferably 20 minutes. This resting period gives the meat time to relax, making it easier to slice and ensuring that the juices are retained.

While the meat is resting, you can continue cooking the vegetables in the pot roast or prepare any side dishes. Once the resting time has passed, you can slice the beef and arrange it with the vegetables on a platter, ready to be served.

It is important not to skip the resting step, as it helps ensure the meat is juicy and tender.

Cooking vegetables

Air fryers are a great way to cook vegetables, offering a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare a variety of veggies with minimal oil and calories. Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking vegetables in an air fryer:

Preparation:

First, select your vegetables. Almost any vegetables can be cooked in an air fryer, but root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and beets may take longer to cook. Tender veggies like zucchini, asparagus, and peppers are good options too. You can also use frozen vegetables, adding them directly to the air fryer without thawing, as they contain extra surface moisture.

Next, wash and peel the vegetables as needed, and cut them into uniform, bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch/2 cm thick. This ensures even cooking. Soaking the veggies in cold water for 5-30 minutes is recommended to remove starch and make them crunchier, especially for root vegetables. After soaking, pat the vegetables dry with a kitchen towel to prevent steaming in the air fryer.

Seasoning:

Place the vegetables in a large bowl and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil or another high-smoke-point cooking oil like vegetable, corn, or avocado oil. Use about 3 tablespoons of oil for every 4 cups of vegetables.

Add your desired seasonings to the bowl and toss to coat the vegetables evenly. You can season simply with salt and pepper, or try other options like garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or any other spice blend you like. You can also add whole garlic cloves to the air fryer for extra flavor. Use about 2 teaspoons of seasoning per pound/500g of veggies.

Cooking:

Preheat your air fryer to 360-375°F (180°C). If cooking a mix of tender and firm vegetables, place the firm veggies in the air fryer basket first, as they will take longer to cook. Add the tender veggies after about 5 minutes.

Arrange the vegetables in a single layer to avoid overcrowding, as this will cause steaming instead of browning. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Cook the vegetables for a total of 10-20 minutes, tossing or shaking the basket every 5 minutes to redistribute and ensure even cooking. The veggies are done when they are tender and golden brown with crispy edges.

Serving:

Air fryer vegetables go well as a side dish or can be added to soups, stews, curries, or salads. They are best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days and reheated in the air fryer, microwave, or oven. Note that reheated veggies may lose some of their crunch.

You can also top the veggies with herb butter, truffle or chili oil, balsamic vinegar, Parmesan or feta cheese, or a squeeze of lemon or lime juice for extra flavor.

Enjoy your crispy, healthy, and delicious air-fried vegetables!

Carving the roast

Firstly, it is crucial to let the roast rest before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavourful. Cover the roast loosely with foil and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes.

Now, you are ready to start slicing. Position the roast horizontally on the cutting board and use a meat fork or tongs to hold it securely in place. Using a sharp chef's knife, begin slicing against the grain. This means cutting perpendicular to the lines of muscle fibres. Cutting against the grain ensures that each slice is tender and easy to chew.

Start with thin slices, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick, and continue until you have the desired amount of meat. If your roast has a layer of fat on top, you can choose to trim it off before slicing or leave it for added flavour and juiciness.

Once you have finished carving, it's time to plate your roast. Arrange the slices on a serving platter and, for an elegant touch, garnish with fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme. Consider serving the pot roast slices with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a side salad. Remember, presentation is key, so take your time to create a visually appealing dish.

With these steps, you'll be a pot roast carving expert in no time!

Frequently asked questions