Air Fryer Pot Roast: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a great alternative to cooking a pot roast in the oven or slow cooker. The air fryer's convection power helps the roast develop a beautiful crust and juicy centre. It's also a great time-saving option, as it usually takes half the time of cooking a roast in the oven.

To make a pot roast in an air fryer, you'll need a roast (chuck roast is a popular choice), oil, seasoning, and vegetables (if desired). The roast should be thawed and brought to room temperature before cooking. It's also recommended to marinate the roast for optimal flavour and tenderness.

Once the roast is prepared, preheat the air fryer and place the roast inside, searing the outside first. Then, add your vegetables and cook until the roast is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Air fryer pot roast cooking times and temperatures

Yes, you can put a pot roast in an air fryer. Cooking a pot roast in an air fryer is easy, quick, and delicious. The beef cooks together with vegetables and gravy in a fraction of the time it would take in your oven.

Cooking Times and Temperatures

• Take the beef out of the fridge for 20 minutes before cooking. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and mixed herbs.
• Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
• Place the beef joint in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes at 350°F (180°C).
• Drizzle your vegetables with olive oil, season well, and sprinkle with a beef stock cube.
• Place the beef joint on top of the vegetables, then place the container in the air fryer basket.
• Cook for 20 minutes, then start checking with a meat thermometer to ensure it has cooked to your liking. For example, for rare beef, the internal temperature should be 125°F (51°C).
• Cover the beef loosely with foil and leave it to rest. Continue cooking the vegetables for a further 20 minutes or until tender.
• Slice the beef and arrange it with the vegetables on a platter. Serve with a generous drizzle of gravy.

Tips

• Check the beef earlier than you think. You can always cook it for a bit longer if necessary, but you can't do anything once it is overcooked.
• The cooking time will depend on the size of the beef joint and the type of air fryer you use.
• It is best to use an instant-read thermometer to check if your beef is cooked to your liking.

Air fryer pot roast ingredients

Yes, you can put a pot roast in an air fryer! Here are the ingredients you'll need to make an air fryer pot roast:

Ingredients:

• Beef roast: A 2-3 pound top roast or chuck roast is ideal.
• Oil: Olive oil, avocado oil, or any other oil of your choice.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, mixed herbs, and your favourite steak seasoning.
• Vegetables: Baby carrots, baby potatoes, shallots or onions, and any other root vegetables you like.
• Braising liquid: Red wine or beef broth/stock.
• Extras: Soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, redcurrant jelly or cranberry sauce, brown sugar, and bay leaves.

Instructions:

• Take the beef roast out of the fridge 20-30 minutes before cooking and let it come to room temperature. Drizzle with oil and season with salt, pepper, and mixed herbs.
• Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F.
• Place the beef roast in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-15 minutes to sear the outside.
• Meanwhile, prepare your vegetables by drizzling with oil, seasoning with salt and pepper, and sprinkling with beef stock cube or crumbled bouillon.
• In a deep container, combine your braising liquid (red wine or beef broth) with soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, redcurrant jelly or cranberry sauce, brown sugar, and bay leaves. Stir to dissolve the jelly.
• Place the seasoned vegetables in the container with the braising liquid.
• Remove the beef roast from the air fryer and place it on top of the vegetables in the container.
• Put the container back into the air fryer basket and cook for 20-40 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the beef roast.
• Once the beef roast is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and cover loosely with foil to rest.
• Continue cooking the vegetables for another 20 minutes or until tender.
• Slice the beef and arrange it with the vegetables on a platter. Don't forget to drizzle the delicious gravy over everything!

Air fryer pot roast side dishes

There are a variety of side dishes that go well with an air fryer pot roast. Here are some ideas to complement your meal:

• Mashed potatoes: Light and fluffy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with the juicy pot roast. You can also substitute regular potatoes with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Scalloped potatoes: For a creamy and indulgent side dish, try making scalloped potatoes. They are sure to be a crowd-pleaser and complement the flavours of the roast beef.
• Green beans: Steamed green beans are a simple and healthy option. If you want to take it up a notch, try making a green bean casserole with crispy onions.
• Roasted vegetables: Carrots, asparagus, fennel, or broccoli roasted in the air fryer make for delicious and healthy sides. You can season them with herbs and spices of your choice.
• Yorkshire puddings: These are a classic side dish to serve with roast beef. They are light, crispy, and can be made in the air fryer as well.
• Gravy: A good gravy can elevate your pot roast meal. You can make a rich and flavourful gravy using the pot roast juices, beef broth, herbs, and spices.
• Horseradish sauce: A creamy horseradish sauce is a perfect accompaniment to your pot roast, adding a spicy and tangy flavour to your meal.

Feel free to choose one or two sides or get creative and experiment with your own combinations!

Air fryer pot roast marinade

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients for your marinade:

• Orange juice
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Worcestershire sauce
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Mixed herbs
• Beef stock cube
• Red wine
• Soy sauce
• Worcestershire sauce
• Redcurrant jelly
• Brown sugar
• Bay leaves

Method

• Combine orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
• Pour the marinade over the roast or place the meat and marinade in a resealable plastic bag.
• Marinate the roast for 8-24 hours in the fridge.
• Before air frying, sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over the roast.
• Place the roast in the air fryer basket and cook for 30 minutes at 400º Fahrenheit, flipping the roast halfway through.
• Allow the roast to rest for at least three minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips

• Always check the temperature of your meat with a meat thermometer.
• If you are cooking vegetables with your roast, you may need to adjust the cooking time or cook them separately.
• You can use a baking dish or a gallon bag to marinate your meat.

Air fryer pot roast doneness

Air fryer pot roast is a quick and easy way to cook a delicious roast beef dinner. The air fryer's consistent heat and even cooking make it a foolproof method for achieving a juicy roast with a crispy exterior.

Choosing the Right Cut of Beef

The best cuts of beef for air frying are naturally tender and can handle quick cooking at high heat without drying out. Top sirloin roast, prime rib roast, and rump roast are ideal choices due to their tenderness and marbling. Leaner cuts like eye of round can also be used but require extra care to avoid overcooking.

Preparing the Beef

Before air frying, it is essential to bring the beef to room temperature by letting it sit out for 20-30 minutes. This promotes even cooking and allows the juices to redistribute. Drizzle or rub the beef with oil and season generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like mixed herbs, steak seasoning, or garlic powder.

Cooking the Beef

Preheat your air fryer to a high temperature, typically between 380-400°F. Place the seasoned beef in the air fryer basket and cook for about 10 minutes to create a crust that seals in the juices.

Then, reduce the temperature to around 325-360°F and continue cooking for 20-30 minutes. The total cooking time will depend on the size of the beef and your desired doneness. It is recommended to cook the beef to about 5°F below your desired temperature, as it will continue to cook while resting.

Checking for Doneness

The best way to ensure your pot roast is cooked to your liking is to use a meat thermometer. For rare beef, aim for an internal temperature of 125°F; for medium-rare, 130-135°F; for medium, 135-145°F; for medium-well, 145-155°F; and for well-done, 155°F and above.

Resting the Beef

After removing the beef from the air fryer, it is crucial to let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This allows the muscle fibers to relax and the juices to redistribute, resulting in a tender and moist roast.

Serving the Pot Roast

Air fryer pot roast is typically served with vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and shallots, which can be cooked alongside the beef in the air fryer. It is often accompanied by a flavorful gravy made with the pot roast juices.

Tips for Success

• Choose the right cut of beef that is suitable for air frying and fits comfortably in your air fryer basket.
• Pat the beef dry before seasoning to promote a crispy exterior.
• Preheat your air fryer to ensure a good sear on the beef.
• Monitor the cooking time closely, especially towards the end, to avoid overcooking.
• Always let the beef rest after cooking to retain moisture and ensure a juicy roast.

Frequently asked questions