Air-Frying A Roast: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a convenient and quick way to cook a roast. Cooking a roast in an air fryer is much faster than cooking it in an oven, taking about half the time. It is also a low-fuss method that ensures perfect roast beef every time. The air fryer's consistent heat and even cooking make it a foolproof way to cook a roast.

To cook a roast in an air fryer, it is recommended to use a tender cut of beef with a bit of marbling, such as a top sirloin roast, prime rib roast, rump roast, or top-round roast. The size and type of roast will impact the cooking time. It is important to note that the air fryer's quick, high-heat method is not suitable for tougher cuts like chuck roast or brisket, which need long, slow cooking to become tender.

The steps to cook a roast in an air fryer are simple:

1. Remove the roast from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature.

2. Preheat the air fryer.

3. Pat the surface of the roast dry and rub with oil.

4. Season the roast with a mixture of salt, pepper, and herbs.

5. Place the roast in the air fryer basket and cook at a high temperature for a few minutes to create a crust.

6. Reduce the temperature and cook for an additional 30-40 minutes, depending on your desired doneness.

7. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the roast.

8. Remove the roast from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Some recommended side dishes to serve with air fryer roast beef include roast potatoes, mashed potatoes, green beans, carrots, and asparagus.

Choosing the right cut of meat

Versatility of Roast Beef

Roast beef is a versatile dish, and almost any cut of beef can be used, depending on your preferences and budget. The cooking method, whether it's slow roasting, air frying, or another technique, will also impact the choice of cut.

Factors to Consider

When choosing a cut of meat for a roast, there are several factors to consider:

• Tender vs. Tough Cuts: Tender cuts like sirloin or tenderloin are ideal for air frying as they can handle quick cooking at high heat without drying out. Tougher cuts like chuck roast or brisket are better suited for slow cooking methods to break down the connective tissues and create a tender result.
• Fat Content: Fat content plays a crucial role in keeping the meat moist and juicy. Leaner cuts like eye of round or top round are more prone to drying out and require careful cooking to maintain tenderness. Cuts with marbling (intramuscular fat) or a fat cap will help keep the meat moist and flavourful.
• Cooking Time: Different cuts of meat have varying cooking times. For air frying, a roast that fits comfortably in the basket with some space for air circulation is ideal. Larger cuts may be better suited for traditional oven roasting.
• Budget: Your budget will also influence your choice of cut. More expensive cuts like prime rib or tenderloin offer a luxurious dining experience but come at a higher cost. Cheaper cuts, such as chuck roast or rump roast, can be just as delicious when prepared correctly.

Recommended Cuts for Air Frying

• Top Sirloin Roast: This lean, flavourful, and naturally tender cut is an excellent choice for air frying. It typically fits well in an air fryer and cooks beautifully to medium or medium-rare.
• Eye of Round Roast: This economical and uniform cut is ideal for even cooking in an air fryer. As it is lean, care must be taken not to overcook it to maintain tenderness.
• Beef Tenderloin: Beef tenderloin, or filet mignon, is exceptionally tender and ideal for air frying. However, it cooks quickly, so close monitoring is necessary to avoid overcooking.
• Prime Rib Roast: Prime rib roast is a well-marbled cut with intramuscular fat that renders the meat juicy and tender. It can be cooked to a higher internal temperature without sacrificing tenderness, making it a worthwhile splurge.
• Rump Roast: Rump roast, also known as bottom round or outside round, has a great beefy flavour but can be tough due to its lean texture. It is best cooked rare to medium-rare and sliced thinly against the grain.

Tips for Choosing the Right Cut

When selecting the right cut of meat for a roast, consider the following:

• Ask your local butcher for recommendations if you're unsure. They can guide you towards the best cut for your specific needs and budget.
• Look for a marbled piece of meat with a nice outer layer of fat. This will help keep the roast moist and flavourful.
• Consider the size of the roast and ensure it fits comfortably in your air fryer with some space for air circulation.
• Choose a tender cut of meat if you're short on time, as tougher cuts require slower cooking methods to break down connective tissues.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for your roast in an air fryer will depend on the size of your roast, the type of air fryer you have, and your desired level of doneness.

As a rule of thumb, cooking times are as follows:

• Rare: 13 minutes per pound
• Medium: 18 minutes per pound
• Well-done: 23 minutes per pound

However, it's important to use a meat thermometer to ensure your roast is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

For a medium-rare roast, aim for an internal temperature of 125°F. For medium, aim for 130°F, and for medium-well, aim for 145°F.

When cooking your roast in the air fryer, it's best to start by searing the outside of the roast at a high temperature (around 400°F) for 10 minutes to create a delicious crust. Then, lower the temperature to around 350°F and cook for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until your desired level of doneness is reached.

It's important to let your roast come to room temperature before cooking, which usually takes around 30 minutes. Additionally, make sure to pat the roast dry and brush it with oil before seasoning and placing it in the air fryer.

When your roast is finished cooking, be sure to let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving to allow the juices to reabsorb.

Resting the meat

When cooking a roast in an air fryer, it is recommended to let the meat rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving it. During this time, the roast should be covered in aluminum foil to keep it warm.

The resting period also allows the internal temperature of the meat to rise by about 10-15°F. This is important to consider when checking the doneness of the roast with a meat thermometer. For example, if you are aiming for a medium-rare roast, you should remove it from the air fryer when the internal temperature reaches 130-135°F, as it will continue to cook while resting and will reach the final temperature of 135-140°F.

Additionally, the resting period gives you time to prepare any side dishes or sauces to accompany your roast. Some side dish options include roasted potatoes, carrots, asparagus, green beans, or broccoli.

Finally, resting the meat makes it easier to slice, as it allows the muscle fibers to relax, resulting in more tender and juicy slices of meat.

In summary, resting the meat after air frying is crucial for ensuring a flavorful, tender, and juicy roast that is easier to slice and serve.

How to serve roast beef

Choosing the Right Cut of Meat

Air frying works best with tender cuts of beef that can withstand quick cooking at high heat without drying out. Opt for cuts like top sirloin or tenderloin for the juiciest, melt-in-your-mouth results. Leaner cuts like eye of round will need extra care to stay tender.

Preparing the Meat

Take your roast beef out of the fridge and pat it dry with a paper towel. Let the beef sit out for 30-60 minutes to bring it to room temperature, which promotes even cooking. Brush or rub the beef with oil, and season with salt and pepper. You can also add herbs like thyme and rosemary, and spices like garlic powder, for extra flavour.

Cooking the Meat

Preheat your air fryer to a high temperature (around 400°F). Place the roast in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-15 minutes to create a seared crust on the outside. Then, reduce the heat to around 350-360°F and cook for an additional 30-40 minutes, flipping the roast halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the beef, aiming for 5 degrees under your desired level of doneness. Rare beef is around 125°F, while well-done beef is 160°F.

Resting the Meat

Once the roast beef has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest on a cutting board for at least 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and moist.

Slicing and Serving the Meat

Before slicing the roast beef, make sure to slice against the grain (the direction of the muscle fibres) to shorten the fibres and make the meat more tender. Serve the roast beef with sides like mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, green beans, or carrots. Don't forget to enjoy!

Storing and reheating roast beef

Storing Roast Beef:

• Allow the roast beef to cool to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator.
• Store the roast beef in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic/aluminium foil.
• Refrigerate for up to 3-5 days.
• For longer storage, freeze the roast beef in a freezer-safe container for up to 4 months.

Reheating Roast Beef:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-375°F (175-190°C).
• Place the roast beef slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Reheat for 3-5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the slices.
• Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
• Remove the roast beef from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Optimal Reheating:

• Thinly slice the roast beef before reheating to ensure even heating.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation.
• Reheat in batches if necessary to ensure even heating.
• Add a small amount of moisture to the air fryer during reheating to prevent dryness.
• Cover the roast beef with foil during the initial stages of reheating to retain moisture.

Frequently asked questions