Air Fryer Roasting: What You Need To Know

Air fryers are a countertop appliance that uses rapidly circulated hot air to cook and crisp food. They can be used to roast a variety of foods, including meats like beef, pork, and chicken, as well as vegetables like corn on the cob and Brussels sprouts. Roasting in an air fryer is quicker than in a conventional oven because of its compact size and efficient heat circulation. The process is similar to air frying, with a spritz of oil and desired seasonings added to the food before cooking.

Air fryer roast beef

Roast beef is a delicious meal that can be made in an air fryer in under an hour. Here is a guide on how to make it, along with some tips and tricks to ensure perfect results.

Ingredients:

You will need a roasting beef joint, preferably a good-quality cut with a little marbling of fat, such as sirloin tip roast, top round roast, or ribeye roast. Avoid cheaper cuts that require long cooking times as they are more suitable for slow cooking. You will also need olive oil or any cooking oil with a high smoke point, and seasonings like salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder.

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Take your beef joint out of the fridge, pat it dry, and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Check if it fits into your air fryer, and slice it in half if needed.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C for about 10 minutes.
• Brush the beef with olive oil and season it with salt and pepper, and any additional herbs and spices of your choice.
• Place a liner in the air fryer basket (optional). Position the beef on top and roast at a high temperature (400°F/200°C) for 10-15 minutes to create a crust.
• Reduce the temperature to 350°F/180°C, flip the beef, and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
• Check the internal temperature of the beef with a meat thermometer. For rare beef, aim for 125°F; medium-rare is 135°F; medium-well is 150°F, and well-done is 160°F.
• Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the beef from the air fryer and let it rest on a warm platter, loosely covered with foil, for 20-30 minutes.
• Slice the beef against the grain and serve with your favorite side dishes.

Tips:

• Always let your roast beef rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicy and tender meat.
• Check the internal temperature of the beef regularly to avoid overcooking.
• You can also cook frozen roast beef in the air fryer, but it is recommended to thaw it overnight in the fridge for the best results.
• Leftover roast beef can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 4 months.

Side Dishes:

• Air fryer Yorkshire puddings
• Roast potatoes
• Mashed potatoes
• Green beans
• Carrots
• Asparagus
• Classic green bean casserole
• Creamy sprouts with bacon

Enjoy your delicious air fryer roast beef with your chosen sides, and don't forget to save some leftovers for those tasty roast beef sandwiches!

Air fryer roast potatoes

Air fryers are a countertop appliance that uses rapidly circulated hot air to cook and crisp foods. They can be used to roast foods, and this can be quicker than using a traditional oven as the compact size of an air fryer means it can get to temperature much faster and use heat more efficiently.

Ingredients:

• 1 and 1/2 pounds of potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces (baby golden potatoes or Yukon Golds are recommended)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1/2 tablespoon of Italian seasoning or smoked paprika
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced, or 1/2 tablespoon of garlic powder or granules
• 1/4 cup of shredded parmesan
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

• Combine the potatoes, olive oil, Italian seasoning or smoked paprika, garlic, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese in a medium-sized bowl.
• Add the potatoes to the air fryer basket and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes.
• Toss the potatoes in the basket and continue to cook for 8-10 minutes, or until tender and crisp.
• Garnish with chopped parsley.

Tips:

• For maximum crispiness, be sure to preheat your air fryer before adding the potatoes.
• Use a spatula or spoon to turn the potatoes, as shaking the basket may cause them to break apart.
• For even cooking, cut the potatoes into uniform, same-sized pieces.
• If using starchy potatoes, soak them in cold water for 10-15 minutes before roasting to remove excess starch, and pat them dry before adding to the air fryer.

Air fryer roast chicken

Air fryers are a great alternative to traditional ovens when it comes to roasting chicken. Not only do they cook the chicken faster, but they also make the skin crispier and the meat juicier. Here is a guide on how to make delicious air-fryer roast chicken.

Ingredients

You will need a whole chicken (3-6 pounds), oil (olive or avocado), and a range of seasonings. For the seasonings, you can use a mixture of salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, rosemary, dried mixed herbs, and garlic granules.

Preparation

Before you start, check that your chicken fits in the air fryer by placing it inside. If it's a larger chicken, you may need to untie the legs or gently press the breastbone to flatten it slightly. Also, ensure the cavity of the chicken is empty and remove any giblets, which can be saved for gravy.

Take the chicken out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Pat the chicken skin dry with paper towels, and tuck the wings under.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 350°F and 400°F for about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare the seasoning by combining the spices and oil in a small bowl to make a paste. Brush or rub this mixture all over the chicken, ensuring it's evenly coated.

Place the chicken breast-side down into the air fryer basket. If your air fryer has a removable grate, consider removing it so that the breast can marinate in the juices released during cooking, resulting in juicier meat.

Cooking times will vary depending on the size of your chicken. As a guide, a 3-pound chicken will need about 40 minutes, while a 5-pound chicken will need about an hour. For a crispier skin, increase the temperature to 200°C for the final 10-15 minutes.

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to your desired level of doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F for the chicken to be considered cooked.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before carving and serving.

Tips

• When roasting chicken in the air fryer, use a light coating of seasoning to prevent the spices from burning.
• Remember to shake the basket periodically for even cooking, especially when cooking vegetables or potatoes.
• If you want to cook sides with your chicken, you can pour the chicken drippings over veggies like asparagus or cauliflower and cook them in the air fryer while the chicken rests.
• You can experiment with different seasonings to find your favorite flavor profile.

Air fryer roast pork

Air fryers are a great way to cook roast pork. The air fryer's rapid heat circulation and cooking basket that allows hot air to reach food from all angles make it perfect for roasting meats, and the compact size means it gets to temperature much more quickly than a conventional oven.

Ingredients:

• 2lb – 2.5lb boneless pork loin roast
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 ½ tsp ground mustard
• 1 tsp kosher or coarse salt
• ¼ tsp cayenne (optional)
• Olive oil

Method:

• Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl
• Coat the roast with olive oil and add the seasoning rub, massaging it into the meat
• Preheat the air fryer to 360°F for 5 minutes
• After 5 minutes, place the pork roast into the air fryer and air fry at 360°F for 45-55 minutes, turning halfway through
• The internal temperature should be 145°F – 160°F. If it hasn't reached this temperature, continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes
• Remove the pork from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving

You can also make a simple gravy by adding a cup of chicken broth to a saucepan, along with any remaining seasoning rub and juices from the roast. Simmer for 5 minutes, then slowly pour in a cornstarch slurry (2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 4 tablespoons of cold water) to thicken.

Air fryer roast lamb

Air fryers are a great alternative to ovens when it comes to roasting meat. They are more energy-efficient, economical, and quicker than ovens. Here is a guide on how to make a delicious roast lamb in an air fryer.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 leg of lamb (or other cuts such as butterflied leg or boneless shoulder)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Herbs
• Potatoes (optional)

Method:

• Take the lamb out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking and let it come to room temperature. This helps the lamb cook quickly and evenly.
• Cut the potatoes into thick wedges (if using). Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, oregano, garlic granules, and a squeeze of lemon. Toss to combine and transfer to the air fryer basket.
• Use a sharp knife to cut some slits onto the lamb skin. Push small garlic clove slices into these slits.
• Sprinkle the lamb with fresh rosemary and olive oil.
• Season the lamb with salt, pepper, and oregano, and place it in the air fryer, nestling it among the potatoes. Ensure the lamb isn't sticking up too much and fits well in the basket.
• Cook for 10 minutes at 200°C (400°F) to develop a nice crust.
• Lower the heat to 180°C (360°F) and continue cooking for approximately 30-40 minutes, or until the core meat temperature reaches 63°C/145°F for medium-rare. The cooking time will depend on the size of the lamb joint and the type of air fryer used, so it is best to use a digital thermometer to ensure the lamb is cooked to your liking.
• Check the potatoes are cooked through.
• Rest the lamb, loosely covered, for 20 minutes, then serve.

Tips:

• The best way to check if your lamb is cooked to your liking is to use a digital thermometer. Insert the probe into the thickest part of the joint, avoiding the bone.
• For a well-done roast, cook the lamb to an internal temperature of 75-80°C/167-176°F.
• If you are cooking vegetables with the lamb, they will take about 30 minutes to roast. You can put them in at the beginning and take them out halfway through, or add them to the roast 30 minutes before it should be done.

Frequently asked questions