Beef Slow-Cooked In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a convenient and quick way to cook beef, resulting in a tender and juicy roast with a beautifully caramelised crust. While it is not possible to slow cook beef in an air fryer, the appliance does allow you to cook beef to your desired doneness, whether that be medium-rare or well done, in under an hour. This makes it a great option for a quick and easy meal that can be served all year round.

Choosing the right cut of beef

Grade of Beef

The grade of beef refers to the quality and amount of marbling, which is the fat interspersed in the meat. Prime beef, with its abundant marbling, is ideal for air fryer roast beef due to its superior flavour and juiciness. However, it tends to be more expensive. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, Choice Beef is a good alternative, offering similar quality with slightly less marbling. Select Beef and lower grades are generally not recommended for air fryer roasts as they may lack flavour and juiciness.

Cooking Time

The cooking time of your roast beef in the air fryer will depend on the cut you choose. Cheaper cuts, such as stewing beef, are not ideal for air fryer roast beef because they require longer cooking times to break down their fats. For air fryer roast beef, opt for cuts that are suitable for shorter cooking times, ensuring the meat remains tender and juicy.

Size and Shape

When selecting your beef, consider the size and shape of the cut in relation to your air fryer. Choose a roast that fits comfortably in your air fryer and is relatively even in size. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect crust and juicy interior.

Popular Choices

Some popular choices for air fryer roast beef include the top round roast (also known as topside), rump roast, sirloin roast, and boneless ribeye (Scotch fillet). These cuts tend to be more expensive but offer excellent flavour and tenderness. For a more economical option, you can choose a top rump or topside, which are still delicious and suitable for family dinners.

Personal Preference

Lastly, don't be afraid to experiment and trust your personal preference. While some cuts are more traditional for roast beef, you can always choose a cut that you enjoy and adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly. Remember, the key to a successful air fryer roast beef is finding the right balance between a delicious crust and a juicy, tender interior.

Preparing the beef

Next, take the beef out of the fridge 30 minutes to one hour before cooking and let it come to room temperature. This will help the beef cook more evenly. Pat the beef dry, then season it with salt and pepper. You can also add additional seasonings such as rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, onion granules, or mustard powder. Mix your seasonings with a cooking oil such as olive oil, vegetable oil, or avocado oil, and rub the mixture all over the beef.

Now it's time to cook the beef! First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C or 375°F for 10 minutes. You can also wrap the beef in tin foil and cook it at 220°C for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 170°C and remove the foil. Place the beef in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 350°F/180°C and cook for an additional 30-40 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare roast, cook for 30 minutes, and for a medium-well done roast, cook for 40 minutes.

Cooking temperatures and timings

It is recommended to let the beef sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before cooking. This helps the beef cook more evenly. You should also pat the beef dry and season it with oil and herbs before placing it in the air fryer.

For a 2.5-pound top-round roast, cook at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes, flipping the beef halfway through.

For a 5-pound roast, one source recommends cooking at 400°F /200°C for 10 minutes, then reducing the temperature to 350°F / 180°C and cooking for a further 30 minutes. Another source recommends cooking at 220°C for 15 minutes, then reducing the temperature to 170°C and cooking for another 30 to 40 minutes.

If you are cooking a larger roast, you can cut it in half to ensure it fits in the air fryer.

The cooking time is approximately 13 minutes per pound, plus an additional 5 minutes depending on how well-done you want your beef. For a 1-pound roast, this would be 18 minutes for medium-rare.

To achieve a medium-rare interior with a caramelized crust, you should cook the beef at a high temperature to sear the exterior, then reduce the temperature to cook the beef slowly. The internal temperature for medium-rare beef should be 48 to 52°C.

After cooking, let the roast rest for 20 to 30 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and the meat to reabsorb moisture, ensuring a juicy and tender roast.

Resting the beef

During the resting period, the beef's internal temperature will continue to rise, and the juices will be reabsorbed. This process ensures the beef is moist and flavourful. Leaving the beef to rest also allows the fibres of the meat to relax, making it more tender and easier to slice.

To rest the beef, transfer the cooked joint to a board or platter and cover it loosely with foil. This will keep the beef warm without trapping in too much heat, which could continue cooking the meat.

The resting period is also a good time to prepare any side dishes or sauces to accompany the beef. For example, roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, and vegetables can be cooked in the air fryer while the beef rests.

It is important to note that the beef will continue to cook slightly during the resting period due to residual heat, so it should be taken into account when planning cooking times.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer roast beef can be served year-round and pairs well with a variety of side dishes and sauces. It is a low-carb, paleo, and whole30 meal option that can be cooked in 30 minutes or less.

For a classic Sunday roast, serve your air fryer roast beef with roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, and a variety of vegetables. If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, add a dollop of English mustard and some instant beef gravy.

If you prefer your beef in sandwich form, slice the roast beef thinly and serve it in lettuce wraps or sandwiches with crispy air fryer bacon and your choice of condiments.

For a heartier meal, consider adding a side of chicken thighs or soup, making use of cheaper cuts of beef that are better suited for stewing.

Finally, don't forget to let your roast beef rest for 20-30 minutes before slicing and serving to ensure the meat stays juicy and tender.

Frequently asked questions