Air-Frying Beef: How Long Does It Take?

Air fryers are a convenient and quick way to cook beef. They can be used to cook a variety of beef dishes, including steak and roast beef. The time it takes to cook beef in an air fryer depends on the type of beef, the desired level of doneness, and the specific air fryer being used.

For example, a medium-rare steak that is about 1 inch thick will take around 10 minutes in the air fryer, while a well-done steak of the same thickness will take around 12 to 15 minutes. On the other hand, a roast beef weighing 2 to 3 pounds will take around 40 to 42 minutes in the air fryer.

It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the specific air fryer model and the thickness of the meat, so it's always a good idea to refer to the air fryer's instructions and use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of the beef.

How to cook a beef roast in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 2-3lb roast beef
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Meat thermometer

Optional

• Onion
• Fresh or dried herbs (e.g. rosemary and thyme)

Method

• Take the beef out of the fridge and pat it dry.
• Leave the beef to reach room temperature for 30 minutes.
• Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F.
• Baste the beef with oil and season with salt and pepper.
• Place the beef in the air fryer basket and cook for 40-42 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Check the internal temperature of the beef with a meat thermometer. Remove the beef from the air fryer when it reaches 5°F below your desired temperature.
• Let the beef rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips

• For a rare roast, aim for an internal temperature of 125°F.
• For medium-rare, aim for 135°F.
• For medium-well, aim for 150°F.
• For well-done, the internal temperature should be 160°F.
• You can add onion, garlic, and vegetables to the air fryer to cook at the same time as the beef.
• To reheat roast beef, set your air fryer to 375°F and cook for 3-5 minutes.

How long does it take to cook a steak in an air fryer

The time it takes to cook a steak in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the steak and the desired level of doneness. Here is a general guide for cooking steak in an air fryer:

Thickness of Steak:

• For a 1-inch thick steak:
• Cook for 10 minutes for a medium-rare steak, flipping the steak after 5 minutes.
• Cook for 12 minutes for a medium steak, flipping the steak after 6 minutes.
• Cook for 15-18 minutes for a well-done steak.
• For thicker or thinner steaks, adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Level of Doneness:

• Rare: 125-130°F (5-6 minutes for a 1-inch thick steak)
• Medium-Rare: 130-140°F (8-9 minutes for a 1-inch thick steak)
• Medium: 140-150°F (10 minutes for a 1-inch thick steak)
• Medium-Well: 150-155°F (11 minutes for a 1-inch thick steak)
• Well-Done: 160°F (12-13 minutes for a 1-inch thick steak)

Other Factors Affecting Cooking Time:

• It is recommended to let the steak reach room temperature before cooking, which can take about 30 minutes.
• The type of air fryer and the wattage can also affect the cooking time. Some air fryers may require flipping the steak halfway through the cooking time.
• It is important to note that the steak will continue to cook for a few minutes after being removed from the air fryer, so it is best to remove it just before it reaches the desired temperature.
• Always use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of the steak and ensure it reaches the recommended safe minimum internal temperature.

Tips for Cooking Steak in an Air Fryer:

• Choose a good-quality steak with some marbling for the best results.
• Pat the steak dry and season it with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices.
• Preheat the air fryer before adding the steak.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
• Let the steak rest for at least 5-10 minutes after cooking before slicing and serving.

How to prepare beef before air frying

Preparing your beef before air frying is an important step to ensure you get the best results. Here are some detailed instructions on how to prepare beef before air frying:

Choosing the Right Cut of Beef:

Start by selecting the right cut of beef for air frying. Look for cuts that are naturally more tender and suitable for high-heat cooking. Some good options include:

• Top Sirloin Roast
• Eye of Round Roast
• Beef Tenderloin
• Filet Mignon
• Ribeye
• New York Strip
• Tri-Tip
• Sirloin

Thickness of the Beef:

For even cooking and browning, it is recommended that the beef be at least 1 inch thick. Thinner cuts of beef may cook too quickly and won't have a chance to brown properly.

Bringing the Beef to Room Temperature:

Take the beef out of the fridge 30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. This promotes even cooking throughout the roast and helps prevent overcooking.

Patting the Beef Dry:

Use paper towels to pat the beef dry before seasoning and placing it in the air fryer. This step helps to ensure a crispy exterior and prevents the beef from steaming instead of searing.

Seasoning the Beef:

Seasoning the beef is an important step to enhance its flavour. Here are some options for seasoning:

• Oil: Use a cooking oil with a high smoke point such as vegetable oil, canola oil, olive oil, or avocado oil. Rub the oil on all sides of the beef.
• Salt and Pepper: Season the beef generously with salt and pepper to taste. You can use kosher salt or fine ground sea salt.
• Herbs and Spices: You can add additional herbs and spices to your liking. Some options include rosemary, thyme, parsley, garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning.

Preheating the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature before placing the beef inside. This initial blast of hot air is crucial for searing the beef and locking in its juices. For most recipes, preheat the air fryer to around 400°F / 200°C.

Final Preparations:

Before placing the beef in the air fryer, there are a few final preparations you can make:

• Onion: Adding an onion to the air fryer basket along with the beef can enhance its flavour. Cut the onion in half or into quarters.
• Meat Thermometer: Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the beef to monitor its internal temperature during cooking. This will help you achieve your desired level of doneness.

Now that your beef is prepared, you can place it in the air fryer and follow the cooking instructions for your desired level of doneness. Remember to let the beef rest for at least 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure maximum juiciness.

What type of beef is best for air frying

When it comes to choosing the best beef for your air fryer, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, it is recommended to opt for tender cuts of beef with a higher degree of marbling. This is because the air fryer tends to dry out the meat, so fattier cuts will result in a juicier and more flavourful dish.

Top Sirloin

Top sirloin is a tender cut of beef that is perfect for air frying. It has a good amount of marbling, which will help keep the meat moist and juicy. Top sirloin is a versatile cut that can be used for steaks, roasts, or even ground beef.

KC Strip

Also known as a New York strip steak, this cut is another excellent option for air frying. It has a bold beefy flavour and a good amount of marbling, making it juicy and tender. KC strip steaks are perfect for air frying and can be cooked to your desired doneness.

Ribeye

Ribeye steaks are well-marbled and extremely flavourful, making them a popular choice for air frying. They have a beautiful marbling of fat that keeps them moist and juicy during the cooking process. Whether you like your steak rare or well done, an air fryer can cook it to perfection.

Tenderloin

Tenderloin, or filet, is a very tender cut of beef with a mild flavour. It is leaner than some other cuts, but its tenderness makes it ideal for air frying. Tenderloin is often used for steak, but it can also be roasted or sliced for stir-fries.

Tri-Tip

Tri-tip is a triangular cut of beef from the bottom sirloin. It has a rich flavour and is fairly lean, but it's still juicy and tender. Tri-tip is perfect for air frying and can be cooked to your desired doneness.

In addition to these cuts, ground beef is also a great option for the air fryer. Just be sure to use ground beef that is no leaner than 90% to ensure the best results.

When air frying beef, it is important to note that the browning or Maillard reaction that occurs when searing a steak in a pan or grill doesn't happen in an air fryer. This means that the steak may not develop the same crust and may lose some juices during cooking. However, air frying steak is still a quick and easy way to get delicious results with less mess and healthier benefits.

How to serve air fryer beef

Air fryer beef is a quick, easy, and tasty dish to serve up for family meals or dinner parties. It's versatile, pairs well with many side dishes, and suits a range of dietary requirements.

What Type of Beef to Use

For a juicy, tender roast, choose a good-quality roasting joint with a little marbling of fat. Prime beef is the best grade, but it is expensive. Choice beef is a high-quality alternative, while select beef may be improved by marinating before cooking.

How to Cook Air Fryer Beef

Take the beef out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking and let it come to room temperature. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F/200°C and brush the beef with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, and a herb mix if desired. Place the beef in the air fryer basket and roast for 10-15 minutes. Turn the beef over, reduce the temperature to 350°F/180°C, and cook for a further 30 minutes for a 2-2.5 lbs joint.

How Long to Cook Air Fryer Beef

The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the beef and how well you want it done. A 1-inch-thick steak will take 10 minutes for medium-rare and 12 minutes for medium. A 2-3 lbs roast beef will take 40-42 minutes for medium-rare.

Air fryer beef pairs well with a range of side dishes, including:

• Roast potatoes
• Mashed potatoes
• Green beans
• Asparagus
• Yorkshire puddings
• Mustard
• Gravy

For a full meal, serve with a starchy side like potatoes, and a vegetable side like green beans or asparagus.

Storing and Reheating

Air fryer beef can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, splash with beef broth and place in the air fryer at 380°F for 3-5 minutes.

Air Fryer Beef Seasoning

The beef can be seasoned with a variety of herbs, such as rosemary and thyme. Sea salt and pepper are also recommended to bring out the flavour of the meat.

Tips for Cooking Air Fryer Beef

• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the beef and ensure it is cooked to your desired level.
• Turn the beef halfway through cooking if your air fryer model requires it.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow for even cooking.
• Pat the beef dry before cooking to help it brown better.
• Let the beef rest for at least 10 minutes after cooking to allow it to finish cooking and reabsorb its juices.

Air Fryer Beef: A Quick and Tasty Option

With its short cooking time and simple preparation, air fryer beef is a convenient and delicious option for any occasion.

Frequently asked questions