Air-Fried Roast Beef: How Long Does It Take?

Cooking roast beef in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to achieve a tender roast with a seared, flavourful crust. The air fryer's consistent cooking temperature and air circulation make it foolproof, and the shorter cooking time means you can have roast beef on the table in under an hour.

Choosing the right cut of beef

When it comes to choosing the right cut of beef for your air fryer roast beef, there are a few factors to consider. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect cut for a juicy and flavourful roast:

Type of Beef

For air frying, it is generally recommended to choose a tender cut of beef with a good amount of marbling, which is the flecks of fat within the meat. This marbling adds flavour and helps keep the meat moist during the cooking process. Look for roasts with even sizing and a good amount of marbling. Here are some specific cuts that are well-suited for air fryer roast beef:

• Prime Beef: Prime beef has the most marbling and is considered the best grade, making it perfect for air fryer roast beef. However, it tends to be more expensive.
• Choice Beef: While choice beef exhibits slightly less marbling than prime cuts, it is still a high-quality option and a good alternative if you don't want to spend as much on prime beef.
• Top Sirloin Roast: This lean and flavourful option cooks well in an air fryer, especially when cooked to medium doneness.
• Outside Round Oven Beef Roast (Bottom Round Roast or Rump Roast): This cut offers a lean texture and robust flavour. It is a healthy and economical choice and works well in an air fryer.
• Eye of Round Roast: Similar to the outside round but usually more uniform in shape, which helps it cook evenly in an air fryer. Just be sure not to overcook it to maintain tenderness.
• Beef Tenderloin: As a premium, tender cut, beef tenderloin is great for air frying, but it requires close monitoring as it can overcook quickly.
• Filet Mignon: While not a roast, filet mignon steaks are perfect if you're looking for something that cooks well under the high-heat, quick conditions of an air fryer.

Size of the Cut

When selecting your cut of beef, it's important to consider the size and ensure it fits comfortably in your air fryer basket. You may need to adjust the size of the cut or slice a larger joint in half to ensure it cooks evenly. Choose a piece of meat that is not too thick, and remember that you'll need to flip it halfway through cooking for even results.

Cooking Time and Temperature

The cooking time and temperature will depend on the size and type of roast you choose. Cheaper cuts with a lot of connective tissue will require longer cooking times and may be better suited for oven roasting or slow cookers. Air frying typically involves quick cooking at high heat, so choose cuts that are naturally more tender. Remember to preheat your air fryer and adjust the temperature as needed during cooking to ensure your roast is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Personal Preference

Lastly, consider your personal preferences. How do you like your roast beef cooked? Rare, medium-rare, medium, or well-done? Choose a cut of beef that will suit your desired doneness and follow the appropriate cooking guidelines.

Now that you've chosen the perfect cut of beef, you're ready to start cooking your delicious air fryer roast beef! Just remember to bring your beef to room temperature before cooking, season it well, and use a meat thermometer to ensure it's cooked to your liking. Enjoy your juicy and flavourful roast!

How long to cook for

The cooking time for roast beef in an air fryer depends on the size of the joint and the desired level of doneness. Here is a step-by-step guide on how long to cook roast beef in an air fryer:

Bring the Beef to Room Temperature:

Before cooking, take the beef out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature. This usually takes around 20-30 minutes. This step is important as it promotes even cooking throughout the roast.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to a high temperature, typically between 360-400°F (180-200°C). This initial blast of hot air helps sear the outer layer of the beef, locking in its juices. Most recipes recommend preheating for about 5-10 minutes.

Season the Beef:

Pat the beef dry with paper towels. Then, brush or rub the beef with oil and season it with salt and pepper. Some recipes also suggest adding herbs like rosemary and thyme, garlic powder, or onion granules for extra flavour.

Cook the Beef:

Place the seasoned beef in the air fryer basket and cook at the preheated high temperature for about 5-15 minutes. This step helps create a nice crust on the exterior of the beef. Then, reduce the temperature to around 350-360°F (180°C) and continue cooking for about 30-40 minutes for medium-rare to medium-well doneness.

It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, so it's a good idea to check the beef's internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F, and for medium, aim for 140-145°F.

Rest the Beef:

Once the desired internal temperature is reached, remove the beef from the air fryer and let it rest. Cover the beef loosely with foil and let it rest for about 10-30 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender roast.

How to prepare the beef

Preparing roast beef in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a tasty, tender roast without drying out the meat. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare the beef:

Choosing the Beef

First, select a suitable cut of beef. For air frying, which involves quick cooking at high heat, choose a naturally tender cut with a little marbling of fat. Good options include:

• Outside Round Oven Beef Roast (also known as Bottom Round Roast or Rump Roast)
• Top Sirloin Roast
• Eye of Round Roast
• Beef Tenderloin
• Prime Rib Roast
• Silverside Beef Joint
• Sirloin Tip Roast
• Top Round Roast
• Ribeye Roast

Preparing the Beef for the Air Fryer

Take the beef out of the fridge 20-30 minutes beforehand and let it come up to room temperature. Pat the beef dry with paper towels, then rub or brush it all over with oil. You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil.

Seasoning the Beef

For seasoning, you can use salt and pepper, as well as herbs like rosemary and thyme. You can also add onion granules, garlic powder, and mustard powder. Mix the seasonings and herbs in a bowl, then coat the beef with this mixture. Alternatively, press or roll the beef onto a plate with the seasoning mix.

Cooking the Beef in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to a high temperature—around 400°F/200°C. Place the beef in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-15 minutes to create a crust and seal in the juices. Then, reduce the temperature to around 350°F/180°C and cook for another 30-40 minutes. If your air fryer requires it, flip the beef halfway through.

Checking Doneness and Resting the Beef

To check if the beef is done to your liking, use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. The temperature will depend on how well done you want your beef:

• Rare: 120-125°F (red center)
• Medium-rare: 130-135°F (red center with some pink)
• Medium: 140-145°F (pink center)
• Medium well: 150°F (center slightly pink)
• Well done: 160°F (no pink)

Once the beef is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and cover it loosely with foil. Let the beef rest for 10-30 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender roast.

What temperature to cook at

The cooking temperature for your roast beef in an air fryer will depend on the level of doneness you want to achieve.

If you want your roast beef to be medium-rare, you should cook it at 360°F/180°C for around 30-40 minutes. If you want it to be medium, cook it at the same temperature for around 40 minutes. For medium-well done, you can either cook it at 180°C for 40 minutes or 360°F for 35 minutes.

Some recipes suggest starting at a higher temperature of 400°F/200°C for the first 5-10 minutes to create a crust, before reducing the temperature to 360°F/180°C for the remainder of the cooking time.

It is important to note that cooking times and temperatures may vary depending on the size and type of roast you are using, as well as the model of your air fryer. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.

To check if your roast beef is cooked to your desired level of doneness, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be 130-135°F; for medium, 135-145°F; for medium-well, 145-155°F; and for well-done, 155°F and above.

Remember to let your roast beef rest for at least 10 minutes after cooking, as this will allow the juices to redistribute and result in a juicier and more tender roast.

How to serve

There are several ways to serve roast beef cooked in an air fryer. Here are some suggestions:

Side Dishes

• Potatoes: Air fryer roast potatoes, goose fat roast potatoes, air fryer baked potatoes, air fryer sweet potato wedges, air fryer potato wedges, or scalloped potatoes.
• Vegetables: Green beans, steamed and buttered baby carrots, roasted cauliflower, crispy Brussels sprouts with bacon, roasted lemon garlic asparagus, or roasted fennel.
• Yorkshire puddings
• Classic green bean casserole
• Quick smashed Greek potatoes
• Creamy sprouts with bacon
• Gravy

Sauces

• Horseradish sauce
• Wholegrain mustard

Other

• Salads
• Sandwiches
• Fajitas

Frequently asked questions