Air Fryer Bottom Round Roast: Cooking Time Perfection

Cooking roast beef in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal for family dinners or special occasions. The cooking time will depend on the size and type of roast, with larger roasts requiring longer cooking times. A bottom round roast is a great cut of beef to use for this purpose. One recipe recommends cooking a 5-pound bottom round roast in an air fryer for about 20 minutes for each half, with a total cooking time of 40 minutes. However, it's important to adjust the cooking time based on your desired level of doneness, using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat.

Recommended temperature settings

The temperature settings for cooking bottom round roast in an air fryer depend on the size of the roast and how well you want it cooked. It is recommended to use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the roast.

If you are cooking a 5-pound bottom round roast, cut it in half so it fits in the air fryer. Then, cook each half for about 20 minutes. Set the temperature to 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 minutes to get a nicely roasted outside, and then turn the temperature down to 330 degrees Fahrenheit for the last 12 minutes. After cooking, let the roast sit for 10 to 15 minutes under a foil tent.

For a 2-pound roast, it is recommended to cook at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes, flipping the roast halfway through.

If you want your roast to be medium-rare, cook it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes, and then reduce the temperature to 250 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for another 30 minutes. The internal temperature of the roast should be 120 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare.

It is important to note that cooking at higher temperatures may result in a tougher piece of meat. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid temperatures above medium, as it will get tough.

How to prepare the roast

Preparing a bottom round roast in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Choosing the Meat

Select a suitable cut of beef for air frying. Bottom round roast is a great option, as it provides a delicious result. Other recommended cuts include top sirloin roast, prime rib roast, rump roast, and top-round roast. Avoid cheaper cuts with a lot of connective tissue, as they may require longer cooking times and are better suited for oven roasting.

Step 2: Preparing the Meat

Take your roast out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to let it come to room temperature. Pat the surface of the meat dry with a paper towel. Then, rub oil all over the roast. You can use extra virgin olive oil or any cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil or vegetable oil.

Step 3: Seasoning

In a small bowl, mix your choice of seasonings. You can use a combination of salt and pepper, along with thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder. Sprinkle this herb mixture generously all over the roast, ensuring that all sides are well coated. You can also get creative with your seasonings; for example, using more garlic powder on one half and dried basil on the other, as suggested by a Reddit user.

Step 4: Preheating the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer. Some recipes recommend preheating to 400°F/200°C for 10 minutes, while others suggest 375°F for cooking. It's important to ensure your air fryer basket is large enough for your roast; you may need to cut the meat into halves or slices to fit, but this won't significantly impact cooking time.

Step 5: Cooking the Roast

Place the seasoned roast in the air fryer basket. For a 5-pound roast, cook each half for around 20 minutes. Start at a higher temperature (390°F) for about 8 minutes to get a nicely roasted outside, then lower the temperature to 330°F for the remaining 12 minutes. This two-step process will give your roast a delicious crust while keeping the inside juicy.

Step 6: Resting and Serving

Once cooked, remove the roast from the air fryer and tent it with foil. Allow the meat to rest for 10 to 20 minutes. This crucial step lets the juices absorb back into the roast, ensuring a tender and juicy result. After resting, slice the roast against the grain and serve with your favorite sides, such as Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes, or a veggie dish. Don't forget to use the drippings from the air fryer to make a tasty gravy to accompany your meal!

How to prepare the air fryer

Preparing an air fryer for cooking is simple and can help you achieve the perfect roast. Firstly, if you are cooking proteins or vegetables, you should spritz or brush a light coat of oil onto them, followed by your desired seasonings. You can also spritz the basket of the air fryer with oil to prevent sticking. Then, place your food in the basket in an even layer across the bottom for an even bake.

If you are cooking a roast, you can rub it with oil and coat it with an herb mixture of salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder. You can also add more salt than you usually would, as well as garlic powder, basil, rosemary, or sage. Leave the roast to sit for around 30 minutes to reach room temperature before placing it in the air fryer.

If you are converting an oven recipe for an air fryer, you should reduce the temperature by 25°F and reduce the bake time by around half. You can also preheat the air fryer before placing your food inside.

Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep frying, as they use little to no oil, and can help you achieve crispy, crunchy results. They are also compact and convenient, and can be stored in a cupboard or on your countertop.

How to check if the roast is cooked

The best way to check if your roast is cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the roast to check its internal temperature.

The ideal internal temperature depends on your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare roast, aim for an internal temperature of about 125°F / 52°C, and for a medium roast, aim for 130°F / 55°C. The roast will continue to cook and the temperature will rise a few degrees while it rests, so remove the roast from the air fryer about 10 degrees before your desired level of doneness.

It is recommended to check the internal temperature of the roast with 25 minutes of cooking time left and then in 3-minute increments as it gets closer to your desired temperature. After removing the roast from the air fryer, let it rest for a minimum of 5 minutes for smaller roasts like steak, and up to 30 minutes for larger roasts. This allows the muscle fibers to relax and the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a moist and juicy roast.

In addition to using a meat thermometer, you can also check if the roast is cooked by observing its juices. When the roast is done, the juices should flow out and collect on the carving board or platter.

What to do with the juices

So, you've cooked your bottom round roast in an air fryer—what about those juices? Here are some ideas on what to do with them:

Firstly, don't skip the resting step! After cooking, let the roast rest for at least 10 minutes. This allows the muscle fibres to relax and gives the juices time to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and moist. Place the roast on a cutting board and cover it with aluminium foil to retain the heat. If you cut the meat too soon, the juices will escape, and your roast will be drier.

Now, onto the juices. You can use them to make a gravy or sauce to accompany your roast. To make a simple gravy, carefully pour the juices into a pan, leaving any sediment behind. Add flour and cook, stirring, until it turns a butterscotch colour. Then, slowly whisk in beef broth, being careful as it will bubble up quickly. Stir in some rosemary and peppercorns, then turn the heat down and whisk in cream and salt to taste. When the mixture thickens, turn off the heat, cover, and let it stand for an hour to infuse the flavours. Before serving, simmer the gravy over low heat and then strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids.

If you don't want to make a gravy, you can still enjoy those juices. One option is to dip bread in the juices—a delicious treat! Alternatively, you can use the juices as a natural au jus sauce to accompany your roast. Simply pour the juices into a gravy boat and serve them alongside your roast. This way, you can preserve the natural flavour of the juices while still enjoying a tasty sauce.

Finally, remember that the juices are a sign of a successful roast! They indicate that your meat is moist and juicy, so don't be too concerned about containing them all. Enjoy the process, and savour the delicious results.

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