Air-Fried Beef: Perfect Timing For Delicious Results

Cooking roast beef in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a tender roast with a seared finish. The air fryer's shorter cooking times bring out the flavours of higher-quality cuts of beef.

To cook roast beef in an air fryer, you'll need to preheat the air fryer, rub the beef with oil and seasonings, and then cook it at a high temperature for a few minutes to create a crust before lowering the temperature to ensure the beef doesn't dry out. The total cooking time will depend on the size and type of roast, but most recipes recommend checking the internal temperature of the beef with a meat thermometer to determine when it's done to your liking.

Letting the roast beef rest for a few minutes after cooking is also crucial to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure a juicy, tender roast.

Choosing the right cut of beef

When it comes to choosing the right cut of beef for your air fryer roast, it's important to select a good-quality joint with a little marbling of fat. Cheaper cuts that require long cooking times are not ideal for this quick cooking method and are more suitable for slow cooking in a Crockpot or Instant Pot.

Prime Beef:

The best grade of beef, with abundant marbling, making it perfect for air fryer roast beef. However, it tends to be more expensive.

Choice Beef:

While still a high-quality option, choice beef exhibits slightly less marbling than prime cuts. It is a good alternative if you don't want to spend a lot on prime beef.

Top Sirloin Roast:

A leaner cut of meat with a good amount of marbling, making it suitable for air fryer roasting.

Top Round Roast:

Also known as London broil, this cut is often recommended for air fryer roasting. However, it may be too large for some air fryers, so check the size of your air fryer before purchasing this cut.

Ribeye Roast:

A well-marbled, tender cut of beef that is perfect for air fryer roasting.

Rump Roast:

Rump roast is another option, but it may be too large for some air fryers.

Silverside Beef Joint:

This cut is recommended by some sources for air fryer roasting, and it can be cooked to your desired level of doneness.

When selecting a cut of beef, it's important to ensure that it fits in your air fryer. You may need to slice larger joints in half to make them fit. Also, look for roasts that are even in size and have a good amount of marbling for the best results.

How long to preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of roasting beef. By preheating, you create the ideal environment for the beef to sear quickly, locking in the juices and forming a delicious crust. Here's a comprehensive guide on how long to preheat your air fryer for the perfect roast beef:

Preheating Time

The standard preheating temperature for most air fryers is 400°F/200°C. It is recommended to preheat your air fryer for approximately 10 minutes to ensure it reaches the desired temperature. However, if your air fryer does not have a preheat setting, you can simply turn it on and let it run for about 5 minutes to warm up.

Preheating serves a crucial purpose in cooking roast beef. Here are a few reasons why it's essential:

• Searing and Juiciness: Preheating allows the air fryer to reach a high temperature, which is necessary for searing the beef and creating a delicious crust. This initial searing helps lock in the juices, ensuring your roast beef is juicy and flavorful.
• Even Cooking: Starting with a preheated air fryer ensures even cooking throughout the beef joint. It helps prevent overcooking or undercooking, resulting in a more consistent and delicious final product.
• Cooking Time Efficiency: By preheating your air fryer, you can reduce the overall cooking time. This is especially beneficial when you're in a time crunch or want to spend less time cooking and more time enjoying your meal with family and friends.

Tips for Preheating

• Always refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions and guidelines regarding preheating. Different models may have unique features or requirements.
• If you're cooking a larger roast that might not fit in the air fryer basket, consider slicing it into smaller portions before preheating. This ensures that the meat cooks evenly and efficiently.
• While preheating, you can prepare the beef by bringing it to room temperature, drying it with paper towels, and applying oil and seasonings.

In summary, preheating your air fryer for about 10 minutes at the recommended temperature of 400°F/200°C is crucial for achieving the best results when roasting beef. By preheating, you create the ideal environment for searing, locking in juices, and ensuring even cooking. Remember to refer to your air fryer's manual for specific instructions and always handle your roast beef with care to ensure a delicious meal.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for roasting beef in an air fryer depend on the size of the beef joint and the desired level of doneness. Most recipes recommend bringing the beef to room temperature before cooking, patting it dry, and coating it with oil and seasonings. The air fryer should be preheated to a high temperature (around 400°F/200°C) for a short time (around 5-10 minutes) to create a crust on the exterior of the beef, sealing in the juices. The temperature is then reduced to around 350°F/180°C for the remainder of the cooking time.

For a medium-rare finish, the beef should be cooked for around 35-40 minutes at this lower temperature. For a medium finish, the cooking time can be extended to 40-45 minutes. It is important to monitor the temperature and check the beef regularly during the cooking process, as air fryers can vary in performance. A meat thermometer can be used to check the internal temperature of the beef, which should reach 130-135°F for medium-rare and 140-145°F for medium.

Once the desired temperature is reached, the beef should be removed from the air fryer and allowed to rest for at least 10 minutes, and up to 30 minutes, before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a moist and tender roast.

Resting the beef

The length of time you should leave the beef to rest depends on its size. For a large roast, such as the ones used in the recipes outlined above, you should leave the meat to rest for 20 to 30 minutes. For smaller cuts of meat, such as a steak, 5 minutes should be enough.

It is also important to cover the roast while it rests. This can be done loosely with foil.

During the resting period, the roast's internal temperature will continue to rise. This is known as the "carryover cooking effect" and is intensified when cooking with intense heat sources, such as an air fryer. As such, you should be prepared for the temperature of your roast to rise by 10 to 15°C.

Finally, it is worth noting that the resting period is a great time to make a gravy if you haven't already.

What to serve with roast beef

Now that you've got your timings down for roasting beef in an air fryer, it's time to think about what to serve with it. Here are some ideas for side dishes to accompany your roast beef:

Potatoes

• Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
• Goose Fat Roast Potatoes
• Lazy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Crispy Potato Wedges
• Scalloped Potatoes
• Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes
• Gluten-Free Scalloped Potatoes
• Duchess Potatoes
• Roasted Melting Potatoes

Vegetables

• Classic Green Bean Casserole
• Quick Smashed Greek Potatoes
• Creamy Sprouts with Bacon
• Roasted Carrots with Honey & Thyme
• Roasted Vegetable Medley (Ratatouille)
• Green Beans in Tomato Sauce
• Grilled Asparagus
• Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
• Gratin Dauphinois (a French Potato Side Dish)
• Roasted Beets with Goat Cheese and Walnuts
• Maple Glazed Carrots
• Crispy Brussels Sprouts
• Roasted Artichoke Hearts Salad
• Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
• Air Fryer Asparagus Fries with Lemon Aioli Dip
• Air Fryer Mushrooms

Breads

• Yorkshire Pudding
• Air Fryer Biscuits
• Homemade Bread

Other

• Horseradish Sauce
• Halloumi Fries
• Sumac Onions
• Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad
• Summer Fruit Salad with Honey Lemon Dressing
• Caesar Salad
• Coleslaw
• Mushroom Spinach Pasta
• Alfredo Sauce
• Creamy Mushroom Pasta

Frequently asked questions