Air-Fried Beef Joint: A Quick, Crispy Delight

how to cook a beef joint in an air fryer

Cooking a beef joint in an air fryer is a great way to achieve a tasty roast with a browned crust and a juicy, pink interior. This method is perfect for those who want to simplify their cooking process without compromising on taste and is also a good option when you don't want to heat up your kitchen by turning on the oven. Air fryers are smaller than ovens, cook food quicker, and use less energy.

Characteristics Values
Preparation Remove netting, pat dry, and rub oil and seasoning all over the beef joint.
Temperature Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) or higher if possible.
Cooking Time 10 minutes at 200°C, then reduce to 170°C-180°C (350°F) for 30-40 minutes, depending on desired doneness.
Resting Leave the beef to rest for 20-30 minutes before serving.
Doneness Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 135°F (57°C); for medium, 145°F (63°C); and for well-done, 160°F (71°C).
Reheating Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 175°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes.

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Choosing the right cut of beef

When selecting a cut of beef, it is important to consider the size of the joint and the capacity of your air fryer. The joint should be small enough to fit into the air fryer basket without touching the sides or top for even cooking. Joints of meat tend to expand as they cook, so ensure there is ample clearance in the air fryer with the door closed.

Different cuts of beef offer varying levels of flavour, texture, and tenderness. Popular choices for roasting include topside, silverside, rump, rib eye, and sirloin. Topside and silverside are often sold interchangeably in the UK and are labelled as "beef roasting joint". Topside is considered slightly more tender than silverside. Rump, a traditional roast beef cut, is lean and flavourful but can be tough, so it is best cooked slowly at lower temperatures. Sirloin is a tender cut, and the top cut is the most tender part. For a fattier option, consider chuck roast, which is cut from the cow's shoulder and has a high ratio of fat to meat.

For a well-marbled yet lean cut with a robust beefy flavour, try tri-tip. This cut is gaining popularity and is more affordable than other options. Prime rib is another popular choice for roast beef, offering a well-marbled, full-flavoured, and tender roast.

Ultimately, the choice of beef cut depends on personal preference and your desired level of doneness.

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Preparing the beef joint

Firstly, select the right cut of beef. While this depends on personal preference, some popular choices include topside, silverside, rump, rib eye, and sirloin. Ensure you choose a good-quality roasting joint with a little marbling of fat, as cheaper cuts may require longer cooking times and are less suitable for air frying.

Next, take your beef joint out of the fridge about 20 to 30 minutes before cooking. This step is important as it allows the beef to come to room temperature, resulting in more even cooking. If your joint has netting, remove it, but if it has string, you can keep it on. Use kitchen paper to pat the beef dry and remove any excess moisture.

Now it's time to season the beef. Generously rub the joint with a blend of seasonings, such as salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and your favourite herbs. You can also use dried herbs like rosemary and thyme or an herb seasoning mix. Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different combinations.

After seasoning, drizzle or brush the beef joint with oil. You can use vegetable oil or olive oil, whichever you prefer. Make sure to coat the joint evenly, including the underneath and ends. This step will help create a delicious crust and seal in the juices.

Finally, check that your beef joint fits comfortably in the air fryer basket with enough clearance. Joints of meat tend to expand as they cook, so ensure there is enough room for proper air circulation. If you have a smaller air fryer or a larger joint, consider slicing the joint in half or removing the crisper rack to create more space.

By following these steps, you will have a well-prepared beef joint ready for cooking in your air fryer!

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Cooking the beef joint

Firstly, take your beef joint out of the fridge and pat it dry with kitchen paper to remove any excess moisture. Leave it to come to room temperature for 20-30 minutes. This will allow the beef to cook more evenly.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C for 10 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, brush the beef all over with olive oil or vegetable oil and season with salt and pepper. You can also add dried herbs such as rosemary and thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, or onion granules and mustard powder.

Once the air fryer has preheated, place the seasoned beef joint in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-15 minutes. This will help to sear the joint, locking in the juices. Then, remove the beef joint from the air fryer basket and reduce the temperature to 350°F/180°C. Return the beef joint to the basket and cook for a further 30-40 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness.

For a rare roast, cook for 15 minutes per 450g of meat. If you prefer medium-rare, cook for 15-20 minutes per pound or 30 minutes for a 1.2kg joint. For a medium roast, cook for 25 minutes per 450g or 40 minutes for a 1.2kg joint. Aim for an internal temperature of 57°C. Well-done roasts will require 35 minutes per 450g or 35-40 minutes for a 1.2kg joint, with a final internal temperature of 71°C. Remember to turn the beef joint halfway through the cooking time.

Once the beef is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 15-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a tender and juicy roast. Carve the beef thinly against the grain to enhance tenderness.

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Resting the beef joint

During the resting period, the temperature of the joint will continue to rise slightly, so it is important to factor this into your cooking time. The beef joint should be placed on a warm platter and covered loosely with foil to retain moisture.

While the beef is resting, you can prepare any side dishes that you plan to serve with it. Roasted vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts are excellent choices to accompany the beef joint. You can also make a simple but delicious gravy from the beef drippings.

If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat the beef, you can use the air fryer by loosely wrapping the meat in foil with a dash of water and cooking until it is heated through, which should take around five to seven minutes.

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Reheating and storing leftovers

Leftover beef can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, you can use a microwave with a small amount of water to prevent the meat from drying out. Alternatively, you can use your air fryer to reheat the beef. Wrap the meat loosely in foil with a dash of water and place it in the air fryer for about five minutes or until warmed through.

You can also get creative with your leftovers. For example, you can make hot sandwiches with the leftover beef and gravy, adding slow-cooked onions for a French Dip Sandwich. You could also use slices of beef as a substitute for corned beef in a corned beef and potato bake.

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Frequently asked questions

First, take the beef out of the fridge and pat it dry. Leave it to come to room temperature for 20-30 minutes. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 10 minutes. Brush the beef with oil and season with salt, pepper, and herbs. Place the beef in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 170°C-180°C (350°F) and cook for another 30-40 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. Leave the beef to rest for 20-30 minutes before serving.

The cooking time will depend on the size of your beef joint and your desired level of doneness. As a guide, cook the beef for 15 minutes per 450g for rare, 25 minutes per 450g for medium, and 35 minutes per 450g for well-done. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the beef. Aim for 55-57°C for medium-rare, 63°C for medium, and 71°C for well-done.

Popular cuts of beef in the UK include topside, silverside, rump, rib eye, and sirloin.

You can reheat leftover beef in the air fryer at 175°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.

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