Marianne Martinez
Cooking roast beef in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a tender, flavourful roast with a crispy exterior and a juicy, medium-rare interior. The air fryer's fan circulates heat rapidly, cooking the beef evenly and sealing in the juices. To cook rare roast beef in an air fryer, you should first preheat the air fryer and brush the beef with oil and seasonings. Then, cook the beef for around 40-42 minutes at a high temperature, flipping it halfway through. To check if the beef is cooked to your desired level of doneness, use a meat thermometer to gauge the internal temperature. For rare beef, the internal temperature should be around 125 degrees Fahrenheit. After removing the beef from the air fryer, let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 400°F /200°C for 10 minutes, then 300°F /150°C for 25-35 minutes |
| Temperature for rare roast beef | 125°F |
| Temperature for medium-rare roast beef | 130-140°F |
| Temperature for medium-well roast beef | 150°F |
| Temperature for well-done roast beef | 160°F |
| Resting time | 10-30 minutes |
| Slicing | Cut into thin slices against the grain |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, thyme, onion granules, mustard powder, dried rosemary, olive oil, herb seasoning mix |
| Meat | Topside (top-round roast), rump roast, sirloin roast, boneless ribeye, beef joint |
| Sides | Yorkshire puddings, potatoes, green bean casserole, braised red cabbage, creamy sprouts with bacon, roasted butternut squash salad |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cut of beef
Factors to Consider:
- Marbling and Fat Content: Look for a nicely marbled piece of beef with an outer layer of fat. Marbling refers to the flecks of fat within the muscle, which adds flavour and juiciness to the meat. A good amount of fat will help keep the beef moist and juicy, especially when cooking it in an air fryer, which can dry out the meat.
- Cooking Time and Temperature: Different cuts of beef require varying cooking times and temperatures. Some cuts, like the ones with more connective tissues, benefit from low and slow cooking, while others need higher heat and shorter cooking times. If you're aiming for rare roast beef, the internal temperature should be about 125°F to 135°F.
- Budget: Cuts of beef can vary significantly in price. If you're on a budget, consider cuts like chuck roast, which offers great beef flavour at a lower cost.
- Size of the Air Fryer: Consider the size of your air fryer when choosing a cut of beef. You want to ensure that the beef fits comfortably in the air fryer basket. If necessary, you can always slice a larger cut of beef into halves or smaller portions.
Popular Cuts for Roast Beef:
- Tri-Tip: Tri-tip is a well-marbled and lean cut with a robust beefy flavour. It has a unique triangular shape and is less common, as there are only two cuts per cow. Chef Rose recommends cooking it between rare and medium (125°F to 135°F) to avoid dryness.
- Bottom Round Rump: This traditional cut comes from the cow's rear leg and is leaner, benefiting from low-and-slow roasting. It is often labelled as London Broil when cut into steaks. A four-pound bottom round rump roast will provide eight to ten servings.
- Chuck Roast: While not considered traditional, chuck roast is an inexpensive cut with a large amount of connective tissue, including collagen, which creates a velvety-soft texture when cooked slowly. It has about 16 grams of fat per three ounces of meat. Chuck roast is best braised low and slow and benefits from a resting period.
- Sirloin: If you're looking for a tender cut that's wallet-friendly, sirloin is a great choice. Opt for a top cut of sirloin, as it will be the most tender. Make sure to brown the meat before placing it in the air fryer.
- Beef Bolar Blade: Beef bolar blade is an affordable option taken from the shoulder blade of the animal. It contains a fair amount of connective tissue and sinew, so it requires a long cooking time to break down. However, when prepared well, it delivers a full-flavoured and tender roast.
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Preparing the beef for cooking
Firstly, choose the right cut of beef. Look for a good-quality roasting joint with a little marbling of fat. Avoid cheaper cuts that require long cooking times as they are less suitable for the air fryer. Some recommended options include topside (top-round roast), rump roast, sirloin roast, or boneless ribeye.
Next, take the beef out of the fridge and bring it to room temperature. This step is important as it helps the beef cook more evenly. Allow it to sit for around 30 minutes to an hour. You can also pat the beef dry at this stage if there is any excess moisture.
Before placing the beef in the air fryer, season it generously. Brush the beef with oil, making sure to coat all sides. You can use olive oil or any other cooking oil of your choice. Then, season with salt and pepper. Additionally, you can add dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or basil to enhance the flavour. If you want a more complex flavour profile, consider using onion granules, mustard powder, or steak seasoning mixes.
Now, it's time to prepare the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer at a higher temperature than the cooking temperature, usually around 400°F/200°C for about 10 minutes. You can also brush the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking, although this step is optional.
Finally, place the seasoned beef into the air fryer basket. Set the timer and adjust the temperature according to your desired level of doneness and the size of your beef. Remember that cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, so it's essential to monitor the beef's progress.
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to preparing delicious and juicy rare roast beef in your air fryer!
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Cooking the beef
Next, rub the beef with oil and season generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like dried rosemary, thyme, onion granules, or mustard powder. If desired, add an onion to the air fryer basket with the beef for extra flavor.
Now, it's time to cook the beef. Place the beef in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to between 320°F and 400°F (160°C) and (200°C). The cooking time will depend on the size of your beef and your desired doneness. For a medium-rare roast, cook for 10 minutes at the set temperature, then reduce the temperature to between 300°F and 350°F (150°C) and 180°C to cook for an additional 25 to 40 minutes.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the beef. For rare beef, aim for an internal temperature of 122°F to 125°F (50°C to 52°C). When the desired temperature is reached, remove the beef from the air fryer and transfer it to a cutting board. Cover it loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy, tender roast.
Finally, carve the roast beef into thin slices against the grain and serve with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy!
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Resting the beef
During the resting period, the temperature of the beef will continue to rise slightly. This is an important factor to consider when determining the ideal time to remove the roast from the air fryer. Aim to remove the beef when its internal temperature is about 5 degrees lower than your desired level of doneness. For example, for rare beef, you would remove it from the air fryer at 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and it will continue to cook and reach the ideal temperature of 125 degrees Fahrenheit during the resting period.
The resting time also depends on the size of the roast. For larger cuts of beef, like a whole roast, the temperature tends to rise more than smaller cuts. Therefore, it's crucial to monitor the temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the beef doesn't overcook during the resting period.
After the beef has rested, use a sharp carving knife to slice the meat thinly against the grain. This ensures that the beef remains tender and juicy. Serving the beef with its natural juices, or using them to make gravy, will further enhance the flavor and moisture of the dish.
Resting the roast beef is a critical step that ensures your meat is juicy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. By allowing the beef to rest, you give it time to reabsorb its juices, resulting in a succulent and mouthwatering dish that your guests will surely enjoy.
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Carving and serving the beef
Once your roast beef is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and place it on a warm platter or cutting board. Cover it loosely with foil to retain heat and let the meat rest. The general rule is to let the roast rest for about 5 minutes per inch of thickness, but at least 10 minutes for a small roast and 20-30 minutes for a large one. This allows the juices to reabsorb into the meat, keeping it succulent.
While the roast rests, its internal temperature will continue to rise slightly. For example, if you've cooked it to an internal temperature of 125°F, it will increase to about 130°F as it rests. This is important to keep in mind when aiming for a specific level of doneness.
When you're ready to carve, use a sharp chef's knife or carving knife to cut thin slices against the grain. Serve the beef with roasted or steamed vegetables, wholegrain mustard, and gravy. You can also use any leftovers to make delicious roast beef sandwiches.
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking times depend on the size of the beef and your desired level of doneness. As a rule of thumb, for a 1.5-pound roast, air fry for 40 minutes at 320°F (160°C) until the internal temperature reaches 122-125°F (50-52°C) for medium to medium-rare. For a larger roast, you may need to increase the cooking time.
Rare beef has an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C). However, it is recommended to cook beef to about 5 degrees below your desired level of doneness and then let it rest, as the temperature will rise by about 5-7 degrees Fahrenheit while resting. Therefore, you should remove the roast beef from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of about 120°F.
First, preheat your air fryer at a higher temperature than you will cook the roast. Brush the air fryer basket with oil, then place the roast in the basket and air fry for 10 minutes. Reduce the temperature and cook for an additional 25-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches about 120°F. Remove the roast beef from the air fryer, cover with foil, and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
