Air-Frying A Small Beef Joint: Quick And Easy

how to cook small joint of beef in air fryer

Cooking a small joint of beef in an air fryer is a great way to achieve a tasty roast with a juicy interior and a browned crust. The best cuts for this recipe include topside, rump roast, sirloin roast, or even boneless ribeye. Before cooking, remove any netting and pat the beef dry. Then, rub the beef with oil and season with salt, pepper, and any other herbs and spices. Place the beef in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes at 200°C. Then, reduce the temperature to 180°C and cook for 15-25 minutes per 450g of meat for a rare or medium roast, or 35 minutes for well-done. After cooking, let the meat rest for a few minutes to lock in the juices before serving.

Characteristics Values
Best cuts of beef Topside, Silverside, Rump, Rib Eye, Sirloin
Weight 1-1.2 kg
Temperature 180-220°C
Cooking Time 10 minutes at a high temperature, followed by 30-40 minutes at a lower temperature
Resting Time 20-30 minutes
Seasoning Vegetable/Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Thyme, Onion Granules, Mustard Powder
Sides Roast Potatoes, Yorkshire Pudding, Honey-Roasted Parsnips, Carrots, Buttered Spring Greens

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Choosing the right cut of beef

Some popular choices for beef joints in the UK include topside, silverside, rump, rib eye, and sirloin. Topside is a tender and lean cut, often sold interchangeably with silverside. These cuts are typically labelled as "beef roasting joint" and are ideal for a traditional roast dinner. If you're cooking a larger piece of topside, consider following the cooking times for silverside, which uses a larger piece of meat.

When selecting a cut of beef, consider the size of the joint and the capacity of your air fryer. The joint should fit comfortably in the air fryer basket without touching the sides or top for even cooking. Joints of meat tend to expand as they cook, so ensure sufficient clearance in the air fryer.

For a juicy and tender steak, consider choosing cuts with a higher degree of marbling. However, if you're making beef jerky, opt for a leaner cut like Eye of Round or Top Round. Steaks with a minimum thickness of 1 inch are recommended, and you can season them with salt, pepper, or a dry rub.

If you're looking for a convenient and versatile cut, consider the top or bottom round of the cow. This cut is lean and can be tough, so it's best to marinate it before air frying. The acidic components of a marinade, such as balsamic vinegar or Dijon mustard, will help tenderize the beef.

Additionally, bring your beef to room temperature before cooking. This allows the beef to cook more evenly and ensures a tender result.

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Preparing the beef joint

Firstly, select the right cut of beef. A joint cut is ideal for air frying, with topside, rump, rib eye, and sirloin being popular choices. These cuts offer different levels of flavour, texture, and tenderness, so choose according to your preference.

Next, take the beef joint out of the fridge and let it reach room temperature. This step is important as it helps the beef cook more evenly and results in juicier meat. Leave it out for at least 20 to 30 minutes. During this time, you can preheat your air fryer to 200°C or higher if your model allows it.

Before placing the beef in the air fryer, ensure that it fits comfortably in the basket with enough space for air to circulate. Joints of meat tend to expand as they cook, so you may need to remove any string or netting from the joint and unroll it as much as possible.

Now, it's time to season the beef. You can use a variety of seasonings, but a typical combination includes vegetable or olive oil, salt and pepper, and dried herbs like rosemary and thyme. Mix your chosen seasonings together and brush or rub them all over the beef joint.

Once the beef and the air fryer are both prepared, you can place the beef joint in the air fryer basket. If your air fryer has a removable tray, you may want to remove it for better searing. Cook the beef for a couple of minutes on each side to seal in the juices and flavour.

Finally, remove the beef joint from the basket, return the tray (if removed), and place the beef back in the basket. Adjust the air fryer's temperature to 180°C, and it is now ready for the full cooking time according to your desired level of doneness.

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Cooking the beef joint

First, take the beef out of the fridge and leave it to come to room temperature for 20-30 minutes. This will allow the beef to cook more evenly and result in juicier meat.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 200°C or higher. If your air fryer has a removable tray, take it out to help with searing the joint. While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the beef by removing any netting and drying the joint with kitchen paper to remove any excess moisture. Rub the beef with oil and season with salt and pepper, and any other herbs and spices you like. You can also make a paste with the oil and seasoning by mixing them together in a bowl before coating the beef.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the beef in the basket and cook for 10 minutes. Then, remove the basket and turn the beef over. Reduce the temperature to 180°C 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. For a medium roast, cook for 25 minutes per 450g, and for a well-done roast, cook for 35 minutes per 450g. Remember to turn the beef joint halfway through the cooking time.

When the beef is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and transfer it to a board. Cover it loosely with foil and let it rest for up to 30 minutes before carving and serving. This helps the juices redistribute, making every slice tender.

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Resting the beef joint

While the beef is resting, the temperature of the joint will continue to rise slightly, so it's important to factor this into your cooking time. If you prefer your beef to be on the rarer side, keep this in mind when deciding how long to let it rest.

The resting period is also a great time to prepare any side dishes or gravy. If you're making gravy, you can use the beef drippings from the air fryer to add extra flavour. You can also make hot sandwiches with the leftover beef and gravy, or use slices of beef in other dishes like a corned beef and potato bake.

Finally, when the resting time is up, you can carve and serve your perfectly cooked beef joint. Don't forget to slice against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness. Enjoy your juicy and succulent air-fried beef!

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Serving the beef joint

Once your beef joint is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and place it on a board or platter. Cover the beef loosely with foil and leave it to rest for 20 to 30 minutes. This step is important as it allows the juices to redistribute through the meat, making every slice tender and locking in all the juices.

While the beef is resting, you can make a gravy with the beef drippings collected in the air fryer. You can also prepare some side dishes, such as roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, and vegetables.

Finally, carve the beef against the grain and serve it with a dollop of English mustard, instant beef gravy, and your chosen side dishes. You can also use any leftovers to make hot sandwiches or as a substitute for corned beef in a corned beef and potato bake.

Frequently asked questions

First, take the beef out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature for 20-30 minutes. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C or higher. Rub the beef with oil and season with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you enjoy. Place the beef in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 170°C-180°C and cook for another 30-40 minutes, depending on how well you want your beef cooked.

The cooking time will depend on the size of your beef joint and your desired level of doneness. Aim for about 15 minutes per 450g of meat for a rare roast. If you prefer medium-rare, cook for 20-30 minutes per 450g. You’re looking at about 35-40 minutes per 450g for a well-done roast. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your roast is cooked to your desired level of doneness. Aim for 57°C for medium-rare, 63°C for medium, and 71°C for well done.

The beef will sit in the fridge in an airtight container for a couple of days. To reheat the beef, you can use a microwave with a very small amount of water to prevent it from drying out. To replicate this in an air fryer, loosely wrap the meat in foil with a dash of water and cook for about 5 minutes.

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