Air-Fried Standing Rib Roast: A Quick, Crispy Delight

how to cook standing rib roast in air fryer

Standing rib roast, also known as prime rib, is a special and expensive cut of beef with superior flavour and texture. It is usually reserved for special occasions. Cooking it in an air fryer is easy, quick, and foolproof, and it takes a fraction of the time most prime rib recipes need. It is perfect for a beginner cook because it is made with a 3-pound boneless prime rib. So, there is no need to deal with rib bones and connective tissue. You can air fry it in just over an hour.

Characteristics Values
Type of roast Boneless prime rib
Temperature 375ºF for 15 minutes, then 315ºF for 50 minutes
Seasoning Salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, garlic, chives, Worcestershire sauce, butter
Resting time 20-30 minutes
Cooking time 75 minutes
Internal temperature 120-125ºF
Serving suggestions Horseradish, au jus, roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings

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Choosing the right cut of meat

First, it is important to understand the characteristics of a standing rib roast. This cut of beef comes from the primal rib section of the cow, located between the shoulder and the loin. What sets it apart is its marbling, which refers to the intramuscular fat distributed throughout the meat. This marbling adds flavour and tenderness to the roast, as the fat melts during cooking, resulting in a rich, succulent taste. When selecting your meat, look for a roast with a good amount of evenly distributed marbling to ensure a tender and flavourful dish.

For air frying, it is recommended to choose a boneless prime rib joint. Bone-in roasts are typically larger and may not fit in a standard-sized air fryer. A 2-3 rib joint, weighing around 2-3 pounds, will generally serve 6-8 people. It is also important to ensure that your chosen cut of meat will fit in your air fryer, as space can be an issue.

When purchasing your standing rib roast, consider opting for a tender cut with a bit of marbling. Suggested options include top sirloin roast, prime rib roast, rump roast, or top-round roast. The amount of marbling and the type of roast will influence the cook time required, so selecting the right cut is essential for achieving the desired level of doneness.

Lastly, consider the desired doneness of your roast. Prime rib cooked rare to medium-rare is generally considered to produce the most flavourful and juicy results. If you prefer your beef well-done, you can always reheat slices in the microwave to avoid overcooking the entire roast. Remember to remove the meat from the air fryer a few degrees lower than your target temperature, as the roast will continue to cook as it rests.

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Preparing the seasoning and rub

When you are ready to cook the roast, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes. In a small bowl, make your rub by stirring together softened butter, thyme, rosemary, pink peppercorns, and 2 minced garlic cloves. You can also add horseradish and crushed garlic to the mixture, or even olive oil, mustard powder, parsley, and smoked paprika for a spicier flavour. Make sure the butter is at room temperature so that it is soft enough to spread easily.

Generously coat the prime rib with the rub, making sure to get an even coating all over the meat. You can use your hands to press the mixture onto the exterior of the meat and stuff some into any slits you have cut. This will ensure that the flavour penetrates the meat as it cooks.

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Cooking temperature and timings

The cooking temperature and timings for standing rib roast in an air fryer will depend on the size of the cut of meat and how well you want it cooked. It is recommended to cook prime rib rare or medium-rare, as this will produce the most flavorful and juicy beef.

If you are using a 6-pound cut of meat, you should check the temperature after about 35 minutes. In total, it will take about 75 minutes to cook. For a 3-pound boneless prime rib, it will take just over an hour.

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 10 minutes. Brush the tray and basket with oil to prevent sticking. Then, place the seasoned prime rib in the air fryer and cook at 350°F until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the roast registers 120°F. This will take 55 to 60 minutes, and you should flip the roast halfway through.

If you are cooking your prime rib with a horseradish rub, preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Smear softened butter, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper all over the outside of the prime rib. Then, stir together horseradish and crushed garlic and rub this mixture all over the roast, before sprinkling with chives. Place the prime rib in the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 315°F and continue cooking for another 50 minutes.

Once the prime rib is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

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Resting and slicing the roast

Resting the roast is an essential step in the cooking process. It allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and ensures the roast remains tender and juicy. After removing the roast from the air fryer, place it on a large cutting board and cover it with foil. The roast will continue to cook from residual heat and the temperature will rise by another 5-10 degrees. Leave the roast undisturbed for at least 20-30 minutes.

While the roast is resting, you can prepare side dishes or a sauce. Horseradish sauce is a popular choice to serve with prime rib. You can make a simple horseradish sauce by mixing prepared horseradish with mayonnaise to make a creamy sauce or with flour and beef drippings to make a thin gravy.

After the roast has rested, it is ready to be sliced. Remove the foil and carve the roast across the grain into slices. To ensure the meat remains moist, wrap the slices in foil and keep them at a low temperature of 250-300 degrees F.

If you are reheating the roast, it is best to do so slowly to prevent the outside from overcooking and becoming tough. Preheat your air fryer to 270 degrees F and cook the roast for about 10-15 minutes until warmed. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer before serving.

Now you know the important steps of resting and slicing the roast, you can enjoy your tender and juicy standing rib roast cooked to perfection in your air fryer!

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Side dishes and sauces

When it comes to sauces and side dishes to serve with your standing rib roast, there are several options to choose from. Here are some ideas to complement your juicy and tender roast:

Sauces

  • Horseradish Sauce: A classic and traditional choice, horseradish sauce has a sharp and pungent flavour that goes well with the rich taste of the rib roast.
  • Creamy Dipping Sauce: While it's not specified, a creamy sauce will help balance the flavours and moisten the meat.
  • Au Jus: Drizzle some au jus over the beef for added flavour and moisture.

Side Dishes

  • Yorkshire Puddings: These airy and crispy treats made in the air fryer are a perfect match for the juicy roast.
  • Roast Potatoes: Whether it's scalloped, mashed, or roasted, potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with the rib roast.
  • Vegetables: Choose from a variety of vegetables like garlic green beans, creamed spinach, Brussels sprouts, or a fresh green salad to add some colour and nutrition to your plate.
  • Popovers: Classic popovers made with beef drippings are excellent for soaking up sauces and complementing the roast.
  • Pasta: For something more filling, serve your roast with alfredo sauce penne pasta. This is also a great option for using up leftovers.

Frequently asked questions

First, season the roast with salt, pepper, rosemary, garlic powder, and other herbs and spices of your choice. Then, preheat your air fryer to 375°F-400°F and place the seasoned roast in the basket. Air fry for about 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 315°F and continue cooking for another 45-55 minutes for medium-rare. Let the roast rest for 20-30 minutes before slicing and serving.

The best way to check is to use a meat thermometer. For a medium-rare roast, the internal temperature should be 120°F-130°F.

Cooking time will depend on how well done you like your meat. In total, the roast will take around 75 minutes to cook in an air fryer.

A boneless prime rib joint is the best option as bone-in roasts are often too large to fit in an average-sized air fryer.

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