Air-Fried Sirloin Roast: A Quick And Easy Recipe

Air fryer roast beef is a quick and easy way to make a delicious roast with a juicy centre and a caramelised crust. With only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a tender roast beef on the table in under an hour.

This guide will take you through the best cuts of beef to use, how to prepare your meat, and the cooking process for a perfect air fryer roast beef.

Choosing the right cut of beef

Type of Roast

The first step is to decide on the type of roast you want to make. For air frying, it is best to choose a roast that is naturally more tender, as air frying typically involves quick cooking at high heat. Some recommended options include:

• Top Sirloin Roast: This is a lean and flavorful option that can do well in an air fryer, especially when cooked to medium doneness.
• Eye of Round Roast: This is a lean cut similar to the outside round but usually more uniform in shape, which helps it cook evenly in an air fryer.
• Beef Tenderloin: As a premium, tender cut, it can be great for air frying, but you must monitor the cooking closely as it can overcook quickly.
• Filet Mignon: While not a roast, filet mignon steaks are a good alternative if you want something that cooks well under the high-heat, quick conditions of an air fryer.

Budget

Your budget will also play a role in choosing the right cut of beef. Some of the more expensive cuts include prime rib roast, rib-eye roast, and chateaubriand beef tenderloin roast. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider the sirloin tip roast, which offers an intensely beefy flavor at a lower cost.

Cooking Method

The cooking method you plan to use can also help determine the best cut of beef. Tougher cuts, such as chuck roast or brisket, are better suited for slow roasting or simmering in a moist cooking method. For air frying, choose a tender cut that will cook quickly and evenly.

Size and Shape

When using an air fryer, it is essential to consider the size and shape of the cut to ensure it fits comfortably in the basket and cooks evenly. Select a piece of meat that is not too thick, and if necessary, flip it halfway through cooking for even results.

Marbling and Fat Content

For a juicy and flavorful roast, look for a well-marbled cut of beef with a nice outer layer of fat. The fat will baste the meat as it cooks, keeping it moist and adding flavor. Leaner cuts, such as the eye of round, can be tougher and may require slow roasting or braising to break down the connective tissues.

Personal Preference

Finally, consider your personal preferences. Do you prefer a rare, medium, or well-done roast? Different cuts of beef may be better suited to different levels of doneness. For example, the rib-eye roast is known for its marbling and is best served rare or medium-rare to showcase its tenderness. On the other hand, the sirloin tip roast is a leaner cut that benefits from slow cooking to break down the connective tissues and create a velvety texture.

Preparing the beef

Firstly, take your beef joint out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature. This is an important step as it promotes even cooking throughout the roast. Depending on the size of your joint, this could take around 30 minutes to an hour. You should also ensure that your joint fits into the air fryer; if it's too large, you may need to slice it in half.

Next, pat the beef dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps to create a crispy exterior when cooked. Once dry, rub the beef with a little oil. You can use a variety of cooking oils, but those with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or avocado oil, are preferable. Make sure to coat the beef evenly with oil.

After that, it's time to season the beef. Seasoning is key to enhancing the flavour of the meat. Use a generous amount of salt and pepper, rubbing it all over the beef. You can also add other herbs and spices to create a more complex flavour profile. Some suggestions include rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder.

Once the beef is seasoned, it's ready to be placed in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F/200°C for about 5-10 minutes. Then, put the beef in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes at this high temperature to create a delicious crust.

After the initial searing, reduce the temperature to around 350°F/180°C. Continue cooking the beef for another 25-40 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare roast, aim for an internal temperature of 125°F-135°F. It's a good idea to use a meat thermometer to monitor the temperature and avoid overcooking.

Finally, when the beef has reached your desired temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest. Resting the meat is essential to let the juices redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender roast. Cover the beef loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving and serving.

Cooking the beef

Take your beef joint out of the fridge and pat it dry with a paper towel. Leave it to come to room temperature for 30 minutes. This promotes even cooking throughout the roast. Check whether your joint fits into the air fryer; you can always slice a larger joint in half.

Mix your chosen herbs, salt, and oil together on a plate. Pat the beef dry and place it on the plate, turning it so that the oil-herb mix coats the outside of the beef.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F / 200°C for 5-10 minutes. Place the beef in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes.

After 10 minutes, flip the beef and reduce the temperature to 350°F / 180°C. Cook for another 25-35 minutes, or until it is cooked to your liking. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it is cooked to your preference.

When the beef has finished roasting, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 15 minutes. Transfer it to a cutting board and cover it loosely with tinfoil. This allows the juices to reabsorb into the meat and keeps it succulent.

When you are ready to carve, use a very sharp chef's knife or carving knife and cut thin slices against the grain.

Tips for cooking the beef

• To estimate cooking times, use the following:
• Rare: 13 mins per lb / 15 mins per 500g
• Medium: 18 mins per lb / 20 mins per 500g
• Well-done: 23 mins per lb / 25 mins per 500g
• The exact cooking times depend on the size and shape of the beef joint and the type of air fryer.
• Use a meat thermometer to gauge the temperature. For a medium-rare roast, aim for an internal temperature of about 125°F / 52°C, and for medium, aim for 130°F / 55°C.
• Remember that the temperature of the meat will continue to rise while it rests, so pull it out a few degrees early.
• Rest the beef before slicing it for maximum juiciness.

Resting the beef

After removing the roast from the air fryer, cover it with aluminium foil and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. For a bigger roast, it is recommended to let it rest for up to 30 minutes. This will ensure the meat is tender and juicy.

While the beef is resting, its internal temperature will continue to rise. For example, if you are aiming for a medium-rare roast, remove the beef from the air fryer when its internal temperature is 52°C, as it will continue to cook and reach 55°C while resting.

Once the beef has rested, use a sharp knife to cut it into thin slices, cutting against the grain.

Serving suggestions

• Mashed potatoes: This is a perfect partner to your roast. You can also try scalloped potatoes as a glorious alternative.
• Gravy: Make a peppercorn gravy to go with your roast. You can also add mushroom gravy or horseradish sauce.
• Vegetables: Try steamed green beans, green bean casserole with crispy onions, steamed and buttered baby carrots, or steamed microwave carrots. You can also serve it with roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, or a side salad.
• Sandwiches: Slice up the leftover roast beef and have it in a sandwich with horseradish sauce, mayonnaise, and lettuce.

Frequently asked questions