Air-Fried Beef Roast: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Recipe

Cooking a section of beef in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a roast dinner. It's a low-mess, time-saving method that can produce tender, juicy meat with a crispy exterior. The key to achieving this is to ensure the beef is at room temperature before cooking, and to season it well with salt and pepper. You can also add herbs and spices to taste. Preheat the air fryer to around 200°C and cook for 40 minutes, turning the beef halfway through. Check the internal temperature of the beef with a meat thermometer and adjust the cooking time to suit your preference.section Once cooked, let the beef rest for 20-30 minutes before serving.

Choosing the right cut of beef

When making roast beef in an air fryer, it's important to choose the right cut of beef to ensure the best results. Here are some factors to consider when selecting your beef:

Type of Beef

For an air fryer roast beef, it is recommended to use a good-quality roasting joint with a little marbling of fat. Cheaper cuts that require long cooking times are not ideal for this quick cooking method and are more suitable for slow cookers or crockpots.

Versatility

Roast beef is a versatile dish, and you can find a variety of good options at your local supermarket or butcher. If you're unsure, don't hesitate to ask your butcher for recommendations. They can guide you in choosing the right cut based on your preferences and budget.

Popular Cuts

Some of the most popular cuts for roast beef include:

• Whole Sirloin or Striploin: This cut is well-marbled, full of flavour, and tenderness. It is a popular choice for a Sunday roast and benefits from being trussed or netted for even cooking and slicing.
• Rump: Rump is often bought as a steak, but when left whole, it can be roasted. It is a boneless piece from the hindquarter of the animal, containing high amounts of collagen and connective tissue. Slow roasting or cooking at low temperatures helps transform this cut into a juicy and tender roast.
• Topside Roast: This cut is extremely lean and has a lot of connective tissue as it comes from the inner thigh muscles of the hind leg. It is usually roasted as a whole joint and can be seasoned and seared for a crisp exterior.
• Chuck Roast: Cut from the cow's shoulder, chuck roast has a high ratio of fat to meat, giving it good flavour. It is commonly used for pot roasts or stews as the connective tissue melts during braising, making the beef tender.
• Eye of Round Roast: This economical cut is similar in appearance to the tenderloin but is lean and tough due to being cut from a well-exercised muscle. It can be cooked with high-heat searing and slow roasting and should always be thinly sliced against the grain.
• Rib Roast: Cut from the rib section, the three most common types are Standing Rib Roast, Rolled Rib Roast, and Rib-Eye Roast. The Standing Rib Roast is self-basting as it is cooked on its ribs, while the Rolled Rib Roast has the bones removed and the meat rolled and tied. The Rib-Eye Roast, on the other hand, is boneless, very well-marbled, tender, and the most expensive of the three.
• Top Round Roast: This cut is from the upper thigh of the hindquarters, making it more tender and flavourful than other round cuts. It can be braised, roasted, stewed, or slow-cooked and is often used for sandwiches.
• Sirloin Tip Roast: Also known as the round tip roast, this cut is adjacent to the sirloin and is flavourful but can be tough. It is best braised, stewed, or slowly oven-roasted at a low temperature.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, the choice of beef cut depends on your personal preference for tenderness, flavour, and budget. Whether you prefer a rosy slice of meat or a melt-in-your-mouth texture, selecting the right cut and cooking it appropriately will ensure a delicious roast beef dish.

Preparing the beef for cooking

Take the beef out of the fridge:

Remove your beef joint from the refrigerator and let it come up to room temperature. This step is important as it helps the beef cook evenly. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 20 to 30 minutes.

Pat the beef dry:

Use paper towels to pat the surface of the beef dry. This step will help the seasonings adhere better to the meat and promote the development of a crispy exterior during cooking.

Season the beef:

Drizzle or brush the beef with a neutral-flavoured oil, such as vegetable or canola oil. Massage the oil into the meat. Then, season the beef generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like onion granules, mustard powder, dried thyme, garlic granules, or dried rosemary, according to your preference.

Preheat the air fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 380-400°F (about 180-200°C). The preheating time will depend on your air fryer model, but it usually takes around 5-10 minutes.

Place the beef in the air fryer basket:

Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the seasoned beef into the air fryer basket. If you are using a liner in the basket, ensure you position the beef on top of it.

Roast at high temperature:

Cook the beef at the preheated temperature for 10-15 minutes. This step will create a delicious crust on the exterior, sealing in the juices and giving your roast a beautiful sear.

Turn the beef over and reduce the temperature:

After the initial high-temperature roast, remove the air fryer basket and carefully turn the beef over. Then, reduce the temperature to 350°F (about 180°C) and continue cooking for another 30 minutes.

Check the internal temperature:

Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the beef. Insert the probe into the middle of the thickest part of the meat. The cooking time will depend on your desired doneness, with rare or medium-rare being preferable for this cooking method.

Rest the beef:

Once the beef is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and place it on a warm platter. Loosely cover it with foil and let it rest for 20-30 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender roast.

Slice and serve:

After resting, slice the beef against the grain and serve it with your favourite side dishes. Enjoy your perfectly cooked air fryer roast beef!

Cooking the beef

Take your beef joint out of the fridge and pat it dry. Leave it to come to room temperature for 20-30 minutes. Make sure to check whether your joint fits into the air fryer. You can always slice a larger joint in half.

Preheat your air fryer to between 380°F and 400°F /180°C and 200°C for 5-10 minutes. Brush the beef all over with olive oil or another high smoke point oil, such as vegetable or canola oil. Season with salt and pepper, and a herb seasoning mix if you like.

Use a liner in the air fryer basket (optional) and position the beef on top. Roast for 10-15 minutes at this high temperature to create a lovely crust on the exterior, sealing in the juices.

Remove the air fryer basket and turn the beef over. Reduce the temperature to 350°F / 180°C and cook for a further 30-40 minutes.

Check the internal temperature of the beef with an instant-read thermometer, inserting the probe into the middle of the thickest part. Remember that the temperature of the joint will continue to rise slightly as it rests, so factor that in.

Use a beef roast temperature chart to cook the beef to your liking, adding five minutes of cooking time until your preferred temperature is reached. Rare or medium-rare is preferable for this cut.

Once the beef is cooked to your liking, place it on a warm platter and cover loosely with foil. Leave it to rest for 20-30 minutes before slicing against the grain and serving with your favourite side dishes.

Making a gravy to accompany the beef

Making a Flavourful Gravy to Accompany the Beef:

Step 1: While your roast is resting, it's time to make the gravy. For this, you'll need the juices that have collected in the bottom of your air fryer during cooking. Carefully remove the basket from the air fryer and pour these juices into a small saucepan.

Step 2: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Using a wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula, scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These contain a lot of flavor, so be sure to incorporate them into your gravy.

Step 3: Add about 1 cup of low-sodium beef broth to the pan. You can also use red wine or a combination of both for a richer flavor. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch or all-purpose flour with 2 tablespoons of cold water until you have a smooth slurry. This will be your thickening agent.

Step 5: Pour the slurry into the simmering liquid in the pan, stirring constantly. Continue to cook, stirring often, until the gravy thickens. This should take about 5–7 minutes. For a thinner gravy, add a little more broth or water.

Step 6: Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you want a more herby gravy, you can add some chopped fresh rosemary or thyme, or a crushed clove of garlic.

Your gravy is now ready to serve alongside your juicy air-fried beef roast. Pour it into a gravy boat, or simply drizzle it over slices of the roast before serving. Enjoy the flavorsome, hearty meal!

Feel free to ask any further questions or request additional cooking tips! I'm happy to provide more detailed steps or alternative methods if needed.

Choosing side dishes to serve with the beef

When it comes to choosing side dishes to serve with your air-fryer roast beef, there are several options to consider. Here are some ideas to make your meal even more delicious and satisfying:

Potatoes

Potatoes are a classic side dish for roast beef, and there are numerous ways to prepare them. Here are some mouth-watering options:

• Mashed potatoes: A comforting and familiar option that pairs perfectly with the juicy roast beef. For an extra kick of flavour, consider adding garlic, sour cream, or chives to your mashed potatoes.
• Baked potatoes: A simple yet satisfying option that can be cooked in the air fryer alongside the beef.
• Roast potatoes: For an upgraded version, try adding Lebanese flavours such as lemon, olive oil, cilantro, and parsley.
• Duchess potatoes: These fancy swirled potatoes are perfect for special occasions, with a crispy top and a creamy middle.
• Accordion potatoes: The latest TikTok craze, these potatoes have a crispy outer layer flavoured with savory garlic butter and fresh herbs.
• Potato galette: This free-form pastry combines pesto sauce, Parmesan cheese, and thinly sliced potatoes for a unique and tasty treat.

Vegetables

A variety of vegetables can complement your roast beef, and some can even be cooked in the air fryer alongside the beef. Here are some options to consider:

• Roasted carrots: Honey and thyme-glazed carrots are a perfect match for roast beef, and they can be cooked at the same temperature.
• Green beans: Try them in a tomato sauce for a warm and inviting dish, or sautéed with almonds and a squeeze of lime.
• Asparagus: Simple grilled asparagus drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar makes for an elegant side dish.
• Brussels sprouts: Try them roasted with pancetta and a red wine vinaigrette, or caramelized with brown sugar, bacon, and blue cheese.
• Cauliflower: A classic cauliflower cheese is always a winner, or try baked turnips as a low-carb alternative to au gratin potatoes.

Breads and Rolls

To mop up all those delicious juices, consider adding some bread or rolls to your meal:

• Yorkshire puddings: A classic side dish for roast beef, these puffy, buttery treats are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside, making them perfect for gravy.
• Dinner rolls: Fluffy and slightly sweet, these rolls are a delightful addition to any roast dinner.
• Cornbread muffins: Soft, moist, and perfect for soaking up all the savoury juices.
• Focaccia: Impress your guests with this delicious Italian bread.

Salads

If you're looking for something lighter to accompany your roast beef, consider one of these refreshing salads:

• Arugula and shaved fennel salad: The anise and peppery flavours of this salad make a perfect foil for roast beef, especially when paired with blue cheese and a balsamic vinaigrette.
• Spinach and pear salad: Ripe pears add a delicious sweetness to this salad, while a touch of spice in the dressing takes it to the next level.
• Baby kale salad: Tender kale tossed with a maple vinaigrette for a touch of sweetness.
• Caesar salad: A perennial favourite, this salad contains bread, cheese, bacon, and a creamy dressing.
• Cucumber yogurt salad: A refreshing Mediterranean-inspired salad with red onion, mint, garlic, and salt.

With so many delicious options to choose from, you're sure to create a memorable meal that will impress your family and friends!

Frequently asked questions