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

Air fryer chuck roast is a quick and easy way to get a tasty, tender roast beef dinner on the table in under 90 minutes. It's a budget-friendly meal that turns out melt-in-your-mouth tender and is perfect for entertaining guests or holiday feasts. The air fryer helps the chuck roast develop a beautiful crust, and the best cuts of meat for this recipe are those with a higher fat content.

Choosing the right cut of meat

When selecting a chuck roast for air frying, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, look for a roast with a good amount of marbling. Marbling refers to the fat that is distributed throughout the meat, and it is important because it helps to keep the meat moist and juicy during the cooking process. A nice marbling will also add flavour to the dish.

Another thing to consider is the size of the roast. Air fryers tend to cook food more quickly than traditional ovens, so a larger roast may not be necessary. A 2-3 pound roast should be sufficient for most families. If you are feeding a crowd, you may need a larger roast, but keep in mind that it will take longer to cook.

It is also important to choose a roast that is suitable for the type of dish you want to make. For an air fryer chuck roast, you will want a cut of meat that has a good amount of connective tissue. This is because the air fryer's high heat can help to break down the connective tissue, resulting in a more tender roast.

In addition, consider the fat content of the meat. Roasts with a higher fat content tend to work better in the air fryer than lean roasts, which can dry out. So, when selecting your chuck roast, look for one that has a decent amount of fat marbling throughout.

Finally, it is important to let the meat come to room temperature before cooking. This will help ensure that the meat cooks evenly in the air fryer. Remove the roast from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you plan to start cooking and let it sit, uncovered, on the counter.

By following these tips, you can be sure to choose the right cut of meat for your air fryer chuck roast, resulting in a delicious and tender final dish.

Marinating the meat

Firstly, a good marinade needs oil and acid in a 3:1 ratio. For every three parts of oil, you should add one part of an acidic ingredient. Good options for acidic ingredients include lemon juice, orange juice, vinegar, or even soy sauce. The salt content in soy sauce will adequately tenderise the meat and enhance the flavour of the beef without making it taste like teriyaki or Mongolian beef. If you use soy sauce, however, be sure to not add extra salt to your marinade.

Once you've prepared your marinade, pour it over the roast in a baking dish. Allow the meat to rest in the marinade for at least 30 minutes, turning the meat over every 10 minutes or so to ensure it is evenly coated.

If you have the time, you can also let the seasoned roast rest for 1-2 hours at room temperature before placing it in the air fryer. This will allow the juices that have coagulated at the centre of the meat during refrigeration to redistribute throughout the roast.

Finally, remember to pat the meat dry before placing it in the air fryer. This will help ensure a nice, crispy sear on the outside of the roast.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for your chuck roast in an air fryer will depend on how well done you want your meat to be, as well as the weight and thickness of your cut of meat.

First, preheat your air fryer to 390°F–400°F for 5–10 minutes. You can line the inside of the air fryer with aluminium foil to make clean-up easier and to collect the juices for gravy.

Then, rub your chuck roast with oil and seasonings. You can use a mixture of olive oil, avocado oil, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, and/or paprika. Brush or pour this mixture over the meat, making sure to coat all sides. You can also season the meat with a dry rub.

Place the seasoned chuck roast in the air fryer basket and cook for 15 minutes. Then, carefully flip the roast and lower the temperature to 320°F. Continue cooking for 30–60 minutes, depending on the size of your roast.

The internal temperature of the roast should reach at least 145°F for medium-rare. For a more well-done roast, you can cook it until the internal temperature reaches 190°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.

Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the roast from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Resting the meat

After removing the roast from the air fryer, it is important to cover it and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the meat to relax, making it easier to slice and ensuring that the juices are retained. If you are shredding the meat, put it back into the juices for a while before serving.

If you are making a gravy, the drippings that collect while the meat rests can be used. For every 2 tablespoons of drippings, add 2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch and 2 cups of liquid (stock, water, milk, or cream).

For a tender roast, it is also important to let the meat rest before cooking. This allows the juices that have coagulated at the centre during refrigeration to redistribute.

Slicing the meat

First, you'll want to select a chuck roast with a nice amount of even marbling, as this will result in a fall-apart candy-like texture. Bone-in or boneless options work well for this recipe. Next, create a marinade or dry rub with ingredients like olive oil, avocado oil, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, and paprika. Rub the mixture all over the roast and let it rest for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours if time allows. This step helps the meat absorb the flavours and ensures a tender roast.

Now, you're ready to cook the chuck roast in your air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F-400°F and place the roast inside, cooking for 15 minutes to create a nice sear. Then, lower the temperature to between 320°F and 325°F and cook for an additional 30-60 minutes, depending on the size of your roast. The internal temperature should reach at least 145°F for consumption, but for the meat to be easily shredded, it should be closer to 190°F.

Once the roast is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This step is crucial, as it allows the juices to redistribute and makes the meat more tender and juicy.

Finally, it's time to slice the roast. Use a sharp knife to cut the meat across the grain into thin slices. Cutting against the grain ensures that the protein fibres are shortened, resulting in a more tender eating experience.

Your air fryer chuck roast is now ready to be served and enjoyed!

Frequently asked questions