Tillie Doyle
Air fryer roast beef is a quick, easy, and tasty recipe that can be served all year round. The air fryer's shorter cooking time brings out the flavours of higher-quality cuts of beef, which are recommended for this recipe. The best cuts for this recipe include top side, rump roast, sirloin roast, or even boneless ribeye. The key to this recipe is to cook the beef at a high temperature to create a caramelized crust on the exterior, sealing the juices within, and then reduce the temperature to cook the beef through slowly. The beef should be cooked to your desired level of doneness, with a few minutes of resting time before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and make every slice tender.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Beef type | Prime, Choice, Select, or any beef joint depending on your preferences and budget |
| Beef weight | 2.5-pound top round roast or 5-pound round roast |
| Temperature | 360°F-400°F / 180°C-200°C |
| Time | 10-15 minutes at high temperature, then 30-40 minutes at a lower temperature |
| Resting time | 20-30 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cut of beef
Quality and Grade:
Start by considering the quality and grade of the beef. Prime beef, known for its abundant marbling, is an excellent choice for air fryer roast beef. The marbling, which refers to the distribution of fat within the meat, adds flavour and juiciness to the roast. While prime beef is the most expensive option, it tends to yield exceptional results in the air fryer. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly alternative, Choice Beef is a high-quality option with slightly less marbling.
Recommended Cuts:
When it comes to specific cuts, there are several options that work beautifully in the air fryer. Topside, rump roast, sirloin roast, and boneless ribeye are all excellent choices. These cuts offer a range of textures and flavours while remaining tender and juicy. Topside and top rump, in particular, are affordable options that are perfect for feeding a crowd without compromising on quality. For special occasions, consider splurging on sirloin or ribeye, which bring an extra level of richness and flavour to your roast.
Cooking Time and Temperature:
The cooking time and temperature are crucial factors in achieving the perfect air-fried beef. Since the air fryer's cooking time is relatively short, opt for cuts that are more tender and suitable for quicker cooking methods. Avoid cheaper cuts that require long cooking times, as they are better suited for Crockpots or Instant Pots. Aim for cuts that will stay juicy and succulent, ensuring that your roast beef is mouthwatering and tender.
Personal Preferences and Budget:
Lastly, consider your personal preferences and budget. If you're cooking for a large group, choose cuts that offer the best value without sacrificing quality. You can also adjust the cooking time to suit your desired doneness, whether you prefer your beef medium-rare or closer to well done.
Remember, the key to choosing the right cut of beef for slow cooking in an air fryer is to strike a balance between quality, tenderness, and your desired flavour profile. By selecting the right cut and following the proper cooking techniques, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Preparing the beef
Once you've chosen your cut, it's important to bring the beef to room temperature before cooking. This step is crucial as it helps the beef cook more evenly and results in juicier meat. Depending on the size of your beef joint, this can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes, or even up to an hour if you want to be extra precise. While the beef is reaching room temperature, you can prepare the seasoning. A simple mixture of salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs or spices will do the trick. You can also add ingredients like vegetable oil, mustard powder, onion granules, thyme, or garlic powder to enhance the flavour.
Before placing the beef in the air fryer, make sure it fits properly. If you have a large joint, you may need to slice it in half. You can also use a liner in the air fryer basket, which is optional but can help with cleanup. Once your beef is at room temperature, pat it dry and brush or drizzle it with oil. Then, apply the seasoning mixture generously, ensuring an even coat for maximum flavour.
Finally, wrap the seasoned beef loosely in tin foil and place it into the air fryer basket. If you want to add extra flavour, consider putting half an onion or a whole onion, cut into quarters, into the air fryer basket with the beef. Now, you're ready to start cooking!
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Cooking temperatures and timings
The first step is to ensure that your beef is at room temperature before cooking. This usually takes between 20 and 30 minutes.
Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C or 360°F/180°C. You can do this by running your air fryer for 5 minutes if it doesn't have a preheat setting.
Then, place the beef in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-15 minutes. This will give the beef a nice crust on the exterior, sealing in the juices.
After this initial searing, reduce the temperature to 350°F/180°C or 170°C. Cook for another 30-40 minutes, depending on how well-done you like your beef. For medium-rare, cook for around 30 minutes; for medium to well-done, cook for closer to 40 minutes. If you're aiming for a rare finish, you can cook the beef for 10 minutes at 400°F/200°C, then 30 minutes at 350°F/180°C.
If you're using a meat thermometer, the internal temperature of the beef should be 48–52°C for rare, 55–59°C for medium-rare, 60–66°C for medium, and 67–71°C for well-done.
Once cooked to your liking, remove the beef from the air fryer and let it rest for up to 30 minutes before carving and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat tender and juicy.
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Resting and slicing the beef
Once your beef is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and place it on a board or plate. It is important to let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute through the meat, making every slice tender. The temperature of the joint will continue to rise slightly as it rests, so factor that in when deciding how long to let it rest. Aim for around 20 to 30 minutes of resting time.
While the beef is resting, you can make a quick gravy with the juices from the air fryer. You can also use this time to prepare any side dishes, such as roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, or vegetables.
When you are ready to slice the beef, use a sharp knife to cut it against the grain. This will help ensure that the meat is tender and not tough. The thickness of the slices will depend on how you plan to serve the beef. For a plated Sunday roast dinner, thicker slices are ideal. However, if you intend to make sandwiches or lettuce wraps, slice the beef thinly.
Finally, serve your roast beef with your chosen sides and enjoy!
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Serving suggestions
Slow-cooked beef made in an air fryer can be served in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
Plated Roast Dinner
Slice the beef into thicker cuts and serve it as a roast dinner with a variety of side dishes. Some side dish options include roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, and vegetables such as an air fryer veg slaw. Don't forget to add a dollop of English mustard and instant beef gravy!
Lettuce Wraps or Sandwiches
For a more casual option, slice the beef thinly and serve it in lettuce wraps or sandwiches. This is a great option if you have any leftover beef you want to use up.
Holiday or Party Dish
Air fryer roast beef is a simple yet spectacular dish to serve to guests. It is perfect for holiday dinners and parties, as it is hearty and flavourful. This dish will surely satisfy your guests' taste buds!
Low-Carb, Paleo, or Whole30 Option
Air fryer roast beef is a low-carb, paleo, and Whole30-friendly option that can be served year-round. It is a great choice for those following a specific diet or lifestyle.
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Frequently asked questions
Before placing the beef in the air fryer, it is important to bring it to room temperature. This usually takes 20-30 minutes. You can then season the beef with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you enjoy.
Air fryers are best for cooking at high temperatures. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C or 220°C. You can then reduce the temperature to 350°F/180°C or 170°C for the remainder of the cooking time.
This depends on how well-done you like your beef. For medium-rare, cook for 30 minutes, and for medium to well-done, cook for 40 minutes. You can also follow the rule of thumb of 13 minutes per pound of beef, plus an additional 5 minutes for how well-done you want it.
You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the beef. For rare, aim for 48-52°C, 55-59°C for medium-rare, 60-66°C for medium, and 67-71°C for well-done.
