Air Fryer Roast Beef
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Succulent, juicy, and generously wrapped in fragrant rosemary, this Air Fryer Roast Beef is here to prove you don’t need an oven for Sunday dinner perfection. Plus, with a quick 35-minute cook time, you can sink your teeth into a hearty roast without waiting around all day.
If you’re here because you’re craving a comforting roast but can’t fathom babysitting the oven for hours, you’re in exactly the right spot. Imagine your kitchen filled with the aroma of tender beef, garlic, and rosemary—only without the stress or the guesswork.
This Air Fryer Roast Beef is my secret to a perfectly browned, juicy centerpiece, but more importantly, it’s a dinner that lets you reclaim your time. I hope you’re already picturing that first bite, because this is one of those recipes that makes you want to drop everything and cook. So stick around, ask questions, and tell me if you try it—I can’t wait to hear what you think!
Before You Start
- Pick the Right Cut: Use a top round for a lean, flavorful roast, or go for sirloin if you prefer a roast without needing a boatload of fat. If you want something richer, a ribeye roast will do the trick. The goal is to pick a cut you love, because the air fryer will seal in every ounce of flavor you throw its way.
- Bring the Beef to Room Temp: Let your roast rest on the counter for about 30 minutes. That little bit of time helps it cook more evenly.
- Have a Thermometer Handy: This is the only foolproof way to gauge when your roast hits that perfect level of doneness.
- Warm Up the Air Fryer: Preheating is key. You want the cooking chamber hot and ready, so the beef sears nicely right from the start.
- Don’t Skip the Rest: After cooking, step away and let the roast sit for 10 minutes. It’s hard to resist, but trust me, slicing too soon means losing all those tasty juices.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Beef Roast: Top round or sirloin hold up well at high heat, but if you’re a fan of richer cuts, ribeye also works.
- Olive Oil: Let’s the seasoning cling to the roast and adds a light layer of flavor. Avocado oil can pinch-hit if that’s what you have on hand.
- Garlic: Brings savory depth that sets the tone for a classic roast. Feel free to adjust to taste if you’re not a garlic super-fan.
- Spices: My favorite for this roast are salt, pepper, onion powder and some smoked paprika.
- Rosemary: If rosemary isn’t your thing, you can swap in thyme if you’d rather go that route.
In a small bowl, stir together 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional).
Take 1 tablespoon of olive oil and massage it all over your 2-pound top round or sirloin roast, making sure every surface is coated. Rub the seasoning blend into the oiled roast, making sure to press it into any crevices. Get those flavors right where they need to be—up close and personal with the meat.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the roast in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes. This high heat locks in juices and starts building that crusty exterior. After that first 15 minutes, drop the temperature to 360°F (180°C) and cook for another 15–17 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare.
Tip: Use an instant-read thermometer, since eyeballing the roast can lead to over- or undercooking.
Take the roast out and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing into it. This short break keeps those juices where they belong—inside the roast.
Internal Cooked Temperature Of Roast Beef
| Doneness | Internal Temperature (°F) | Internal Temperature (°C) |
| Rare | 120–125 °F | 49–52 °C |
| Medium Rare | 130–135 °F | 54–57 °C |
| Medium | 140–145 °F | 60–63 °C |
| Medium Well | 150–155 °F | 66–68 °C |
| Well Done | 160 °F and above | 71 °C and above |
How To Serve
I love pairing this Air Fryer Roast Beef with comforting sides that soak up every bit of flavor. A generous portion of mashed potatoes or crisp-tender veggies completes the plate, but there are so many options out there. Here are some ideas:
Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes
Loaded Scalloped Potatoes
Quick Yeast Dinner Rolls
Caesar Salad Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Yes, but pick a cut that suits quick, high-heat cooking. Top round, sirloin, or even a ribeye roast will work. Just keep an eye on the internal temp.
What if I Don’t Have an Air Fryer?
You can roast this in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, then lower the temp to 360°F (180°C) and continue until your roast hits 130°F (54°C). Timing might vary, so keep that thermometer handy.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Wrap any slices in foil or place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Absolutely. Slice the beef, then store it in freezer-safe bags. It’s best used within 2 months, but it’s still safe beyond that—just not as fresh-tasting.
How Should I Reheat the Roast?
Gently warm it in a 300°F (150°C) oven or pop it in the microwave at lower power. You don’t want to dry out that meat.
More Delicious Roasts
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Air Fryer Roast Beef
Video
Ingredients
- 2-3 pound beef roast (top round or sirloin)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, rosemary, salt, pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Rub the beef roast with olive oil, then coat it evenly with the herb and spice mixture.
- Place the roast in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 360°F (180°C) and continue cooking for another 15-17 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare (adjust cook time for desired doneness). Mine was done at 16 minutes.
- Remove the roast from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Temper the Roast: Pull the beef out of the fridge about 30 minutes before air frying, so it cooks evenly.
- Size Matters: If your roast is larger than 2 pounds, increase the cooking time in small increments and keep a meat thermometer handy.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Thyme or oregano swap in easily for rosemary, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce gives an extra boost of umami.
Nutrition Information
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
