I’m a Food Scientist with secrets to the best Air Fryer Roast Beef. You’ll love this succulent, juicy, tender roast beef with a crust seared to crispy perfection and rich, DELICIOUS gravy 👌
This Air Fryer Roast Beef is so easy and foolproof! It’s low-mess with no bulky pans to scrub, faster than traditional roasting, and truly foolproof thanks to the air fryer’s consistent heat and even cooking. Quick, perfect results, every time!
A Food Scientist’s Secrets to the Best Air Fryer Roast Beef
Want juicy, succulent roast beef in your air fryer? Start with simple tips from my science degree in food:
- Bring the Beef to Room Temperature: Let the beef sit out for 30-60 minutes before cooking. Cold beef will burn on the outside before the inside cooks through.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Keep a close eye on the temperature. Air fryers cook hot and fast, so the internal temperature can rise 10-15°F after cooking. Aim for your target temperature accordingly.
- Let the Beef Rest: After cooking, rest the beef for at least 10 minutes. This allows the muscle fibers to relax and redistributes the juices, keeping the roast tender and moist. Don’t skip this step!
- Slice Against the Grain: Always slice the beef against the grain (the direction of the muscle fibers). This shortens the fibers and makes each bite more tender and easier to chew.
- Choose the Right Cut: Opt for cuts like top sirloin or tenderloin for the juiciest, melt-in-your-mouth results. Leaner cuts like eye of round will need extra care to stay tender.
- More Carryover Cooking: Carryover cooking happens more with higher heat. A roast cooked at 325°F will rise less in temperature after cooking than one in an air fryer. Since air fryers are very hot, expect the roast’s temperature to increase by 10-15°F as it rests.
Keep on reading to find out the 4 common mistakes to avoid! 👇
Air Fryer Roast Beef Ingredients
This is such a simple batch of ingredients – here’s what to gather:
For the beef
- Beef Roast: Let your beef roast come to room temperature before cooking. This promotes even cooking throughout the roast.
- Cooking oil: Use a high smoke point oil, such as vegetable oil or canola oil. This is preferable over olive oil or avocado oil. The hot air (hence, you need a high heat oil) in the air fryer will help create a nice sear on the beef.
- Kosher salt: This salt works well for seasoning the beef. Its coarse texture adheres better to the surface of the meat.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a robust and aromatic flavor to the beef. Adjust the quantity according to your taste preferences.
You can experiment with the seasonings, using steak seasoning in place of the salt, or adding up to 1 tsp each of garlic powder, smoked paprika and onion powder.
For the gravy
- Butter: It adds richness to the gravy.
- Onion: Adds loads of savory flavor.
- Kosher salt: Use sparingly as needed, keeping in mind the salted butter and the salt in the beef seasoning.
- All-purpose flour: This thickens the gravy.
- Beef Broth: Beef broth forms the gravy base, providing a rich and savory flavor. It’s so good you guys, it brings ALL the flavor.
- Fresh rosemary: This woody herb adds a pungent herbal note to the gravy. You could also use other herbs like thyme, dried parsley, or oregano.
- Whole peppercorns: These will infuse the gravy with a subtle peppery flavor. You can adjust the quantity based on your preference.
- Heavy whipping cream: This adds creaminess to the gravy.
Tools You’ll Need
One of the joys of this recipe is that it requires very few tools. Here are a few you’ll need:
- Air fryer: Our reason for quick and delicious roast beef.
- Paper towel: To pat the beef dry.
- Foil: To cover the meat.
- Large saucepan: For our gravy making.
- Fine-meshed sieve: To strain our velvety peppercorn gravy.
With everything ready, you can make the perfect air fryer roast beef dish.
Best Cuts of Beef for Air Frying
Air frying works best with naturally tender cuts of beef that can handle quick cooking at high heat without drying out.
When using an air fryer, choose a roast that fits comfortably in the basket with a little space around it for air circulation—around 2-3 pounds is usually a good size. For even cooking, flip the roast halfway through the cooking time to ensure all sides are exposed to the heat.
Here’s a breakdown of the best options—and a few to approach with caution:
- Top Sirloin Roast: This is one of the best choices for air frying. It’s quite lean, very flavorful, and naturally more tender than tougher cuts like round roasts. Its smaller size typically fits well in an air fryer, and it cooks beautifully to medium or medium-rare.
- Eye of Round Roast: Economical and usually quite uniform in shape, which helps it cook evenly in an air fryer. Because it’s a leaner choice, it’s very important not to overcook it to maintain tenderness. (P.s. Here’s my tender Eye of Round Roast recipe in the oven as well!).
- Outside Round (Bottom Round or Rump Roast): This cut has great beefy flavor but tends to be tough due to its lean texture. It’s better suited for slow cooking methods like a dutch oven pot roast, where long cooking times help break down connective tissue. If you use it in the air fryer, keep it rare to medium-rare (maximum) and slice thin against the grain. If you like this cut, try my Instant Pot Roast Beef recipe instead!
- Beef Tenderloin: A fantastic option for air frying due to its exceptional tenderness (it’s what filet mignon is cut from!). However, it cooks very quickly, so it requires close monitoring to avoid overcooking. Tenderloin is best when served rare to medium.
Cuts to Avoid
Tough, connective tissue-heavy cuts like beef chuck roast or brisket are not ideal for air frying. These cuts need long, slow cooking to break down and become tender, and the air fryer’s quick, high-heat method won’t give the same results. While flavorful, they’ll turn out chewy and dry if cooked this way. Also avoid a large beef joint that won’t fit comfortably inside the appliance.
How to Make Air Fryer Roast Beef and Gravy: An Easy Guide
Here are the super simple (and low-mess) steps to take to this dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth roast beef recipe in 40 minutes:
How to roast the beef:
- Firstly, pat your roast beef dry with paper towels. Next, rub it all over with oil, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer beef to air fryer and air fry at 360ºF for about 40 mins, flipping halfway through, until it reaches 125ºF for medium-rare.
- If the roast gets too dark in the last 10 minutes, use oven mitts to wrap it in foil to finish cooking.
How to make the gravy
- Add the butter to a large saucepan and melt it over medium-high heat. Next, add the onion and ½ tsp salt and cook until soft, for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in flour and cook, stirring frequently, until it turns butterscotch-coloured. Very carefully whisk in the broth in a slow stream. Be careful; it will bubble up quickly.
- Stir in the rosemary and peppercorns and turn the heat down to low. Whisk in cream and remaining ½ tsp salt. When the mixture thickens, turn off the heat and cover the pan. Let stand for 1 hour to infuse flavors.
- Just before serving, return the gravy to a simmer over low heat. Force through a fine-mesh sieve into a serving dish, discarding the solids.
How to Serve this Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe
Now for the good part, serving up your air fryer roast beef and gravy. Here are my favorite side dishes to pair with this juicy and richly meaty meal:
- Mashed potatoes: My recipe for light, fluffy (never gluey) mashed potatoes is the perfect partner to this roast. Sub cauliflower rice for a low-carb option if that’s your jam.
- Scalloped potatoes: Another glorious potato recipe to go with your air fryer roast beef is this gluten-free scalloped potatoes recipe. Totally creamy, you’ll need an afternoon nap after this meal. Totally worth it.
- Green beans: Simply steamed are great. Otherwise, level up with my rich and dreamy green bean casserole with crispy onions.
- Carrots: Steamed and buttered baby carrots are a light and easy-going side.
Make Ahead and Storage
If you have leftovers (doubtful), you can keep them and enjoy them again the next day!
- Storing Roast Beef: Once cooked, allow the roast beef to cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Slice it or keep it whole. Store the roast beef in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating Roast Beef: Reheat roast beef in a 250°F oven with broth for 20-30 minutes, on a stovetop skillet with liquid for 2-3 minutes per side, or in the microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals, keeping it moist to avoid drying out.
- Gravy: Cool before transferring to an airtight container. Gravy can be refrigerated for 2-3 days. Reheat on the stove, stirring frequently, and add a bit of water or broth to adjust the consistency if needed.
One of my favorite things to do with leftover roast beef is to make old fashioned beef and vegetable soup, dutch oven beef stew, or a beef pot pie. Yum!
4 Most Common Mistakes When Making Air Fryer Roast Beef
Here are the most frequent mix-ups to avoid when making succulent air fryer roast beef and gravy:
- Not Patting the meat dry: Failing to pat the beef dry before seasoning and placing it in the air fryer can hinder the development of a crispy exterior.
- Not Preheating the Air Fryer: The initial blast of hot air is crucial for searing the outer layer of the beef and locking in its juices.
- Using the wrong cut of beef: Choosing a tough cut or one with minimal fat content may result in a dry and less flavorful roast. Don’t use chuck roast or brisket, which are better simmered in a moist cooking method (like my shredded beef recipe).
- Not Resting the Beef: You need the beef to rest so that the juices can be redistributed. This will prevent the meat from drying out.
- Not Watching Closely: Watch the cooking time closely, especially during the last few minutes. Air fryers cook quickly, and overcooking can result in a dry roast. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the desired doneness.
FAQs About Air Fryer Roast Beef
Just skimming through? Here are some quick answers to the commonly asked questions.
Can I use a frozen beef roast in the air fryer?
No, I recommend thawing the beef roast completely before air frying it.
How long should I preheat the air fryer for roast beef?
Preheat the air fryer for at least 5 minutes at the recommended temperature. This ensures a hot cooking environment, promoting a good sear on the beef.
Can I marinate the beef for an extended period before air frying?
Yes, marinating the beef overnight in the refrigerator can enhance flavor. I’d suggest avoiding acidic marinades for extended periods as they can affect the meat’s texture.
What’s the best way to prevent the beef from drying out?
Pat the beef dry before seasoning, use a well-marbled cut, monitor cooking time closely, and let the roast rest after cooking. These steps help retain moisture and ensure a juicy result.
Can I cook multiple roasts at the same time in the air fryer?
No, it’s best to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation. Cook roasts in batches if needed.
How do I know when the roast beef is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 125°F and adjust based on your desired level of doneness.
What can I substitute for heavy whipping cream in the gravy?
You can substitute heavy whipping cream with whole milk or half-and-half for a slightly lighter option. Adjust the quantity based on your preference.
Can I use an air fryer oven instead of a traditional air fryer?
Yes, an air fryer oven works well for roast beef. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for temperature settings and cooking times.
Try These Other Air Fryer Recipes
More Cozy Beef Recipes You’ll Love
- Beef Pot Pie with golden flaky crust
- Chili Con Carne recipe with ground beef
- Traditional Beef Taco recipe
- The best Meatloaf recipe
- You’ll love this golden Roast Beef Crust on this beautiful roast
Air Fryer Roast Beef (So Juicy!)
Video
Ingredients
- For the beef:
- 1 ½ lbs beef roast room temperature
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- 2 ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- For the gravy:
- 4 tbsp salted butter
- ¾ cup minced onion
- 1 tsp kosher salt divided use
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary coarsely chopped
- 1 tbsp whole peppercorns
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Pat roast beef dry with paper towels. Rub all over with oil, salt and pepper.
- Transfer beef to air fryer and air fry at 360ºF for about 40 mins, flipping halfway through, until it reaches 125ºF for medium-rare.
- If it’s getting too dark in the last 10 minutes, use oven mitts to wrap up the roast with foil to finish cooking.
Notes
- I use Outside Round Oven Beef Roast, also known as bottom round roast or rump roast.
- See Best Cuts of Beef for Air Fryer Roast Beef for other good choices.
- Have beef at room temperature.
- Remember to pat the beef dry before cooking it.
- Watch the temperature closely in the second half of cooking to avoid overcooking it. Peek several times to ensure it isn’t getting too dark either.
- Rest the beef before slicing it for maximum juiciness.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I’m confused, you mentioned not to use chuck roast in the air fryer, but then recommended chuck roast in the comments. Please clarify. Thank you.🙂🙂
Hi Cori, no chuck roast for the air fryer. That’s a low-and-slow cut of beef. If it slipped into the comments it was a brain slip moment, I’m sorry!
This was delicious and I am always seeking new ways to use the Air Fryer. I would never have thought to do a whole roast! Love it.
Can you use an air fryer equipped with a rotisserie to sear the roast?
Wow, you’ve got one with a rotisserie? Awesome! Yes, absolutely use that then.
Hi Ellie! So glad you’re giving the recipe a try. For beginners, I’d recommend starting with a Top Sirloin Roast – it’s forgiving and turns out juicy in the air fryer.
omg needed this. trying to figure out quick dinners for the family and this roast beef was a winner. thanks for sharing!
Just wanted to drop in and say that I tried making the air fryer roast beef last night and it was an absolute game changer. I’ve always been skeptical about air frying a whole roast, but the outside was perfectly crispy and the inside was juicy as promised. Definitely will be a regular on my dinner table. Props to Jennifer for demystifying the process!
Hello! This recipe looks great. I am definitely going to give it a try. I don’t see the instructions for the gravy though?
Hi Maureen, this is my go-to brown gravy recipe: https://foodess.com/meatloaf-with-brown-gravy/
My kids loved this!
Omigoodness Jenn, this was the best recipe ever. I had almost given up on roast beef – but this was so flavourful and moist – I will definitely be doing this one again. thank you – and the leftovers made wonderful soup