You are going to love this Air Fryer Roast Beef. Succulent, juicy roast beef with a crust seared to crispy perfection.

What Makes This Air Fryer Roast Beef Easy and Foolproof?

Serve it with mashed potatoes, a green veggie, and this luscious peppercorn gravy. It’s the savory, meaty dinner we all love; here’s why this recipe is a winner:

• This recipe is a low-mess way to make roast beef. With the air-fryer, there is no need for bulky roasting trays and lots of washing up.
• As with most air fryer recipes, this one offers a quicker roasting time; it’s a time-saver! As much as I love a slow cooker, this air fryer recipe is just so convenient. 
• It’s foolproof because the air-fryer is consistent with its cooking temperature and air circulation.
  

Here’s What You Need For This Air Fryer Roast Beef

A roast can seem overwhelming, so I hope this breakdown will make it less daunting. Its honestly a really easy recipe to make, let’s go!

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.

For the gravy

• Butter:  It adds richness to the gravy. 
• Onion: Adds loads of savory flavor. 
• Coarse 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.

Best Cuts of Beef for Air Fryer Roast Beef

For cuts more suitable for air frying, which typically involves quick cooking at high heat, let’s focus on those that are naturally more tender:

1. Outside Round Oven Beef Roast (also known as Bottom Round Roast or Rump Roast): This cut is a great choice for its lean texture and robust flavor, offering a healthy and economical option for a variety of recipes. This is the cut I used.
2. Top Sirloin Roast: A lean and flavorful option that can do well in an air fryer, especially when cooked to medium doneness. It’s more tender than an outside round roast and should fit nicely in an air fryer depending on its size.
3. Eye of Round Roast: This is another lean cut, similar to the outside round but usually more uniform in shape, which helps it cook evenly in an air fryer. It’s important not to overcook it to maintain tenderness.
4. Beef Tenderloin: As a premium, tender cut, beef tenderloin can be a great option for air frying. It’s important to monitor the cooking closely, as it can overcook quickly due to its tenderness.
5. Filet Mignon: While not a roast, filet mignon steaks could be an alternative if you’re looking for something that cooks well under the high-heat, quick conditions of an air fryer. They are small, tender, and cook quickly.

When using an air fryer, you need to consider the size of the cut to ensure it fits comfortably in the basket and can cook evenly. It’s a good idea to select a piece of meat that is not too thick and to flip it halfway through cooking for even results.

Tools You’ll Need To Gather

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.

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 145ºF 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.

 A few notes 

• It is extra important when using the air fryer to roast beef that you have the beef at room temperature first otherwise, the outside will be black by the time the inside comes up to temperature.
• It is also important to watch the temperature closely and rest the beef. Note that the carryover cooking effect is intensified the higher the heat used to cook the meat, so a roast cooked at 325°F will rise less in temperature after cooking than a roast cooked in the air fryer, which is an intense heat source be prepared for your roast to rise in temperature by 10 to 15°.
• When deciding if it’s done or not, don’t skip the roasting, that is super super important to re-distribute the juice and ensure that tender, moist roast beef

Make Ahead and Storage

Here is how to prepare in advance and some details on storing the beef and gravy.

Make Ahead

 Here are a few ways to save time:

• Prepare the gravy: You can make it entirely in advance and keep it aside until you’re ready to serve the beef. You’ll need to warm it and possibly adjust the consistency.
• Prepare the veggies and weigh out gravy ingredients: You can chop the onion, prep the meat, prepare the other ingredients, and set them aside the day before you cook the roast.

Storage  

If you have leftovers (doubtful), you can keep them and enjoy them again the next day!

• 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.
• Gravy: If you have leftover gravy, let it cool before transferring it 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.

How to Serve this Air Fryer Roast Beef recipe

Now for the good bit, 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. There has never been a more beautiful marriage.
•  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.

5 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 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 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.
• 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.
• 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.

 Final Notes, Pro Tips + Science-Based Secrets

 Get the very best result out of your Air Fryer roast beef with these key takeaways:

• Season well: Sprinkle a good amount of salt on your meat. You want juicy meat that is also tasty and super savory.
• Let it rest: Give the beef a good little while to settle its internal juices. 
• Silky gravy: Whisk it well, and strain it if you want it perfectly smooth. 
• Watch temperature 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 145°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

• Air Fryer Tuna Steak
• Air Fryer Frozen Salmon (Moist + Flaky!)
• The Juiciest Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs
• Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant
• Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
• Perfect Air Fryer Pizza + How to Reheat Pizza in Air Fryer

More Cozy Beef Recipes You’ll Love

• Beef Pot Pie with golden flaky crust
• Chili Con Carne recipe with ground beef
• Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
• Traditional Beef Taco recipe
• The best Meatloaf recipe
• You’ll love this golden Roast Beef Crust on this beautiful roast