Name: Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lb top sirloin roast (or eye of round); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; ½ teaspoon paprika

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If you’ve ever dreamed of a perfectly juicy, flavorful roast beef dinner that doesn’t require hours in the oven, this Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe is pure magic. With a golden, savory crust and melt-in-your-mouth tender slices, this dish comes together with shockingly little effort yet delivers all the comfort and elegance of a classic Sunday roast. Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro, you’ll love how foolproof and delicious this roast beef turns out every single time.

Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the things I adore about this Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe is how it turns just a handful of simple, everyday ingredients into something truly special. Each ingredient in this lineup plays a starring role—bringing out rich flavors, a beautiful crust, and irresistible aroma.

Top sirloin roast (2 lb): This lean, flavorful cut is perfect for air frying and stays tender and juicy.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the seasoning stick and adds a subtle richness to the crust.
Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for enhancing the beef’s natural savoriness.
Black pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle, peppery heat that balances the herbs.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses the roast with deep, aromatic flavor without overpowering.
Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Lends sweetness and complexity that rounds out the seasoning.
Dried rosemary (1 teaspoon): Brings a woodsy, fragrant note that screams “classic roast beef.”
Paprika (½ teaspoon): Gives a pop of color and a subtle smokiness to the crust.

How to Make Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe

Step 1: Bring Your Roast to Room Temperature

This little step makes a huge difference! Take the roast out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 to 45 minutes. Allowing the beef to warm up slightly ensures it will cook more evenly and stay juicy throughout.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

While your roast is resting, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. A nice, hot air fryer is key for getting that gorgeous seared crust you want in an Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe.

Step 3: Pat Dry and Season Generously

Blot the roast dry with paper towels—removing excess moisture helps the seasoning stick and ensures the exterior crisps up beautifully. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, and paprika. Rub the roast with olive oil first, then coat it all over with the seasoning blend, pressing it in for maximum flavor.

Step 4: The First Blast of Heat

Place the seasoned roast directly in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 15 minutes. This high heat kickstarts the Maillard reaction, giving you that irresistible crust that sets this Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe apart.

Step 5: Slow Down for Tenderness

Reduce the air fryer temperature to 325°F and continue cooking for another 30 to 45 minutes. The exact time depends on your roast’s size and your preferred doneness: aim for 130°F for medium-rare or 140°F for medium. Always use a meat thermometer for precision—nothing beats perfectly cooked beef!

Step 6: Rest and Slice

Once your roast reaches the right temperature, transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, so every slice is succulent and flavorful. When ready, slice thinly against the grain for the ultimate tenderness.

How to Serve Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a handful of fresh chopped parsley, or a drizzle of pan juices takes this roast from great to unforgettable. For a bright touch, try a squeeze of lemon or a dab of horseradish cream.

Side Dishes

This roast beef loves classic sides! Think creamy mashed potatoes, crisp green beans, roasted carrots, or even a tangy arugula salad. For a cozy meal, serve it with Yorkshire pudding or soft dinner rolls to soak up those delicious juices.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn leftovers into next-level sandwiches with crusty bread, arugula, and a swipe of mustard. Or, fan slices over a platter with roasted vegetables for a show-stopping buffet. This Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe even shines cold in salads or wraps for easy lunches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover roast beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, ready for quick meals or snacking.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, slice the roast and wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat slices gently in the microwave, covered with a damp paper towel, or in a low oven (about 300°F) until just warmed through. This preserves the beef’s juicy texture and prevents it from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe?

Absolutely! While top sirloin is a favorite for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use eye of round, rump roast, or even tenderloin. Just adjust the cooking time to suit the thickness and type Main Course.

Do I need to marinate the beef beforehand?

Not at all! The seasoning rub in this Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe gives plenty of flavor. However, if you have time, marinating overnight with a bit of olive oil, garlic, and herbs can add even more depth to the taste.

How do I prevent my roast from drying out in the air fryer?

Resting the beef before and after cooking is essential, as is using a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Slicing against the grain and reheating gently also helps maintain that juicy, tender texture.

What air fryer size works best for this recipe?

A larger basket-style air fryer (at least 5 quarts) is ideal for a 2 lb roast. If your air fryer is smaller, you can trim the roast or cook in two pieces—just ensure there’s space for air to circulate.

Can I make this Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Just double-check your spices to ensure they’re gluten-free if you’re especially sensitive.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe is a true game-changer for busy weeknights or special occasions alike. With its beautiful crust, juicy center, and endless ways to serve, you’ll want to make it again and again. Gather your ingredients, fire up your air fryer, and get ready to impress yourself (and everyone you feed) with how easy and delicious homemade roast beef can be!

Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe

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4.5 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Air Fryer Roast Beef recipe is a simple yet flavorful way to prepare a delicious and tender roast beef using your air fryer. Perfect for a quick main course, the roast is seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, cooked to your preferred doneness, and offers juicy, savory slices ideal for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef

2 lb top sirloin roast (or eye of round)

Seasonings

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
½ teaspoon paprika

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Instructions

Bring Roast to Room Temperature: Remove the roast from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30–45 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for about 5 minutes to get it ready for roasting.
Prepare the Roast: Pat the roast dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried rosemary, and paprika. Rub the roast all over with olive oil and then coat it evenly with the seasoning mixture.
Initial Cooking: Place the seasoned roast in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 15 minutes to develop a seared crust.
Reduce Temperature and Continue Cooking: Lower the air fryer temperature to 325°F (163°C) and continue cooking the roast for an additional 30–45 minutes, depending on your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature — 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium.
Rest the Roast: Once cooked to your preferred temperature, remove the roast from the air fryer and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
Slice and Serve: Slice the roast thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness, then serve and enjoy your juicy, flavorful roast beef.

Notes

Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of the roast.
Always use a meat thermometer for best accuracy and food safety.
For added flavor, marinate the beef overnight or substitute dried rosemary with fresh herbs.
Letting the roast rest before slicing is crucial to retain juices and enhance tenderness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American