This Air Fryer Roast Beef brings the magic of a Sunday roast to your table in under an hour. Perfectly cooked on the outside while staying juicy and tender inside, this protein-packed main dish delivers restaurant-worthy results with minimal effort.
With just 15 minutes of prep time and 35 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a mouthwatering roast that’s both healthier and quicker than traditional oven methods. At only 316 calories per serving and packed with 50g of protein, it’s a delicious way to serve up a classic family favorite.
Ingredients for Perfect Air Fryer Roast Beef
- Beef Roast (2 lb): Choose a well-marbled cut for best results
- Garlic Powder (2 tsp): Adds classic savory flavor
- Onion Powder (2 tsp): Provides depth to the seasoning blend
- Dried Herbs (2 tsp each): Parsley, thyme, and oregano create an aromatic crust
- Kosher Salt (2 tsp): Enhances overall flavor profile
- Black Pepper (1 tsp): Adds subtle heat and seasoning
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Helps seasonings stick and promotes browning
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat air fryer to 390°F for 15 minutes while combining all seasonings in a bowl
- Season the Roast: Pat meat dry thoroughly, brush with oil, and coat evenly with spice mixture
- Initial Cooking: Place in fryer basket and cook for 15 minutes at 390°F
- Flip and Finish: Turn roast over, reduce temperature to 360°F, cook 20-30+ minutes depending on desired doneness
- Rest and Serve: Let roast rest under foil for 15 minutes before slicing for juiciest results
Cooking Tips for Perfect Roast Beef
Getting that perfect roast beef is all about temperature control! The initial high heat (390°F) creates a nice crust on the outside, while lowering it to 360°F helps cook the inside evenly. Don’t skip the resting time – those 15 minutes let the juices settle back into the meat, making every slice extra juicy. For rare beef, look for an internal temperature of 125°F, medium-rare at 135°F, and medium at 145°F.
Easy Variations
Want to switch things up? Try adding 1 tablespoon of mustard to the seasoning mix for extra tang. You can also swap the herbs around – rosemary and sage work beautifully with beef. If you’re watching your sodium, cut the salt in half and add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for brightness.
Serving Ideas
This roast beef shines as the star of your dinner plate! Pair it with crispy roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad. Love sandwiches? Slice it super thin for amazing next-day French dip sandwiches. Don’t forget to drizzle any resting juices over the meat when serving – that’s pure gold right there!
Storage and Leftovers
Keep your leftover roast beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For the juiciest results when reheating, warm thin slices gently in a pan with a splash of beef broth. You can also freeze sliced roast beef for up to 3 months – just wrap it really well to prevent freezer burn!
Air Fryer Roast Beef
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Small Bowl
- Paper Towels
- Meat Thermometer
- Cutting Board
- Aluminum Foil
Ingredients
- 2 lb Beef Roast
- 2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 2 tsp Onion Powder
- 2 tsp Parsley
- 2 tsp Thyme
- 2 tsp Oregano
- 2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 390F/189C for 15 minutes.
- Combine the seasonings together in a small bowl.
- Pat the roast dry with paper towels, coat it with the oil, then rub it with the seasoning mix.
- Place the roast in the fryer basket. Cook for 15 minutes, then carefully flip the roast over.
- Reduce the temperature to 360 degrees F and cook for 20 minutes (for rare beef) or 30+ minutes (for medium rare to well done), or until a meat thermometer reaches desired degree of doneness.
- Remove the roast from the air fryer and place it on a cutting board. Cover it with foil and allow it to rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
