Air fryer roast beef is a game changer for anyone who wants a perfectly cooked joint without heating up the whole oven. Using the air fryer delivers a beautifully browned exterior with a juicy, tender centre - and it's ready in a fraction of the time. Ideal for smaller joints, weeknight roasts, or when you want roast beef without the fuss.
We like our beef and steaks cooked medium rare, so I take it out of the air fryer when it reaches 52C, then rest it. I check this by using a meat thermometer. The temperature guide below will help you decide how long it needs to be in the air fryer, depending on how you like it cooked. Note that the temperature will increase slightly as it cooks.
You'll love it because:
- It's faster cooking than oven roasting
- It's perfect for small households
- You'll get consistent results
- It's perfect for small joints
- You'll get juicy results every time
- You'll have minimal clean-up
What's not to love!?!
Internal temperature guide (use a meat thermometer):
- Rare: 50 to 52C
- Medium Rare: 55 to 57C
- Medium: 60 to 63C
- Well Done: 68C+
NOTE: Remove beef 3 to 5C before it reaches it's target temperature as it will rise while resting.
Tips
- Optional flavour variations:
- Garlic and herb roast beef - rosemary, thyme, garlic.
- Mustard-crusted beef - Dijon mustard and black pepper.
- Spiced roast beef - smoked paprika, cumin and coriander.
- Classic Sunday roast - serve with gravy and yorkshire puddings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Topside, sirloin, and rump work best. Avoid very large joints - air fryers excel with smaller roasts.
Not always, but turning halfway helps even browning in smaller air fryer baskets.
Overcooking or skipping the resting step. Always rest the beef for at least 20 minutes.
It's not recommended - thaw fully for even cooking and food safety.
No - cook uncovered for proper browning. Tent loosely with foil after cooking while resting.
Yes - slice first and reheat gently at 160C for 3 to 4 minutes.
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How to make this Air Fryer Roast Beef
Ingredients
- 1kg to 1.2kg beef roasting joint
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Take the beef out of the fridge and bring it up to room temperature before cooking (30 minutes to 1 hour).
- Heat the air fryer at 200C for 5 minutes. Pat the beef dry with kitchen roll, then rub it all over with the oil, salt and lots of freshly ground black pepper.
- Transfer the seasoned beef to the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes at 200C.
- Then cook for a further 45 to 55 minutes at 170C (45 minutes for medium rare and 55 minutes for medium well done). Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature - 52C for medium rare and 65C for medium well done. Note, the internal temperature will increase slightly as it rests.
- Transfer the meat to a board, cover loosely with foil, and leave to rest for at least 20 minutes (up to 30 minutes) before carving and serving.
- Enjoy with your choice of side dishes.
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Air Fryer Roast Beef
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 kg (2.2 lb) to 1.2kg beef roasting joint
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Take the beef out of the fridge and bring it up to room temperature before cooking (30 minutes to 1 hour).
- Heat the air fryer at 200C for 5 minutes. Pat the beef dry with kitchen roll, then rub it all over with the oil, salt and lots of freshly ground black pepper.
- Transfer the seasoned beef to the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes at 200C.
- Then cook for a further 45 to 55 minutes at 170C (45 minutes for medium rare and 55 minutes for medium well done). Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature - 52C for medium rare and 65C for medium well done. Note, the internal temperature will increase slightly as it rests.
- Transfer the meat to a board, cover loosely with foil, and leave to rest for at least 20 minutes (up to 30 minutes) before carving and serving.
- Enjoy with your choice of side dishes.
Notes
- Optional flavour variations:
- Garlic and herb roast beef - rosemary, thyme, garlic.
- Mustard-crusted beef - Dijon mustard and black pepper.
- Spiced roast beef - smoked paprika, cumin and coriander.
- Classic Sunday roast - serve with gravy and yorkshire puddings.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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