Name: Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2-3 pound beef roast (top round or sirloin); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped); 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

There's something incredibly satisfying about a tender, juicy roast beef cooked to perfection without heating up the whole kitchen. This Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe brings that delicious, savory experience right to your countertop, fast and fuss-free—trust me, it’s a game-changer for busy weeknights or when you want that Sunday roast feel anytime.

The image shows five slices of cooked meat arranged slightly overlapping on a wooden cutting board with visible grain patterns. The meat has a pink center with a browned, seasoned crust on the edges, showing a textured coating with herbs and spices. Behind the slices is a larger unsliced piece of meat with the same texture and color. Green rosemary sprigs are placed around the meat, adding a fresh touch. The setting includes a white marbled surface and a faintly visible light cloth in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve tried plenty of roast beef methods, but air frying really nails that crusty exterior with a tender, rosy interior every time. It’s quick, simple, and the flavor combo is so rich and homey—I think you’ll fall for it just like I did.

Speedy Cooking: Roast beef ready in under an hour, including resting time—perfect for when time’s tight but you want something special.
Juicy and Tender Every Time: The air fryer’s circulating heat seals in juices beautifully, avoiding that dry roast texture you sometimes get.
Effortless Flavor Boost: Simple herb and spice rub infuses amazing aroma and taste with minimal prep work.
Minimal Clean-Up: No roasting pan to scrub—just your trusty air fryer basket.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here is about simplicity and amplifying natural beef flavor. The herbs add freshness, while the garlic and spices create a fragrant crust that’s totally crave-worthy. Plus, it’s easy to grab everything during your next grocery run.

Flat lay of a fresh whole beef roast top round with rich red marbling, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, two peeled garlic cloves on a white ceramic plate, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright green chopped fresh rosemary, a small white ceramic bowl containing coarse white salt crystals, another small white ceramic bowl with cracked black peppercorns, a separate small white bowl holding fine pale onion powder, and a tiny white bowl with vibrant deep red smoked paprika powder, all arranged symmetrically and balanced on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Beef roast (top round or sirloin): These cuts are lean yet tender when cooked medium-rare, perfect for air frying and slicing thin.
Olive oil: Helps the spices stick and encourages a nice sear on the roast’s surface.
Garlic (minced): Adds that unmistakable savory punch we all love.
Fresh rosemary (chopped): Brings a woodsy, fragrant flavor that pairs so well with beef.
Salt: Essential for enhancing all the beefy goodness.
Black pepper: Provides a gentle heat and depth of flavor.
Onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and savory note.
Smoked paprika (optional): If you want to introduce a smoky nuance, it’s a game-changer.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love switching up the herbs depending on the season or mood—thyme and oregano are my go-to swaps for rosemary, especially when I want a slightly earthier flavor. Feel free to experiment and make this roast your own.

Variation: One of my favorite twists is adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the rub for an extra umami kick—it gives the beef a subtle, rich depth I can’t get enough of.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe

A thick piece of cooked meat with a browned, seasoned crust on the outside and a pink, tender inside is shown on a wooden board. The meat has two visible layers: the outer dark brown, spiced crust with a rough texture, and the inner soft pinkish layer with visible fibers. A fork is piercing the top of the meat, holding it steady while a knife slices from the left side. The background is a blurred white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Bring Your Roast to Room Temperature

I always take the beef out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking. This simple step helps the meat cook evenly throughout instead of being cold in the middle while the outside’s done. Pat it dry gently with paper towels to help your spices stick better—trust me, it pays off.

Step 2: Mix Your Flavorful Rub

In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, fresh rosemary, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika if you’re using it. This blend is fragrant and punchy but not overpowering—perfect for letting the beef shine through.

Step 3: Rub and Oil Your Roast

Coat the roast evenly with olive oil first—that helps seal in moisture and allows the rub to cling nicely. Then, press the herb and spice mix all over the beef, making sure every inch is covered. This step creates that irresistible crust once it’s air fried.

Step 4: Air Fry to Juicy Perfection

Pop your roast into the air fryer basket and start at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes to get a great sear. Then lower the temperature to 360°F (180°C) and cook another 15-17 minutes—or until your meat thermometer reads 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare. I usually check at 16 minutes—it’s that sweet spot for plenty of juicy pinkness!

Step 5: Let It Rest Before Slicing

Removing the roast from the air fryer is just the beginning. Let it rest uncovered for about 10 minutes. This resting time lets the juices redistribute, keeping every slice tender and flavorful instead of drying out on the cutting board.

Top Tip

From my many air fryer roast experiments, a few little tricks have made all the difference. You want to nail the perfect balance of crust and juicy interior every time, so take a peek at these pointers before getting started.

Temper Your Meat: Taking the roast out 30 minutes early is a simple step most overlook but it really keeps cooking consistent.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Invest in a reliable instant-read thermometer—it’s the only way to prevent overcooking or undercooking when you’re adjusting times.
Don’t Skip Resting: Even if you’re hungry, resting lets the temperature even out and juices stay locked in, making a big difference to texture and flavor.
Adjust for Roast Size: If you have a bigger roast, add cooking time in 5-minute increments and keep an eye on internal temp instead of guessing.

How to Serve Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe

air fryer roast beef - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a little extra chopped rosemary on top before serving—it adds a fresh burst of color and subtle herbal brightness that balances the richness just perfectly.

Side Dishes

Mashed potatoes or creamy garlic roasted veggies are my top picks. They soak up the beef juices beautifully. Sometimes I go with a crisp salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I arrange the slices fan-style on a large platter with colorful roasted root veggies scattered around. It makes a striking presentation that wows guests but is surprisingly easy to pull off.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I let any leftover roast cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container to keep moisture locked in. It stays juicy and tasty in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

This air fryer roast beef freezes well when sliced. Just freeze in single layers on a baking sheet before transferring to freezer bags to avoid clumping. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then gently reheat.

Reheating

I usually reheat slices in a pan over low heat with a splash of beef broth or wrapped loosely in foil in the oven at 300°F until warmed through. This keeps the meat tender without drying it out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can you cook any cut of beef in the air fryer?

You can cook various beef cuts in the air fryer, but lean roasts like top round and sirloin work best for this recipe. They cook evenly and stay tender when air fried. Larger or fattier cuts might need longer cooking times or different temperature adjustments.

How do I know when the roast beef is done?

Using a reliable instant-read meat thermometer is the best way to check doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C). Keep in mind the meat will continue to cook slightly while resting, so you can remove it a few degrees below your target temperature.

Can I add different spices to the Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite herbs and spices. Thyme, oregano, or even a pinch of cumin can add wonderful flavor. Just keep in mind that the best approach is to keep the seasoning simple to let the beef's natural flavor shine through.

What if I don’t have an air fryer large enough for the roast?

If your air fryer basket is too small, you might want to cook a smaller roast or slice the roast into chunks that fit comfortably. Or use a convection oven method with similar cooking temperatures and times as a workaround.

Final Thoughts

I honestly never thought air frying a classic roast beef could be so simple and rewarding until I tried this method. Once you nail that perfect crust and juicy center, it’s hard to go back. Give this Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe a try—you might just find a new favorite way to enjoy roast night anytime you want.