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 so satisfying about slicing into a tender, juicy roast beef that’s cooked just right. This Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe gives you that perfect balance of crispy edges and a beautifully pink center, all while cutting down on cooking time and mess. I love how easy it is to nail that roast beef dinner using my air fryer — no roasting pan, no oven heat filling up the kitchen!

The image shows a piece of cooked meat on a wooden cutting board with several thick slices cut from it. The meat has a browned, herb-covered crust on the outside with a pink, tender inside. Four slices lie in front of the main piece, showing a gradient from crusty dark brown edges to light pink centers. There are green sprigs of rosemary placed on and around the board. The cutting board has a natural wood grain texture, and the background is a white marbled surface. 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 made roast beef plenty of ways over the years, but using my air fryer completely changed the game. The roast cooks evenly, comes out tender and juicy every time, and cleanup is a breeze. Plus, it frees up the oven for your sides or desserts, which is a lifesaver on busy nights.

Speedy Cooking: The air fryer cuts the roast beef cooking time down by a significant margin without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Perfect Crust: You get that lovely seared exterior like you would with a pan, thanks to the high heat circulation in the air fryer.
Juicy Interior: The control over temperature means you can hit your preferred doneness right on the nose, whether that’s medium-rare or well-done.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: A few fresh herbs and spices really elevate this humble roast into an everyday special.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients here are straightforward but thoughtfully chosen. The garlic and rosemary bring those classic roast beef flavors, while a pinch of smoked paprika adds a subtle, smoky warmth. Olive oil ensures a nicely browned crust, and the basic spices are just enough to season without overpowering the beef’s natural flavor.

Flat lay of a large raw top round beef roast with rich red color and marbling, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden olive oil, two whole uncracked brown garlic cloves, a few fresh green rosemary sprigs chopped, small white ceramic bowls each holding fine white salt, ground black pepper, pale beige onion powder, and deep reddish smoked paprika powder, all arranged symmetrically 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): Choose a lean yet tender cut for the best balance of flavor and texture.
Olive oil: Helps the seasonings stick and creates a gorgeous crust during cooking.
Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic adds aromatic depth and bright notes.
Fresh rosemary (chopped): This herb pairs beautifully with beef, imparting piney, earthy hints.
Salt: Essential for enhancing natural meaty flavors and helping to tenderize the roast.
Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of bite and warmth.
Onion powder: Gives a subtle umami and sweetness that rounds out the seasoning.
Smoked paprika (optional): My little secret for a hint of smoky richness without a grill.

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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 tweaking this Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe depending on the season and what I have on hand. It’s a fantastic base that you can really make your own—don’t be shy about experimenting with herbs or a touch of spice.

Variation: Once, I swapped the rosemary for thyme and added a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the rub—resulting in a rich, savory taste that my family raved about.
Dietary tweak: Skip the olive oil if you want it leaner, or try coconut oil for a slightly different flavor profile.
Seasonal flair: In the fall, I sometimes add a pinch of ground cinnamon and smoked chipotle powder for a cozy twist.

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

A thick piece of roast beef lies on a wooden cutting board, showing one large slice with a light pink center, surrounded by a darker, well-seasoned crust covered with herbs and spices. A metal fork is stuck into the top of the beef, and a white marbled surface is visible faintly blurred in the background. The beef appears juicy with some meat juices glistening on the wooden board. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Bring the Roast to Room Temperature

This little step makes a huge difference. About 30 minutes before cooking, I pull the beef out of the fridge to let it warm slightly. This helps the roast cook more evenly, preventing those cold spots that can happen when you go straight from fridge to air fryer.

Step 2: Mix Herb & Spice Rub

In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped rosemary, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and that optional smoked paprika if you’re feeling adventurous. This combo is the magic behind the roast’s flavor.

Step 3: Coat the Roast

Rub the entire beef roast with olive oil, then evenly coat it with the herb and spice mixture. I like to gently press the seasoning into the meat, so nothing falls off into the air fryer basket later.

Step 4: Cook at High Heat to Sear

Place the roast into your preheated air fryer basket and set the temperature to 400°F (200°C). Cook for a solid 15 minutes – this part seals the deal on developing a flavorful crust.

Step 5: Lower Temperature & Finish Cooking

After that initial high-heat sear, drop the temperature to 360°F (180°C) and keep cooking for another 15–17 minutes. Mine hit a beautiful medium-rare at 16 minutes, but you can adjust based on your preferred doneness. A meat thermometer is your best friend here.

Step 6: Rest Before Slicing

Once cooked, remove your roast from the air fryer and let it rest on a cutting board for about 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps your slices moist and tender.

Top Tip

From my experience, small details can make or break your roast beef. These tips have saved me from overcooked roasts and dry slices more than once.

Use an Instant-Read Thermometer: Trust me, guessing doneness never works well. Aim for 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, and remember the roast will rise a few degrees while resting.
Don’t Skip the Rest: Patience on this step means juicy, tender slices instead of dry beef.
Even Seasoning: Be generous and make sure every inch of the roast is coated — that flavor rub is your flavor jackpot.
Adjust Cook Time by Size: If your roast is larger than 2 pounds, add 3-5 minutes in increments and keep checking the temperature to avoid overcooking.

How to Serve Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe

air fryer roast beef - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or extra rosemary for color and herbaceous aroma. Sometimes a dollop of horseradish sauce or a smear of Dijon mustard on the side really elevates the flavors.

Side Dishes

Roast beef paired with roasted garlic mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad is my go-to combo. But I’ve also loved serving it with air-fried veggies like Brussels sprouts or a rich mushroom gravy. It’s all about balance on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I slice the roast thin and fan it out on a large platter, drizzling a little pan jus or au jus over the top. Adding roasted cherry tomatoes and fresh thyme sprigs around the edges makes it look stunning and festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling completely, I wrap leftover roast beef tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days and is perfect for sandwiches or quick dinners.

Freezing

I’ve frozen sliced roast beef in portion-sized freezer bags, separated by parchment sheets. When thawed slowly in the fridge, it still tastes delicious and holds its texture well.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm slices in a skillet with a splash of beef broth to keep them from drying out, or pop them in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel for just a minute. Avoid overcooking to preserve tenderness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! While top round and sirloin are ideal for their balance of tenderness and leanness, you can use chuck roast or ribeye roast if you adjust the cooking time and keep an eye on the temperature. Just note fattier cuts might render more grease inside the air fryer.

How do I know when my roast is done in the air fryer?

The best way to check is with an instant-read meat thermometer. For medium-rare, cook until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C). It will rise a few degrees as it rests. Avoid cutting into the beef too early or you’ll lose precious juices.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! The Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe is great for meal prep. Cook it the day before, then slice and store in the fridge. Reheat gently when needed. It even works well cold in sandwiches or salads.

Can I add other seasonings to the Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe?

Definitely! This recipe is a flexible starting point. Try thyme, oregano, smoked salts, or add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra umami. Just keep the oil to help the rub adhere to the roast.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe has become my secret weapon for fuss-free, delicious dinners that impress every time. It’s just a simple roast with humble ingredients, but the magic of the air fryer makes it juicy, perfectly cooked, and quick enough for weeknights. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to get a perfectly tender roast beef without heating up your whole kitchen or spending hours watching over it.