Learn how to make a beef roast in an air fryer for a quick dinner.  Using the air fryer is quicker than a slow cooker, oven, or pressure cooker, and it gives you a delicious cut of meat.  

Air Fryer Beef Roast Recipe

The air fryer has revolutionized home cooking with its ability to mimic the golden perfection of oven-roasted dishes in a fraction of the time. 

For beef roasts, this marvel of modern kitchen technology offers unparalleled crispness on the outside while locking in sumptuous juices within. 

No more fiddling with finicky oven settings or worrying about uneven cooking — the air fryer creates consistent, restaurant-quality results every single time.

Choosing the Right Cut of Beef

When it comes to beef roasts, not all cuts are created equal. For the air fryer, cuts like ribeye roast, tenderloin, top sirloin, and chuck roast excel due to their balanced marbling and tenderness. 

Ribeye, with its buttery fat veins, promises unrelenting flavor. Tenderloin, revered for its silky texture, practically melts under your knife.

Budget-Friendly Alternatives That Still Taste Amazing

For the frugally inclined, eye of round and bottom round roasts are excellent alternatives. Though leaner, a good seasoning rub and careful cooking in the air fryer can coax out incredible flavors. 

A little creativity with marinades and resting times can transform these humble cuts into show-stopping dishes.

These cuts may be tougher when cooked in an air fryer.  Personally, I prefer these in the oven or Instant Pot.

Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Beef Roast

A good roast needs kosher salt, cracked black pepper, garlic powder, and a high-smoke point oil such as avocado or grapeseed. 

You can also use your favorite steak seasoning if you prefer.

Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor

For those who dare to elevate their roast, additions like smoked paprika, crushed rosemary, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce can impart extraordinary depth. 

A sprinkle of brown sugar can even coax a delicate caramelization, adding a hint of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with savory notes.

Prepping Your Beef Roast Like a Pro

Don’t be timid with seasoning — beef is bold and demands seasoning in kind. Pat the roast dry with paper towels, then lavish it generously with salt and spices, massaging them into every crevice. 

A light oil coating helps the seasoning adhere and promotes that sought-after sear.  

Tips for Marinating (and When to Skip It)

Marination isn’t always necessary, especially with premium cuts. However, tougher or leaner cuts benefit greatly from an overnight soak in a marinade rich in acids like vinegar or lemon juice, combined with oils and herbs. 

Always marinate in a non-reactive dish to prevent metallic flavors from creeping in.

Preheating: Is It Necessary?

Preheating the air fryer ensures your roast starts cooking immediately at the correct temperature, which helps form that coveted crust. 

Just 3–5 minutes of preheating can make a discernible difference in texture and moisture retention.

Step-by-Step: How to Cook Beef Roast in an Air Fryer

Step #1

For best results, soak the roast in beef broth or your preferred marinade overnight.  Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.  

Step #2

Season and oil your roast liberally.  Place the roast in the basket, ensuring airflow around all sides.  

Step #3

Cook loin at 400°f for 15-20 minutes until the desired cook is achieved. Turning the loin every 5 minutes. The internal temperature should be as desired, temps below. Cook to 5° below-desired temp.  

Rare: 130°F

Medium: 145°F

Well done: 160°F 

Step #4

Preheat a skillet to medium heat and half of a stick of butter.  Once the desired cook is reached, remove the loin, place it in the skillet, and seer it on all sides for 2 minutes per side.  

Step #5

Remove the loin and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.  

Tips for Cooking Your Roast Beef in Air Fryer

Smaller roasts, under 2 pounds, often cook in under 30 minutes. Larger specimens — think 3 to 4 pounds — can stretch to 50 minutes or more. Always factor in carryover cooking, where residual heat continues to cook the meat after it’s been removed.

Bone-in roasts are a feast for flavor lovers but require more patience. Plan to tack on an additional 5–10 minutes of cooking time compared to boneless counterparts. Bones act as heat reservoirs, slightly slowing down the cooking process.

Resting isn’t just suggested — it’s imperative. Allowing the roast to sit undisturbed for 10–15 minutes lets the juices reabsorb into the meat fibers, ensuring every slice is lusciously moist instead of parched and disappointing.

A quick spritz of water or broth can prevent the meat from drying out during reheating.

With its lightning-fast cooking times, foolproof crisping abilities, and juicy outcomes, the air fryer demystifies the art of the perfect beef roast. It’s accessible enough for beginners yet nuanced enough for seasoned cooks to fall in love with.

Try these recipe for more ways to use your air fryer:

• Air Fryer Bagel Chips
• How to Make Wings in the Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Yorkshire Pudding
• Air Fryer Pizza Pockets
• Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

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