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 truly satisfying about perfectly cooked roast beef, and this Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe delivers just that—juicy, tender, and full of flavor with minimal fuss. The air fryer crisps up the outside beautifully while keeping the inside meltingly tender. It’s a game-changer for roast night!

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 remember when I first tried roasting beef in the air fryer, I was skeptical—could it really come out tender without the slow oven roast? Turns out, this method is quick, straightforward, and produces a roast beef that’s restaurant-quality with a fraction of the time and effort.

Speedy Cooking: You get tender, medium-rare roast beef in 35 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
Perfect Crust: The high air fryer heat builds a lovely, crispy herb crust that seals in juices beautifully.
Simple Ingredients: Just a handful of herbs and spices combine to create a rich flavor that complements the beef perfectly.
Minimal Cleanup: Cooking in the air fryer basket means less mess and easy cleanup compared to traditional roasting pans.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a starring role to boost the natural richness of the beef while adding fragrant herb notes and a bit of smoky warmth. Plus, these pantry staples keep it super accessible.

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): Choose a lean cut like top round or sirloin for even cooking and tender results.
Olive Oil: Helps the seasonings stick and contributes to a lovely crust in the air fryer.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds pungent, aromatic depth that pairs wonderfully with beef.
Fresh Rosemary: Its piney flavor cuts through the richness and adds an earthy complexity.
Salt: Essential for enhancing the meat’s natural flavors and ensuring seasoning penetrates.
Black Pepper: Just enough heat to balance richness without overpowering.
Onion Powder: Adds subtle sweetness and a savory backbone to the seasoning blend.
Smoked Paprika (optional): Introduces a smoky nuance, making the roast feel extra special.

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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 how flexible this Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe is—you can tailor the herbs and spices to suit your taste buds or swap out seasonings you have on hand. It’s all about making it feel like your own special roast.

Variation: Sometimes I throw in a teaspoon of dried thyme instead of rosemary for a slightly sweeter herbal aroma, and it’s just as delicious.
Dietary tweaks: This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, perfect if you’re serving guests with allergies.
Seasonal changes: In winter, I often add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the rub for a cozy depth that pairs well with hearty root vegetables.

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 the Roast to Room Temperature

About 30 minutes before cooking, I take the beef out of the fridge. This little fix helps the roast cook evenly rather than sticking cold in the center. Trust me, this step makes a noticeable difference every time.

Step 2: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat up while you prep the beef. Preheating is key for that crisp crust we’re after—it jumpstarts the searing process right away.

Step 3: Mix the Herb and Spice Rub

In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, salt, pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika if using. This aromatic blend is your flavor bomb waiting to happen.

Step 4: Coat the Roast

Give the roast a good rubdown with olive oil so the rub sticks nicely, then massage the herb and spice mixture all over the surface. Don’t be shy—cover every inch for that full flavor experience.

Step 5: Air Fry and Flip

Place the roast in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 15 minutes. Then reduce the temperature to 360°F (180°C) and cook for another 17 minutes. I like to check mine at 16 minutes for medium-rare, using an instant-read thermometer to be sure.

Step 6: Rest Before Slicing

Remove the roast from the air fryer and tent it loosely with foil for 10 minutes. This resting period lets the juices redistribute so every slice is juicy and tender—not dry.

Top Tip

From my experience making Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe over and over, I learned a few tricks that can completely transform the results and save you some stress:

Use a Meat Thermometer: It’s the only way to guarantee your roast hits the perfect doneness—no guesswork involved.
Don’t Skip Resting: I used to rush slicing immediately, but resting juices make a huge flavor difference.
Adjust Time for Roast Size: Bigger than 3 pounds? Add a few minutes and keep an eye on the internal temp.
Experiment with Herbs: Rosemary’s classic, but oregano or thyme can totally elevate your roast—try what you love.

How to Serve Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe

air fryer roast beef - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually finish the roast with a sprinkle of freshly chopped rosemary or parsley to brighten the presentation and add a pop of freshness—simple but effective. A few thin slices of roasted garlic on top never hurt, either.

Side Dishes

This roast pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, or even a crisp green salad to cut through the richness. For a hearty meal, I love serving it alongside air fryer Brussels sprouts—talk about an easy, cohesive dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like slicing the roast thin and arranging it on a wooden board with mustard sauce, crusty bread, and a cheese platter. It turns dinner into an approachable feast that impresses without the fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover roast beef in an airtight container in the fridge, where it keeps beautifully for up to 3 days. Slicing it thin helps if you want to grab quick sandwiches or salads throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the roast, I recommend slicing it first, then portioning into freezer bags with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. It freezes well for up to 2 months.

Reheating

When reheating, I gently warm slices in a microwave covered with a damp paper towel or reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of beef broth to keep it juicy. Avoid overcooking or your slices will dry out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What cut of beef is best for this Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe?

I find that lean cuts like top round or sirloin work best because they cook evenly and remain tender in the air fryer. Avoid overly fatty or tough cuts as they might not perform as well with this cooking method.

How do I know when the roast is done?

Using an instant-read meat thermometer is key. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of about 130°F (54°C), then remove it from the air fryer and let it rest. The temperature will continue to climb a few degrees while resting.

Can I adjust the seasoning?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap rosemary for thyme, oregano, or add spices like cumin or chili powder for a twist. The olive oil helps the flavors stick and bloom in the hot air fryer, so get creative with your favorites.

Is the air fryer method better than traditional oven roasting?

I love both methods, but the air fryer cuts the cooking time dramatically and still achieves a crispy crust and juicy interior. It’s especially handy on weeknights or for smaller roasts, saving you from heating a big oven.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe has quickly earned a spot in my regular rotation for its ease and impressive flavor. Whenever I serve it, guests are amazed at how tender and juicy it is despite the quick cooking time. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s a comforting, no-fuss way to elevate your dinner game that you can rely on anytime.