Hey y’all! If you love juicy, tender roast beef but want to skip the long oven time, this Air Fryer Roast Beef recipe is about to become your new favorite. It’s savory, perfectly seasoned, and ready in less than an hour – ideal for Sunday dinners, special occasions, or even a quick family meal. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Roast Beef
- Quick and easy, with minimal prep and fast cooking time.
- Delivers mouthwatering, juicy results with a crisp exterior.
- Perfect for smaller kitchens—no need to heat up the whole oven.
- Great for meal prep or feeding a crowd on busy weeknights.
- Versatile flavors, easily customizable with your favorite herbs and spices.
Air Fryer Roast Beef Ingredients
- 2 lb eye of round or top sirloin beef roast (trimmed, room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Step-by-Step Directions for Air Fryer Roast Beef
Prep the Beef
- Pat the roast dry with paper towels.
- Mix olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary in a small bowl.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the beef, ensuring an even coating.
Preheat the Air Fryer
- Set your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and let it preheat for 5 minutes.
Cook the Roast Beef
- Place the seasoned beef roast in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 400°F (204°C) for 12 minutes to sear the outside.
- Reduce the temperature to 360°F (182°C) and continue cooking for 25-30 minutes for medium-rare (internal temp of 135°F/57°C). For medium, cook 5-7 minutes longer.
- Check temp with a meat thermometer for best results. (Guide to using a meat thermometer)
Rest and Serve
- Remove roast from the air fryer and let it rest on a cutting board, tented with foil, for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Slice thinly against the grain and serve warm.
Notes for Perfect Air Fryer Roast Beef
- Always let your beef rest after cooking; this helps retain those delicious juices.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness every time. More info on beef roasting.
- Choose a roast that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket for even cooking.

Air Fryer Roast Beef Variations
- Herb Crusted: Add chopped fresh parsley, basil, or sage for an aromatic finish.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in 1 teaspoon smoked paprika and ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the rub.
- Asian-Inspired: Swap out herbs for 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Required Equipment for Air Fryer Roast Beef
- Air fryer (at least 5-quart capacity)
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Meat thermometer
- Cutting board
- Tongs
Air Fryer Roast Beef Storage Instructions
- Let leftovers cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- For longer storage, slice and freeze roast beef in airtight bags for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or air fryer to avoid overcooking.
Pairings and Serving Recommendations for Air Fryer Roast Beef
- Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad.
- Delicious as a sandwich filling with horseradish mayo and crusty bread.
- Pair with a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec.
Pro Tips for Irresistible Air Fryer Roast Beef
- Bring your roast to room temperature before air frying for more even cooking.
- Don’t skip the resting step—it’s crucial for juicy, tender slices (why rest meat).
- Slice beef thinly against the grain for the most tender texture.
Air Fryer Roast Beef FAQ
- Can I cook a frozen roast in the air fryer?
- It’s best to fully thaw your roast before air frying for even cooking and best texture.
- What cut of beef is best for Air Fryer Roast Beef?
- Eye of round, top sirloin, or rump roast work great in the air fryer.
- How do I know when my Air Fryer Roast Beef is done?
- Use a meat thermometer; 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare, 145°F (63°C) for medium.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 lb beef roast (top round or sirloin)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
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1Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
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2Pat the beef roast dry with paper towels. Rub olive oil all over the roast.
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3In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, and smoked paprika. Rub the spice mixture evenly over the beef.
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4Place the seasoned roast beef in the air fryer basket. Cook at 390°F (200°C) for 15 minutes.
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5Reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and cook for an additional 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness (135°F/57°C for medium-rare).
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6Remove the roast beef from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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