This super simple air fryer roast beef recipe has become a favourite in my family! It’s a deliciously tender and juicy roast with a beautifully caramelized crust. And the best part is that it requires minimal effort. The air fryer makes the process so much quicker and easier. Which is perfect for busy days when you want a hassle-free yet impressive meal.
One of the great things about this recipe is the flexibility – you can choose from a variety of beef joints depending on your preferences and budget. Some of the best cuts for this recipe include top side, rump roast, sirloin roast, or even boneless ribeye. Each of these cuts has a slightly different texture and flavour. But all of them work beautifully in the air fryer. Since the cooking time is relatively short in the air fryer, it’s best to opt for the more tender cuts that will stay juicy and succulent.
For a regular dinner, I tend to use topside or top rump. These cuts are affordable yet still tender, making them perfect for feeding a crowd. For special occasions, I like to splurge a little and use sirloin or ribeye. These cuts bring an extra level of richness and flavour, ensuring that the roast beef is even more luxurious and satisfying.
To cook the perfect roast beef, simply season your meat with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you enjoy. Place the beef in the air fryer and cook it at a high temperature for a beautifully crisp crust. After cooking, let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing to lock in all the juices.
PREP 10 minutes
COOK 34-45 minutes
SERVES 4 people
KIT you will need an air fryer, tin foil, mixing bowl and meat thermometer
Ingredients for air fryer roast beef
1 kg boneless beef joint
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
An Oxo stock cube
1 teaspoon of mustard powder
Sea salt and ground black pepper
To serve:
English mustard
Instant beef gravy
Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes and your favourite roasted vegetables
Method
So start by removing your beef joint from the fridge and allowing it to come to room temperature. This helps it cook more evenly and results in juicier meat. While the beef is resting on the counter, mix up a quick and flavourful rub. In a small bowl, combine a tablespoon of vegetable oil with a crumbled Oxo beef stock cube, a teaspoon of mustard powder, and a good pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix until it forms a paste.
Preheat your air-fryer to 220°C. Once heated, rub oil and seasoning mixture all over the surface of the beef joint, making sure it’s coated evenly for maximum flavour.
Wrap the seasoned beef loosely in tin foil and place it into the air-fryer basket. Cook at 220°C for 15 minutes to sear the outside and lock in juices. Then reduce the temperature to 170°C, remove the foil, and continue cooking for a further 30 to 40 minutes, depending on how well done you like your beef. For medium-rare, go for around 30 minutes; for medium to well-done, aim closer to 40 minutes.
If you’re using a meat thermometer, aim for 48–52°C for rare, 55–59°C for medium rare, 60–66°C for medium, and 67–71°C for well done.
Once cooked to your liking, remove from the air-fryer and transfer it to a board. Let it rest for up to 30 minutes before carving. This helps the juices redistribute through the meat, making every slice tender.
Finally, serve your roast beef with a dollop of English mustard, instant beef gravy and your favourite side dishes. I like to serve my beef with crispy air fryer roast potatoes, my air fryer Yorkshire puddings and crispy air fryer veg slaw that I cooked on the Channel 5 show Air Fryers: Sunday Lunch Made Easy.
Tips for Air Fryer Roast beef
1. Choose the right cut
For a tender roast beef, go for cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or rump roast. These are ideal for air frying and deliver juicy, flavourful results.
2. Bring the beef to room temperature
Before cooking, let your roast beef sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps it cook more evenly.
3. Season generously
Rub the roast with olive oil or butter, then season with salt, pepper, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and any other herbs or spices you love. Be generous with the seasoning for maximum flavour.
4. Preheat the air fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3-5 minutes. This ensures your roast beef gets that beautiful sear right from the start.
5. Use a meat thermometer
For perfect doneness, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Aim for:
Rare: 50°C (120°F)
Medium-rare: 60°C (140°F)
Medium: 70°C (160°F)
Well-done: 80°C (175°F)
6. Avoid overcrowding
Place the roast beef in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. This ensures the heat circulates evenly around the meat for consistent cooking.
7. Cook time
Cook the roast for 25-35 minutes, flipping halfway through. The cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of the roast, as well as your preferred level of doneness.
8. Let it rest
Once the roast beef is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meat tender.
9. Slice against the grain
For the best texture, slice the roast beef against the grain. This ensures each bite is juicy and tender.
10. Serve immediately
Serve your perfectly cooked roast beef with your favourite sides, or slice it thin for sandwiches!
Similar recipes
If you love this air fryer roast beef dish then you will like my air fryer roast pork or the air fryer roast chicken recipes both from my One Basket Meals cookbook.
So if you are still looking for more air fryer inspiration, then visit my Amazon shop front to order your copy of my best selling cookbooks.