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 incredibly satisfying about a perfectly cooked roast beef, especially when it’s tender, juicy, and ready in under an hour. This Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe is just that—it’s speedy, flavorful, and delivers a steakhouse-worthy meal right from your countertop. Trust me, once you try this method, your oven might just get a break.

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

This recipe has become one of my go-tos for a cozy dinner that doesn’t demand hours of babysitting the stove. Using the air fryer ensures the roast cooks evenly and develops a beautifully crisp crust without drying out the inside.

Speedy Cooking: The air fryer cuts down roasting time compared to a traditional oven, so you get dinner faster.
Consistent Results: Cooking beef in the air fryer means you get that perfect medium-rare every single time, if you keep an eye on your thermometer.
Minimal Fuss: You only need simple seasonings and a quick prep, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute plans.
Less Heat in the Kitchen: No need to crank up the oven, which is a lifesaver in warm weather or small spaces.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here is chosen to bring out the beef’s natural flavors while keeping the seasoning fresh and simple. The rosemary and garlic form the backbone of that comforting roast aroma, while the smoked paprika adds a subtle hint of warmth that deepens the flavor.

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: I prefer a top round or sirloin because they’re lean but still tender enough when cooked medium-rare.
Olive Oil: Helps the seasoning stick and promotes that crave-worthy browned crust.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a punch of flavor that dried powders just can’t match.
Fresh Rosemary: Nothing beats the fragrance and flavor of fresh herbs in a roast beef recipe.
Salt: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors of the beef and seasonings.
Black Pepper: Brings a mild heat that complements the garlic and rosemary.
Onion Powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering the other flavors.
Smoked Paprika (optional): My little secret for a smoky depth without needing a grill.

📝

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 experimenting with this recipe to suit different moods and occasions, and you should too! Swapping herbs or adjusting cook times for a little more done-ness is super simple with the air fryer’s precise temperature control.

Herb Swap: One time, I swapped out rosemary for fresh thyme and it gave the roast a lovely floral note that my family really enjoyed.
Spice Variations: For a bolder bite, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of Worcestershire sauce into your rub.
Doneness Adjustments: I usually go medium-rare, but if you prefer medium or medium-well, just increase the cooking time by a few minutes and check frequently with a meat thermometer.
Smoky Flavor Boost: Smoked paprika is optional, but I recommend trying it at least once—it adds such a beautiful warm undertone.

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: Preheat and Prepare Your Roast

First, pull your beef roast out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you start cooking so it can come to room temperature—this helps it cook evenly. While that’s happening, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). In a little bowl, mix your minced garlic, fresh rosemary, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika together.

Step 2: Season the Beef

Rub the beef roast all over with olive oil. This helps the herb and spice mix stick and ensures a beautiful crust. Then, coat the roast evenly with the seasoning blend, pressing it gently so it adheres well.

Step 3: Cook it in the Air Fryer

Place the beef roast into the air fryer basket—make sure it’s not overcrowded so the air circulates freely. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes to sear the outside. Then reduce the temperature to 360°F (180°C) and continue cooking for another 15–17 minutes. I usually check the internal temperature around 16 minutes to hit 130°F (54°C) for a perfect medium-rare, but your roast size might need a little adjustment.

Step 4: Rest and Slice

Once cooked, pull the roast out and let it rest uncovered for about 10 minutes. This resting time lets the juices redistribute, making your beef tender and juicy when you slice it. I like to slice against the grain for the best texture.

Top Tip

From my experience making this Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe, a few small adjustments make all the difference. These tips helped me nail the roast every time—and I want you to enjoy the same juicy, flavorful results.

Use a Meat Thermometer: This is your best friend to avoid overcooking or undercooking, especially with various air fryer models.
Let it Rest: Skipping the resting step was a mistake I made once, and the roast was dry. Always give it time to rest!
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Air fryers cook best with good airflow—one roast at a time is ideal.
Adjust Time for Weight: If your roast is bigger than 3 pounds, add a few minutes of cook time instead of guessing.

How to Serve Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe

air fryer roast beef - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing this roast with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or extra rosemary. A drizzle of pan jus or a dollop of horseradish cream on the side adds that perfect tang and richness.

Side Dishes

Mashed potatoes, garlic roasted green beans, and a simple Caesar salad always steal the spotlight when paired with this roast beef. Sometimes I even whip up some air fryer crispy potatoes to keep everything consistent and easy.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served slices of this roast beef on toasted baguette rounds with a smear of Dijon mustard and caramelized onions—an easy, elegant appetizer everyone raves about. It’s also fantastic carved for a hearty sandwich with your favorite breads.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store sliced roast beef leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it stays juicy for up to 3 days. To keep flavors fresh, I sometimes add a little beef broth or jus over the slices before sealing the container.

Freezing

Freezing this roast beef works well if you separate the slices with parchment paper and vacuum seal or wrap tightly in plastic wrap. When I thaw it overnight in the fridge, the texture and flavor remain surprisingly close to fresh.

Reheating

To reheat without drying it out, I place the slices in a covered dish with a splash of broth and warm gently in the oven at low heat or microwave on medium power in short bursts.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I cook other cuts of beef using this Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe?

Yes! While top round and sirloin are my favorites for this method, you can experiment with chuck roast or ribeye. Just be sure to adjust your cook times and check internal temperatures carefully, as fattier cuts may take longer or cook differently.

Should I cover the roast while it cooks in the air fryer?

No need to cover the roast. The air fryer’s circulating hot air cooks the meat evenly and crisps the outside beautifully without needing any foil or cover.

How do I know when the roast is done?

The best way is to use an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the roast. For medium-rare, aim for 130°F (54°C). Remember the temperature rises a few degrees during resting, so take it out just before it hits your ideal temp.

Can I double this recipe or cook two roasts at once?

It’s best to cook one roast at a time to allow for proper air circulation. If you double the recipe, cook them separately or in batches for even cooking and a better crust.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe has become a true staple in my kitchen—not just because it’s quick and flavorful, but because it turns something traditionally intimidating into an easy, satisfying meal. I genuinely hope you give it a try; I think you’ll love how simple it is to get restaurant-quality roast beef at home.