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, and using an air fryer makes it so much easier and quicker. This Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe delivers juicy, flavorful meat with a beautifully browned crust every time—plus, it’s less fuss and cleanup than a traditional oven roast.

The image shows a piece of cooked meat on a wooden cutting board with several thick slices cut from it. The meat has a browned, herb-covered crust on the outside with a pink, tender inside. Four slices lie in front of the main piece, showing a gradient from crusty dark brown edges to light pink centers. There are green sprigs of rosemary placed on and around the board. The cutting board has a natural wood grain texture, and the background is a white marbled surface. 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 adore this recipe because it brings restaurant-quality roast beef right into my kitchen with minimal effort. Trust me, once you try roasting beef in the air fryer, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered firing up the oven.

Speedy Cooking: Unlike traditional roasts that take hours, this air fryer method roasts beef perfectly in under 40 minutes.
Consistently Juicy: The air fryer seals in juices, giving you a tender, juicy roast every single time.
Simple Seasoning: The garlic, rosemary, and spices complement the beef beautifully without overpowering it.
Less Cleanup: No roasting pan or multiple pots—just your air fryer basket and a cutting board.

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients are straightforward, but each plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture for this Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe. I always recommend using fresh herbs and quality beef to make the biggest difference.

Flat lay of a large raw top round beef roast with rich red color and marbling, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden olive oil, two whole uncracked brown garlic cloves, a few fresh green rosemary sprigs chopped, small white ceramic bowls each holding fine white salt, ground black pepper, pale beige onion powder, and deep reddish smoked paprika powder, all arranged symmetrically 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): These cuts roast beautifully and stay tender; top round is lean and affordable, while sirloin has a bit more marbling for flavor.
Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and encourages that lovely crust to form.
Garlic (minced): Infuses the meat with savory depth without overpowering the beef.
Fresh rosemary (chopped): Adds aromatic earthiness that pairs perfectly with beef.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and brings out the natural flavors.
Black pepper: Provides a gentle heat and complexity.
Onion powder: Rounds out the seasoning with subtle sweetness.
Smoked paprika (optional): Adds a mild smoky background note that gives a subtle depth and color to the crust.

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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

What’s so great about this Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe is how easy it is to tailor. I love to experiment with herbs and spices depending on the season or what’s in my pantry—you should totally make it your own!

Variation: Sometimes I swap rosemary for thyme or oregano, especially if I pair the roast with mushrooms or root vegetables—that tweak always feels special.
Spice it up: If you like a little kick, sprinkling some crushed red pepper flakes into the rub totally elevates the flavor.
Umami boost: A quick brush of Worcestershire sauce before air frying adds a savory depth that’s irresistible.
Don’t forget the rest: Resting the roast after cooking is my must-do to keep every slice juicy and tender—not just for this recipe but all roasts!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe

A thick piece of roast beef lies on a wooden cutting board, showing one large slice with a light pink center, surrounded by a darker, well-seasoned crust covered with herbs and spices. A metal fork is stuck into the top of the beef, and a white marbled surface is visible faintly blurred in the background. The beef appears juicy with some meat juices glistening on the wooden board. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Bring the Roast to Room Temperature

About 30 minutes before you plan to start cooking, take the beef out of the fridge and let it sit covered on the counter. This simple step helps the roast cook evenly and prevents a cold center. It’s a little trick that makes a big difference!

Step 2: Mix Your Herb and Spice Rub

In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped fresh rosemary, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and optional smoked paprika. This blend smells amazing and promises a complex crust on the beef that’s packed with flavor.

Step 3: Coat the Roast

Rub olive oil all over your beef roast, then sprinkle and press the spice blend onto the surface so every part is covered. This keeps the herbs and spices in place and encourages browning.

Step 4: Air Fry the Roast

Set your air fryer to preheat at 400°F (200°C). Place the roast directly into the air fryer basket and cook for 15 minutes at this temperature to get a nice sear. Then, reduce the heat to 360°F (180°C) and continue cooking for another 15 to 17 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare.

Since every air fryer is a little different, I always check with an instant-read thermometer—mine hit medium-rare at about 16 minutes in the lower temp phase. Adjust cooking time based on your preferred doneness.

Step 5: Rest Before Slicing

Remove the roast from the air fryer and let it rest on a cutting board for at least 10 minutes. This is crucial for juicy roast beef because it allows the juices to redistribute rather than spill out when you slice it.

Top Tip

I’ve learned over time that these tips help you nail the perfect air fryer roast beef every time without stress. These aren’t complicated, but they make your life much easier and your roast much better.

Use a Meat Thermometer: I can’t express this enough—checking internal temp is the only foolproof way to get your preferred doneness without guesswork.
Patience with Resting: No matter how tempting, don’t slice too early. Waiting 10 minutes lets all those delicious juices settle for a tender bite.
Adjust for Roast Size: Roasts vary, so if yours is over 2 pounds, add time in 3-5 minute increments, checking temp frequently.
Season on the Spot: Adding your rub just before air frying keeps herbs fresh and avoids any sogginess from sitting too long.

How to Serve Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe

air fryer roast beef - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually top my sliced roast with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few rosemary sprigs for a pop of color and that lovely fragrant appeal. A dollop of horseradish sauce on the side never hurts either—it adds a bright bite that cuts through the richness.

Side Dishes

Nothing beats this roast paired with roasted garlic mashed potatoes, simple green beans sautéed with lemon, and a fresh Caesar salad. I often whip up a quick gravy or use the pan drippings for a au jus—it’s comfort food at its best!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to arrange the sliced roast on a large wooden board, surrounded by roasted veggies and fresh herbs, so it feels like a feast ready to share. It’s visually appealing and makes dinner extra memorable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I slice leftover roast thinly and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays good for about 3 to 4 days, making quick beef sandwiches or salads a breeze.

Freezing

If I have more than I can eat quickly, I portion leftovers into freezer bags, squeezing out as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm slices in a skillet over low heat with a splash of beef broth or water to keep moist. Avoid microwaving if possible—it can dry out the beef quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What size roast works best for this Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe?

This recipe works best with a 2 to 3-pound roast like top round or sirloin. Roasts bigger than 3 pounds will need longer cook times and you’ll have to adjust accordingly with a meat thermometer to avoid over or undercooking.

Can I cook the roast without an air fryer?

You can roast beef in the oven instead, but one reason this recipe shines is how the air fryer cuts down on time and helps develop a crispy crust. If using an oven, preheat to 400°F and roast for about 20 minutes per pound, adjusting for doneness.

How do I know when the roast is done?

The best way is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. For medium-rare, look for an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C). Remember that the roast will continue to cook a little while it rests, so it’s okay to pull it out just before your target temperature.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute dried herbs, but use less—about one-third the amount of fresh herbs called for. Dried herbs are more concentrated, so start with less and adjust to taste. Fresh herbs give a brighter, more aromatic flavor, though.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe has become a reliable favorite in my kitchen because it’s delicious, simple, and fast. Whether you’re making a weekday dinner or a small gathering meal, you’ll enjoy how this method frees up your time and delivers results that impress every time. Give it a try and watch it become your go-to roast beef recipe too!