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 deeply satisfying about slicing into a tender, flavorful roast beef that’s been lovingly cooked in less than an hour. This Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe delivers on that promise, with a beautifully browned crust and juicy center every time. Let me share how easy and delicious this method can be for your next 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’ve always thought roast beef was a bit intimidating, but cooking it in the air fryer changed the game for me. It’s quick, easy, and nails that perfect roast texture without heating up the whole kitchen or needing to babysit the oven.

Speed and Convenience: The air fryer cuts traditional cook times down while still giving you a tender, juicy roast.
Consistent Results: Thanks to the controlled heat and air circulation, you get an evenly cooked roast every single time.
Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples and fresh herbs to elevate the flavor effortlessly.
Perfect for Small Roasts: It’s ideal for roasts between 2 and 3 pounds—great for family meals or meal prep without leftovers piling up.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe is all about letting the beef shine while the herbs and spices play the perfect supporting role. Each ingredient is chosen to enhance flavor without overpowering the natural beefy goodness.

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): These cuts are lean, affordable, and develop a great crust with a tender interior when cooked right.
Olive Oil: Helps the seasonings stick and promotes that gorgeous, crisp outer layer.
Garlic (minced): Adds fragrant depth and savory warmth.
Fresh Rosemary (chopped): Rosemary’s piney aroma pairs perfectly with red meat, bringing fresh herbal notes to the roast.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out the natural flavors of the beef.
Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complexity.
Onion Powder: A sweet, mellow pungency that rounds out the seasoning.
Smoked Paprika (optional): Gives a hint of smokiness and color, but don’t worry if you don’t have it on hand.

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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 to keep things simple, but I also enjoy mixing things up based on what herbs I have or the flavor profile I’m craving. Feel free to tweak the seasoning or cooking time to nail your favorite roast beef style.

Variation: One time, I swapped rosemary for fresh thyme and added a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the rub—it gave an amazing umami punch without overpowering the beef.
Dietary swaps: This recipe is naturally gluten-free and keto-friendly, so it’s easy to make for special diets just by adjusting your sides.
Doneness Levels: You can easily adjust the cooking time for medium, medium-well, or well-done; just keep an instant-read thermometer handy for best results.

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 Beef to Room Temperature

I always pull my roast out of the fridge about 30 minutes ahead of time. This little step helps the beef cook evenly throughout. No one wants a roast still cold in the middle with an overcooked outside!

Step 2: Prepare the Seasoning Mix

In a small bowl, I combine minced garlic, chopped rosemary, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika. This blend packs enough flavor to enhance the beef without masking its natural goodness.

Step 3: Rub and Coat the Roast

Drizzle olive oil over the beef and rub it all over the surface, then gently press the seasoning mix into the meat so it sticks well. I like to be generous here—it really builds a flavorful crust.

Step 4: Cook in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the roast in the basket and cook for 15 minutes. Then reduce the temperature to 360°F (180°C) and cook for another 15 to 17 minutes, or until your instant-read thermometer hits about 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare. For me, 16 minutes at the lower temp worked perfectly.

Step 5: Rest Before Slicing

Once cooked, remove the roast and tent it loosely with foil. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes. Resting is where the juices redistribute and your roast becomes irresistibly juicy and tender.

Top Tip

Over the years, I've learned that a few small practices make all the difference in getting a perfect air fryer roast beef every time. These tips come straight from kitchen wins — and a couple of rookie mistakes I've made so you don't have to!

Use an Instant-Read Thermometer: Trust it over cooking times—roasts vary, and this tool is your best friend for perfect doneness.
Don't Skip the Rest: Resting keeps those precious juices inside, so the meat isn’t dry or tough when sliced.
Season Generously: The air fryer creates a wonderful crust, but it needs enough seasoning to build flavor on the surface.
Adjust Time for Size: Bigger roasts take longer—check internal temps frequently once you hit the last few minutes.

How to Serve Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe

air fryer roast beef - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little flaky sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper on top just before serving—it adds a nice crunch and extra pop of flavor. Sometimes, a sprig of fresh rosemary on the plate makes for a pretty presentation and hints at the roast’s aroma.

Side Dishes

Hands down, roasted garlic mashed potatoes are my go-to pairing. I also love a simple green salad with vinaigrette and roasted Brussels sprouts for some balance. For a cozy meal, creamy horseradish sauce on the side adds the perfect zing.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I've served the roast thinly sliced on a beautiful wooden board, surrounded by homemade Yorkshire puddings and a drizzle of au jus. It always impresses guests and feels so festive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually wrap leftover roast beef tightly in plastic wrap, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days and makes fantastic sandwiches or salads.

Freezing

If I know I won’t eat the leftovers soon, I slice the roast and freeze portions in vacuum-sealed bags. This way, I can thaw just what I need without drying out the meat.

Reheating

To keep the meat juicy when reheating, I gently warm slices in a skillet over low heat with a splash of beef broth or water, covered for a few minutes. This keeps the texture soft and avoids overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

A 2 to 3-pound roast such as top round or sirloin works perfectly in most 5.8-quart air fryers. Larger roasts can be cooked but will require longer cook times and may need to be turned to ensure even cooking.

How do I know when the roast is done?

Using an instant-read meat thermometer is the most reliable method. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of about 130°F (54°C). Remember to let the roast rest, as it will continue to cook slightly during this time.

Can I use different herbs or spices?

Absolutely! Thyme, oregano, or even a bit of smoked chili powder can be great substitutions or additions. Feel free to adjust to your taste preferences or what’s in your pantry.

How do I prevent the roast from drying out in the air fryer?

Two key things help prevent dryness: temper the roast to room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution, and don’t skip the resting period afterward so the juices can settle back into the meat. Also, keeping a close eye on the internal temperature is essential.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe quickly became a favorite in my household—it delivers classic roast beef flavors without the fuss or long wait. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do, whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Give it a try, and you might just fall in love with air fryer roasting yourself!