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 just so satisfying about slicing into a perfectly cooked, juicy roast beef that’s tender on the inside and crusty on the outside. This Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe makes that dream totally doable without heating up your whole kitchen or firing up the oven for hours. It’s quick, easy, and has quickly become one of my go-to dinners when I want something special but fuss-free.

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

This air fryer roast beef recipe is a game-changer in how simple and quick roasting beef can be. I remember the first time I tried it—I was amazed at how tender the meat stayed while getting that wonderful browned crust all around, and it really impressed everyone at the dinner table.

Fast Cooking: No long hours roasting—this recipe delivers a juicy roast in about 35 minutes total cook time.
Simple Ingredients: You don’t need fancy marinades or dozens of spices—just a handful of staples to bring out the flavor.
Consistently Tender Results: Using an air fryer and a meat thermometer helps you nail that perfect doneness every time.
Less Heat in the Kitchen: Air frying means no hot oven blazing through summer—it’s a cooler cooking option that still yields incredible results.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe plays a simple but essential role. The olive oil helps the spices stick and creates that crispy outer layer, while garlic and rosemary bring aromatic earthiness that pairs perfectly with beef. Plus, the smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky note that really elevates the whole dish.

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): Choose a lean cut with good marbling for the best texture and flavor.
Olive oil: Helps the seasonings adhere and promotes even browning during cooking.
Garlic (minced): Adds a punch of savory depth; fresh is best but garlic powder can substitute.
Fresh rosemary (chopped): Gives a fragrant herbal note that pairs beautifully with roast beef.
Salt: Essential for bringing out the natural beef flavor and seasoning throughout.
Black pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity; freshly ground makes all the difference.
Onion powder: Enhances flavor with a touch of sweetness and depth.
Smoked paprika (optional): Gives a subtle smoky flavor that’s warm and inviting—perfect for a roast.

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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 experimenting with the seasoning blend to keep things interesting. For example, swapping thyme for rosemary brings a different herbal vibe, and sometimes I splash a little Worcestershire sauce over the roast before cooking to boost the umami flavor. You should absolutely make this recipe your own by tweaking the herbs and spices based on what you like or have around.

Variation: One time I tossed in some crushed red pepper flakes with the herbs for a subtle kick, and it was a winner with my spice-loving family.

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

Take your beef roast out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly, so the inside doesn’t end up cold while the outside is done. Trust me, this little step makes a bigger difference than you'd expect.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat up while you prepare the beef. Preheating ensures a nice sear right away when the roast hits the basket, which helps lock in juices.

Step 3: Mix the Seasoning and Rub It On

Combine the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, salt, pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika in a bowl. Rub the roast with olive oil first, then coat it evenly with your spice blend. Take your time here—massage the seasoning into every nook and cranny for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Cook the Roast

Place the beef in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 15 minutes. After that, reduce the temperature to 360°F (180°C) and continue cooking for another 15 to 17 minutes, depending on your desired doneness. I like medium-rare, so I pulled mine at an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C) right around 16 minutes on the second stage.

Step 5: Rest Before Slicing

This step is crucial: let the roast rest for at least 10 minutes out of the air fryer. The juices redistribute, making your beef juicy and tender when you slice into it. I usually tent it loosely with foil during this time.

Top Tip

From my experience making this air fryer roast beef recipe multiple times, I’ve learned these simple insider tips can really elevate your results and avoid common pitfalls.

Use a Meat Thermometer: I always rely on an instant-read thermometer to get the perfect doneness — guessing just won’t cut it for roast beef.
Don’t Skip Resting: This pause lets the juices redistribute so your roast ends up tender and juicy, not dry.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Starting with a hot air fryer basket helps create that delicious crust on the outside quickly.
Temper Your Meat: Bring the roast to room temp before cooking so it cooks evenly and faster.

How to Serve Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe

air fryer roast beef - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple with fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to top the sliced roast. Sometimes a dollop of horseradish cream on the side works wonders for a little zing that complements the savory beef beautifully.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root veggies, or even a crisp garden salad to balance out the richness of the beef. On busy nights, I also love serving it alongside easy steamed green beans or garlic butter mushrooms.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve sliced the roast thin and arranged it on a platter with roasted fingerling potatoes and colorful roasted carrots. It’s a simple but elegant presentation that always gets compliments and looks like you put in way more effort than you did.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover roast beef stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I slice what’s left and marinate it lightly in au jus or beef broth before reheating to keep it moist and flavorful.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked roast beef slices with great success by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in freezer bags. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Reheating

The best method I’ve found is reheating slices in a skillet with a splash of beef broth over low heat, covered, until warmed through. This helps keep the meat juicy without drying it out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What cut of beef is best for this Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe?

Top round and sirloin roasts work best because they’re lean but still tender when cooked properly. These cuts hold up well in the air fryer and deliver great flavor.

How do I know when the roast beef is done?

Using an instant-read meat thermometer is the most reliable method. For medium-rare, you want to pull the roast at an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C), as the meat will continue to cook slightly while resting.

Can I cook a larger roast than 3 pounds in the air fryer?

You can, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time incrementally. Make sure to check the internal temperature frequently to avoid overcooking. Also, ensure your air fryer basket is large enough for the roast to cook evenly.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free and allergy friendly?

Absolutely! This recipe naturally avoids dairy. Just double-check spice blends for any hidden allergens and use fresh, simple ingredients. It’s naturally gluten-free and perfect for many dietary restrictions.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe quickly became a favorite in my kitchen because it strikes the perfect balance between effortless cooking and delicious, tender results. It’s perfect for both last-minute dinners and special occasions. I encourage you to try making it your way—and trust me, once you get this roast beef right in the air fryer, you’ll wonder how you ever went without it.