This Air Fryer Roast Beef turns out juicy, tender, and full of flavor with a simple herb rub that forms a nice crust on the outside. It's a great way to make roast beef without heating up the oven, and it only takes about an hour.
I've always loved a good roast for Sunday dinner, especially one that slices up tender and has that rich beefy flavor. And, after making this roast beef in the air fryer, I honestly don't think I'll ever go back to the oven. It's just easier, faster, and still gives you that perfect pink center.
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Why You'll Want to Try This
Easy to make: no fancy steps or hard to find instructions.
Juicy every time: the air fryer locks in moisture.
Great for leftovers: sandwiches, wraps, or even cold slices.
No oven needed: perfect for hot days or small kitchens.
Simple and comforting: just like the kind mom or grandma made.
Ingredients
Beef Roast: I've used top loin, ribeye or eye of round with excellent results.
Spices: I used a blend of my favorite spices to make a dry rub for the roast. Garlic powder, onion salt, parsley, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper.
Olive oil: I use this because it has a higher smoke point. It is used to coat the roast beef before applying the dry rub.
You can mix the herbs up if you want. If you don't have one of them, don't worry. Just use what you've got.
How Long Do You Cook It?
As a general rule:
- Rare: 20 minutes per pound after the sear
- Medium: 25 minutes per pound
- Always check with a thermometer for best results. Every air fryer cooks a little different.
Top Tips That Help
- Always let your meat rest before slicing. It really makes a difference.
- If your air fryer only has set temps (like 375°F), just get as close as you can and check the internal temperature more often.
- Don't skip the sear. That first 15 minutes at 390°F helps seal in the juices and gives you that nice crust.
- Use foil or spray your air fryer basket to help with clean up.
Storing Leftovers
You'll want to save every bite!
- Store it in the fridge up to 5 days.
- Freeze it for up to 3 months.
- Reheat slices in the air fryer at 300°F for a few minutes, or enjoy cold in a sandwich or wrap.
Other Recipes You Might Like
Serve with...
This roast goes with just about anything, but here are some of my favorites:
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Roast Beef with Herb Crust
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Ingredients
- 2 pound beef roast
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion salt
- 2 teaspoons parsley
- 2 teaspoons thyme
- 2 teaspoons basil
- ½ tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Let the roast rest on the counter for 30 minutes before cooking. This will help it to cook more evenly.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390℉ for 15 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix up the rub ingredients of garlic powder, onion salt, parsley, thyme, and basil, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Pat the roast dry, rub it with the olive oil, then rub the herb mixture over the entire roast.
- Put the roast in the air fryer, fat side up if it has one. Cook at 390℉ for 15 minutes to sear it.
- Flip the roast over and lower the temp to 360℉, and cook for about 20-125 minutes per pound. Until roast reaches desired level of doneness.
- Remove roast from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 10 minutes under a piece of foil before slicing.
Carla M Gardner says
The seasoning was amazing but it was way over cooked, Followed directions to a T . 2 lb roast
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Carla, I'm happy you tried it, thanks for stopping by. I do want to point out that I indicate that it is important to check the temperature of the meat as it is cooking. Each air fryer will cook differently and you need to make sure you are checking the internal temperature of the meat and remove it when it meets the desired temp. Shelby
Patsy says
I didn't feel like waiting for my Prime Rib Roast to cook in the oven, so I thought what the heck I'll try cooking it in the Air Fryer. Boy, am I glad I did!! It was delicious, tender and ready in 1/2 the time. Now I can relax and enjoy my evening!!
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Patsy, so happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe!
Shelby
Lorna Mongan says
Turned out Excellent
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Great to hear! Thank you!
JaneDoeExperience says
Just finished making mine. Turned out beautiful. I added red wine to mine. Rosemary, garlic, garlic powder, garlic paste. Splash of Mc Cormick steak season, Salt and pepper. I turned my up 400 for 15 mins. Then followed the 360 for 40 mins. Everyone loved it.
Shelby Law Ruttan says
So happy to hear how you made this your own recipe and that it turned out beautiful!
Kathleen A Crumpler says
New air fry user here.
Delicious recipe and beautifully done roast! I will never roast in the crockpot or oven again!
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Kathleen! So happy it worked for you 🙂 Thank you for stopping by to review! ˜Shelby
Taylor Rhonda says
Gonna try tonight. Should be good.
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hope it turned out great! Thanks for letting me know. Shelby
Jenny Q. says
Great! I’m always afraid to cook roast beef for fear of overcooking. I used a toaster oven/air fryer so it’s a smaller appliance and seems to cook faster. My roast was also 2.65 lbs, so a meat thermometer was a must. I cooked on high for the 15 minutes, then I cooked for another 30 minutes at 360F, as listed in the instructions which was way less than the instructions indicated. We like our meat medium, so took it out at 140F. Let it rest for 20 minutes. It was perfect ... a little cooked on the edges but perfectly pink in the middle. The crust was perfectly seasoned and crispy. Served with roasted potatoes and corn. Definitely a hit, will make again.
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Jenny! Thank you for coming back to review the recipe. So happy it turned out perfectly for you. This is our favorite way to make roast beef!
Tracie McKee says
OMG
I have never cooked a roast in the oven but have done many pot roasts. I was scarred to try this but OMG this was amazing. Cooked by your recipe to med rare next time will cook to rare. Thank you soo much for sharing thins YUMMY
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Tracie! Thank you so much for letting me know you tried the recipe and how it turned out. I'm so happy the end results were great for you and that you make your roasts this way often! ˜Shelby
Im says
Thank you look forward to cooking it slower lol and trying your other recipes
Gerry
Im says
hi when you refer to 390 and 360 degrees do you mean degrees Fahrenheit or ceIsius im in scotland and my Ninja only goes too 200
Shelby Law Ruttan says
The temps in my recipe are in Fahrenheit.
Janet says
So easy and so good,taste was like my mom’s roast. Saving this recipe
Shelby Law Ruttan says
So happy you enjoyed the recipe!
Elaine says
Just cooked this absolutely yum beef in a Ninja Foodie, went down an absolute bomb 👌
Ruthanne says
Elaine didu do yours in the ninja duel 2 drawer
Lisa says
Chuck roast must not be a good idea for this recipe. I followed recipe to the letter and the roast was entirely too done. I should have checked temp more frequently than every 15 minutes. I used drippings and added butter to serve over roast, it still could have been a lot better if air fryer temp was set at 320 15 minutes per pound after searing phase
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Lisa, Chuck roast is best for braising and roasting in a pot. It's not a real tender cut of meat. I recommend a tenderloin, top loin, or ribeye in the post.
Molly says
Thanks so much for your tip! Turned out perfect at the 320 for my 4 pound chuck roast cooked for 60 minutes after searing. 😁
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Molly, Glad it turned out perfect for you! Shelby
Leigh says
Hi Shelby,
I bought a bottom round. Will that work? I don't know the difference.
Thanks,
Leigh
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Leigh, I think it would work! Good luck!
Tamsie Bingham says
Hi can this beautiful roast beef be done in a Tefal 2 in 1 air fryer?
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Tamsie, I am not familiar with the Tefal 2 in 1, it would probably depend on the size and power of your airfryer. I would refer to the booklet that came with the airfryer to see what it says you can make in it. ˜Shelby
Debra says
Is your cooking time correct...I cooked a 3 lb roast and it was like a hard boulder. Totally ruined it. Had to throw it away.
Shelby Law Ruttan says
There could be many factors involved. The temperature setting is one. It should only sear at 390 for 15 minutes. Then, depending on the size of your roast, the rule of thumb is 360 degrees with 25 minutes per pound. I check with a thermometer while the roast is cooking as well and check after the first 25 minutes is up. Also, I had a round roast. The type of roast you used could make a difference. In any case, the best way to be sure your roast is not overcooking is to check the internal temperature of the roast periodically.
Carol L Orzechowski says
I just put mine in the air fryer. But your directions don’t say anything about oil or pepper, only your ingredients do!
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Thanks for bringing this to my attention. I corrected the recipe card. I hope you enjoyed the roast!
Angela says
I've made this twice so far and both times it was to die for! It's also super easy to make.
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Angela, so happy to hear it! Thank you for coming back and reviewing the recipe. Shelby
Ken sheeley says
Hi Shelby, I made this recipe 3 months ago in my air fryer. Wow! It was stupendous! Now I’m doubling the size to 4.4 lbs for mt poker group on Thursday. I m obviously making modifications but that crust was awesome. If it doesn’t come out out well, I will serve more Alcohol! Thanks for a great recipe!
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Ken, thanks for stopping by and sharing your experience! Shelby