This Air Fryer Roast Beef recipe is guaranteed to give you a delicious, medium rare tender roast beef in just over an hour. This easy air fryer recipe with a flavorful herb rub on the outside of the roastforms a lovely crust while the inside remains moist and delicious.
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❤️ Why you'll love it
Quick and Easy Recipe: Air fryer recipes are incredibly fast and efficient, making this roast beef recipe a great option for busy weeknights. You can have a delicious dinner the whole family will love on the table in no time!
Healthy: An air fryer cooks food using much less oil than a traditional oven or deep fryer, so you can enjoy a delicious roast beef meal without worrying about all of the extra fat and calories.
Delicious: Air frying works by circulating hot air around the food, giving it a crispy, golden-brown finish that's sure to make your roast beef recipe a hit! And because air fryers can cook food quickly and evenly, the texture and flavor of the roast beef will be out of this world!
🥘 Ingredients
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Please see the recipe card at the end of this post for complete recipe and instructions.
Beef Roast: You want a tender cut of beef for roasting. Different cuts of beef you may want to use would be tenderloin, eye of round roast, sirloin tip roast, or a ribeye roast. The size will depend on the air fryer. I made a 2-pound roast beef in mine.
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.
🔪 Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer for 15 minutes at 390 degrees.
- In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion salt, parsley, thyme, and basil, salt, and pepper. Set aside
- Coat the roast with the olive oil then rub the herb mixture over the entire roast.
- Place the roast in preheated air fryer. Set timer for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the basket and turn the roast over.
- Reduce the air fryer temperature to 360 degrees and return the roast to the air fryer. Cook for another 60 minutes, or until meat thermometer reaches desired degree of doneness.
- Let meat rest for 15 minutes before cutting.
🥄 Equipment
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Air Fryer: I have used both a basket air fryer and an air fryer with trays. Both work great but I do prefer the air fryer with trays.
Meat Thermometer: I always recommend using a meat thermometer when cooking meat. I love the instant-read digital thermometer.
🌡️ Degrees of Doneness
The official USDA temperature recommendation for roast beef is 145 degrees (medium - a warm pink center). Below are temperatures to follow to reach your desired level of doneness:
- 135 degrees (Rare)
- 145 degrees (Medium)
- 150 degrees (Medium well)
- 160 degrees (Well done)
⏲️ Cooking Time
Only you know your air fryer. Different size air fryers will have different instructions for temp and time. I cannot guarantee you will get the exact same results I received. My biggest recommendation is you always read your air fryer manual and use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature periodically.
As a general rule of thumb for the cooking process:
- Air fry the roast at 390 degrees f for 15 minutes. This is the "searing" process that will seal the juices.
- Turn the heat down to 360 for the remainder of cook time.
- Roast the beef for 20 minutes per pound (for rare) or 25 minutes per pound (for medium-rare), checking the temperature of the meat periodically.
- For best results, to place the roast on the cutting board with tented foil to hold the heat in and allow it to rest at least 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.
🥫Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 5 days or in the freezer up to 3 months.
📖 Variations
- Any oil with a high smoke point can be used to coat the roast.
💭 Tips
- Use a tender cut of meat for this air fryer recipe. I have made this with a tenderloin, top loin, or ribeye.
- Line your air fryer basket with a basket liner or sheet of aluminum foil to catch drippings and minimize clean up.
- Spray the fryer basket with cooking oil spray to ease the clean up of the basket (if not using a liner)
- Preheat your air fryer on 390 for 15 minutes before cooking the roast.
🙋 FAQ's
Minutes per pound are to be followed after the 15 minute sear.
I recommend doing the hot sear at 400 degrees for 10 minutes, then reduce the temp as directed after the sear.
📚 Related Recipes
Holiday Prime Rib Roast with Pan Gravy
Sirloin Roast with Red Wine Onion Gravy
Sweet Chili Braised Beef Short Ribs
Sweet Black Pepper Whole Beef Tenderloin Roast
🍽 Serve with...
This recipe makes the perfect Sunday roast with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, gravy, and a green side salad.
🏫 The last word
My main method of making a roast been has been either in the oven or a slow cooker. However, once I made this Air Fryer Roast Beef, I knew I would never cook a roast beef any other way again.
Are you new to using the air fryer? If so, then be sure to read this post on How To Use an Air Fryer to learn the best one to buy, air fryer cooking tips, cleaning tips, and more!
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
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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
- Preheat the air fryer for 15 minutes at 390 degrees.
- In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion salt, parsley, thyme, and basil, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Coat the roast with the olive oil then rub the herb mixture over the entire roast.
- Place the roast in preheated air fryer. Set timer for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the basket and turn the roast over.
- Reduce the air fryer temperature to 360 degrees and return the roast to the air fryer. Cook for another 60 minutes, or until meat thermometer reaches desired degree of doneness.
- Allow the roast to set for 15 minutes before cutting.
Video
Notes
Tips and Recommendations for Air Frying Roasts
- Use a tender cut of meat for this air fryer recipe. I recommend a tenderloin, top loing, or ribeye.
- Line your air fryer basket with foil to catch drippings and minimize clean up.
- Spray the fryer basket with cooking spray to ease the clean up of the basket.
- Preheat your air fryer on 390 for 15 minutes before putting the roast in.
- Air fry the roast at 390 for 15 minutes, then turn the heat down to 360 for the remainder of cook time. This is the "searing" process that will seal the juices.
- Roast the beef for 20 minutes per pound (for rare) or 25 minutes per pound (for medium-rare), checking the temperature of the meat periodically.
- Be sure you allow the roast to rest at least 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.
Daniel
Excited to try this recipe tomorrow! Will be air frying a 4lb ribeye roast. Do you think we will need to prepare a gravy and if so, can you suggest a recipe?? Should we use the drippings?
Thanks,
Daniel
Shelby Law Ruttan
Hi Daniel, I hope you enjoy the roast! I usually do make a gravy with the pan drippings. Beef Gravy from Roast drippings
as follows: 1 ½ tbsp drippings (or butter if not enough drippings), 1 ½ tbsp flour,1 tsp garlic powder,1 tsp onion powder,½ tsp Salt, ¼ tsp Pepper,2 cups Beef Broth Thanks for trying the recipe! Shelby
Frann
I have not tried your recipe, yet!! My air fryer has grid shelves and assume there is no turning the roast, as the radiant heat surrounds the roast. My question is . . . do I use the combined times or only the 2nd set of times? TIA!!
Shelby Law Ruttan
Hi Fran, I would follow the same guidelines and just be sure to check the temperature as recommended in the post to be sure that it is cooking to your desired level of doneness. All air fryers are different and one could cook faster than the other. Also, as for not turning the roast, I probably still would even if your air fryer has grid shelves. I've made this roast in both types and still turn the roast. I have found that even though I have shelves like you have, that the top still browns faster than the bottom. If you have any other questions, please feel free to email me directly. You can also message me via WhatsApp on Facebook for a faster response.
Alice
I just bought top round roasts today - amazing sale at my local supermarket! Found your recipe just now, and excited to make this - my mouth is watering, just looking at the picture of it you posted! Thank you.
Shelby Law Ruttan
Hi Alice, thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoy the recipe! Shelby
Laurie
Just bought an instant pot and first time used made your recipe with a temp roast. Wow! Fantastic!
Shelby Law Ruttan
Hi Laurie, That's great news! Thank you! Shelby
Nancy
How do I adjust the roast beef recipe for a one-pound tenderloin? There are just the two of us. 5.8 quart air fryer.
Shelby Law Ruttan
Hi Nancy, I would recommend air frying the tenderloin, flipping it halfway through, 11 to 13 minutes total for medium-rare, checking the internal temperature at 11 minutes. The thickest part of the meat should register 125°F for rare, 130 to 135°F for medium-rare, and 140°F for medium. If the tenderloin is not at the desired temperature, continue air frying and checking the temperature in 2-minute increments. Good luck!
Vicki Hart
It was the best roast I've ever eaten!
Shelby Law Ruttan
Hi Vicki! So happy to hear this, thank you for rating the recipe! Shelby
Linda
Hi I’m Making a Prime for Easter & it’s going to be 17 lbs & l just purchased a Range w/ an Air Fryer!!! How will l be able to make it, l always did it in my conventional over on. 550 degrees for 1 hr, & shut the Over off & never opened it til 1/2 before l served it!, it analysts came out Perfect!! Do l do the same thing with the Airfryer Oven, or is different??? Please let me k know! Thank You!!
Shelby Law Ruttan
Hi Linda, I have never made a roast as big as you are doing. I would recommend following the instruction booklet you received with your range air fryer. I would not want to feel responsible for telling you how to do this with such a large roast for a special occasion. Good luck, I hope you use the herb crust recipe, I would just increase the amount of ingredients for the size roast you are making. Let me know how it turns out!
Kelly
I will have to admit that I was skeptical about cooking this in the air fryer. Oh my goodness! It was so tender & delicious! The spice rub gives it the most amazing crust. I will definitely be cooking this again.
Shelby Law Ruttan
Hi Kelly, so glad you made the recipe! Thanks for coming back to let me know. I hope you gave it a star rating also 🙂 Shelby
Jay
Delicious! Excellent recipe. Thank you!
Beverley Al
First time cooking a roast in the air fryer. It turned out great! It was delicious! My airfryer seems to cook a little quicker then the one in the recipe. Next timed I'd cook 5-10 minutes less.
Shelby Law Ruttan
Hi Beverley, so happy it turned out great for you! Thank you for stopping by and rating the recipe! Shelby
Sparky1353
Delicious! We have a Ninja air fryer. The rub was awesome, seared it and cooked a small 3 lb prime rib. Done in 50 minutes. Used the drippings and the crispy bits to make a tasty gravy. Soooo good. Thanks! I’d post a picture, but don’t know how. Lol
Shelby Law Ruttan
Hi Sparky, thank you so much! I appreciate the review. Freel free to share on facebook or instagram and tag me! I'll be happy to share it also!
Claire Dwyer
I followed your reciepe and I shoukd hve cooked it 20 minutes less, but it was very tasty and tender. I certainly will make beef this way again!
Shelby Law Ruttan
Hi Claire, thanks for stopping by, I am happy you are satisfied and will make it beef in the air fryer again 🙂 Shelby
Debbie Downey
Hi Shelby. I want to try your recipe but first want to clarify your instructions. When you say to air fry at 390 degrees for 15 min then turn down the heat to 360 and roast for an additional 60 min are we still air flying or roasting. My air fryer has a roast option also. Thanks Debbie
Shelby Law Ruttan
Hi Debbie, I don't have the roast option on my air fryer, so I'm not sure how that works. I would continue on air fryer. I would check the temperature every 20 minutes during that hour to make sure you are reaching the internal temperature you want to reach. All air fryers are different which makes the timing different. Hope you enjoy the recipe! Shelby
Melissa
Hello! This looks delicious. When air frying, did you experience any white smoke coming out? If so, is that normal? I've made roast pork before and maybe the fat splatters on the coil causing white smoke to come out ..
Shelby Law Ruttan
Hi Melissa, I have not experienced white smoke, but because the heat is intense in a small appliance, it is possible you may have smoking in the home. I have experienced it with my rotisserie chicken. If you have concerns however, I would reach out the the appliance manufacturer. Shelby
Pat Fair
I had a 3 lb chuck roast in the freezer, so went in search of a recipe to try in my new air-fryer. I am glad I saw another reviewer's comment re temperature for a chuck roast. The spice mixture was delicious. I cooked at 390 degrees for 15 minutes, reduced the temperature to 320 degrees. Total cooking time was 44 minutes. Rare, bordering on medium rare, perfection. Delicious. I will definitely be using this recipe on different cuts of meat in the future.
Shelby Law Ruttan
Hi Pat, so happy you came back to let me know! Thank you, Shelby
Kathy Black
Hi Shelby,
I did a three bone roast in my new air frying using your receipe for the Herb Crust. Best roast I have ever made. I made a sauce with horseradish, dijon mustard and red wine vinegar. I was sure I found it in your receipe. If this sauce was from your receipe could I get the amount of each ingredient used? Thank you.
Shelby Law Ruttan
Hi Kathy, I have a horseradish sauce, but it doesn't have dijon or red wine vinegar. If you search prime rib roast with pan gravy on my website, you will find a few different horseradish sauce recipes. So happy the roast turned out great for you! Shelby
Kathy Black
Thank you for getting back to me. I check out your other receipes.
veronica
My oven has an air fryer option and basket rack. Would I follow the same directions. This is a gas range not electric
Shelby Law Ruttan
Hi Veronica, I would go ahead and follow the same directions but keep an eye on the internal temp of the meat to not overcook. A hot sear is always recommended - meaning put the roast in at a hot temp for the first 15 minutes, then lower to the roasting temp. The high heat gives a crisp crust and seals in the juices. Good luck! Shelby
Vincenzza Bubak
Excellent excellent excellent yummy
Shelby Law Ruttan
Hi Vincenzza, thank you so much! Shelby
Robin
Delicious! Air fryed 2lb ribeye roast. Very tender and moist. Right blend of seasonings. As mentioned, monitor the temperature. Used a Ninja air fryer max xl. seared at 390 degrees for 15 min, reduced heat to 360 degrees. Roast was done (med well) in 30 minutes.
Shelby Law Ruttan
Hi Robin, thank you so much for coming back and reviewing the recipe! So happy it worked out well for you. Shelby
Amanda
The seasoning was really good but I overlooked it, a 2.8 lb roast at 60m was well done. I will to check the temp next time. Also, my air fryer has different settings like bake, roast, air fry. Does this Make a difference?
Shelby Law Ruttan
Hi Amanda, yes, I would read my manual for the air fryer to see what settings to use and how to use them. Glad you enjoyed the recipe! Shelby
Lissa
This recipe looks delicious and I am looking forward in trying it. My question is does the roast need to be completely thawed before cooking?
Shelby Law Ruttan
Hi Lissa, yes, the roast needs to be completely thawed before cooking. Hope you enjoy the recipe!
Shelby
Mary
Excellent!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tried this recipe since it looked delicious & reminded me of my husband’s recipe (oven) however, he would use spicy brown mustard along with garlic as the ‘coating’ for the roast!
I tried your recipe, it came out perfect! I’ve had an air fryer for awhile but didn’t really use it until this year when my son said why not try cooking chicken in it! I never realized how good the food would be! I’m a big fan of the air fryer!
Unfortunately my husband has passed away some years ago but he would of gotten a kick out of the air fryer too!
I Absolutely loved your recipe, followed it to a T and it came out juicy, flavorful and the seasoning was delicious!!
Thank You!
Shelby Law Ruttan
Hi Mary, thank you SO MUCH for stopping by to rate and comment on this recipe. I'm so happy it worked well for you, I appreciate you taking the time to come back here and let me know. <3 Thank you for sharing. ˜Shelby