This Air Fryer Roast Beef recipe is guaranteed to give you a delicious, medium rare roast beef in just over an hour. A flavorful herb crust develops on the outside of the roast while the inside remains moist and delicious.
From now on, you can have a low carb, keto-friendly, perfectly air-fried roast beef any day of the week with little effort.
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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!
If you have been looking for a no-fail way to make the perfect roast beef, then you are done looking! Beef and Pork both cook up excellent in the air fryer. Once you have had Air Fryer Pork Chops or Maple Glazed Pork Loin in the Air Fryer, Roast Beef won't be the only main protein you make in the air fryer! This cooking method is a great way to serve a holiday roast or to make a weekend family dinner any time of year.
Air Fryer Method
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. This is the most delicious Roast Beef made in the air fryer, and the best part is I didn't have to do a ton of work, and I had very little mess afterward!
This Air Fryer roast is the juiciest, most tender, and flavorful roast beef I have ever eaten! All I did was as add a light coating of oil on the roast, then rubbed some dried herbs over the entire roast. The rest of the magic happened right in the air fryer!
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🥘 Ingredients
Beef: You want a tender cut of beef for roasting. Go for tenderloin, top round, 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 coat this roast. Garlic powder, onion salt, parsley, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper.
Oil: I used olive oil to coat the roast beef before putting the rub-on. This was to give it a little more fat and help the rub to stick and seep into the meat.
🍽 Equipment
Air Fryer: The brand I started with is no longer available, but I bought my son and brother in law this one for Christmas and they both love it!
Meat Thermometer: I always recommend using a meat thermometer when cooking meat. I love the instant-read digital thermometer.
I have had many emails asking me about air fryers and temperatures. The specific air fryer I used in this post was a Cozyna 3.7 quart air fryer. Perfect for two people. I just bought a Pampered Chef air fryer, which I have not used yet, but look forward to trying!
When it comes to temperature, everything I cook is in Farenheit. Most of my readers are from the US and this is how we cook. The air fryer I used to make this recipe only goes up to 390 degrees F. Normally I do not preheat the air fryer, but for this recipe I did as I wanted it hot when I put the roast in.
I started my roast on the hottest setting to set the sear, similar to how it is done when making a prime rib roast. It is only at 390 degrees for 15 minutes. Immediately the temperature should be turned down to 360 degrees F after that 15 minute sear.
⏲️ Cooking Time
Only you know your air fryer. Unless you use exactly what I have, I cannot guarantee you will get the exact same results. Therefore, my biggest recommendation is you always use a meat thermometer and check on the internal temperature periodically.
- 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.
Levels of Doneness
The official USDA temperature recommendation for roast beef is 145 degrees (medium - a warm pink center).
Temperatures to reach your desired level of doneness:
- 135 degrees (Rare)
- 145 degrees (Medium)
- 150 degrees (Medium well)
- 160 degrees (Well done)
💭 Tips
- Use a tender cut of meat for this air fryer recipe. I recommend a tenderloin, top loin, 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.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this air fryer roast beef topped with this tasty Cowboy Butter.
A natural side to roast beef is the potato. We love this recipe for Mashed Potatoes with Garlic and Chives. It is the only recipe I ever make for mashed.
Since this Roast Beef is naturally low carb, if you are following a low carb keto diet, then this Garlic Mashed Cauliflower with Browned Butter is the BEST!
This Roasted Acorn Squash is another delicious veggie side you may want to serve, and we also love this recipe for Roasted Asparagus with Browned Balsalmic Butter.
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
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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
Ingredients
- 2 lb 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. Combine the garlic powder, onion salt, parsley, thyme, and basil, salt, and pepper.
- Rub 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 temperature to 360 degrees on the air fryer and return the roast. Cook for another 60 minutes, or until 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