Last Updated on April 1, 2026 by Sarah Leadon
Air fryer roast beef is the perfect lazy dinner. It’s easy to make. Plus, it’s so delicious. The meat is so juicy and tender. You season it, put it in the air fryer, and let the air fryer do all the hard work.
What Type of Beef Should I Use
You shouldn’t air fry every cut of beef. For this recipe, use a roast that has a little marbling.
Do not use cheap cuts or tough cuts like chuck roast or brisket for this recipe. They have more connective tissues, which makes them tougher. It takes hours for these tissues to break down. So, it’s best to cook these cuts in the crockpot or instant pot.
Here are the best cuts of beef to use for this air fryer roast beef recipe:
- Top Sirloin Roast: Sirloin is lean and is more tender than other types of roasts. It is delicious, and it fits in most air fryers. It’s perfect when cooked to medium or medium-rare.
- Beef Tenderloin: Beef tenderloin is pricey, but its a great cut to air fry. It’s the most tender part of the cow, so it’s a great cut to air fry. Beef tenderloin takes less time to cook. So do not overcook it. Aim for a temperature between rare and medium.
- Eye of Round Roast: Eye of round roast is affordable. It also has an even shape, which helps it cook evenly. Eye of round roast is tougher than sirloin roast and beef tenderloin. So cook it until it reaches medium-rare for the most tender results.
Tips For Success
These tips will help you make the best air fryer roast beef you have ever tasted.
- Let the beef come to room temperature. Let the roast beef sit out at room temperature for at least 30-60 minutes before you air-fry it. Cold beef will cook unevenly. The outside will burn before it reaches your desired temperature on the inside. Letting the beef come to room temperature helps it cook evenly.
- Let the air fryer roast beef rest for at least 15 minutes. As the roast beef cooks in the air fryer, moisture is pulled to the surface of the meat. If you cut the beef as soon as you take it out of the air fryer, the juices will seep out of the meat, leaving it dry. Letting the beef rest gives the juices time to redistribute into the meat.
- Cut Against the Grain: Cut the roast beef against the grain. Slicing it against the grain makes it more tender and easier to chew.
Air Fryer Roast Beef Cooking Time
Generally, it takes 40-42 minutes to make roast beef in the air fryer. But it can vary depending on what temperature you want your roast beef cooked to. Check the roast’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer:
- Rare: 120-125°F
- Medium Rare: 130-135°F
- Medium: 140-145°F
- Medium Well: 150°F
Variations
- Garlic Butter Roast Beef: Heat a few tablespoons of butter over low heat and add a few cloves of minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Brush the beef with garlic butter and season it with the seasoning blend. Follow the instructions on the recipe card below to cook the roast beef.
- Spicy Cajun Roast Beef: Add 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the seasoning mix.
- Balsamic & Dijon Roast Beef: Combine 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of honey, the seasoning mix, and olive oil in a bowl. Brush it over the beef and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover roast beef in an airtight container. It will last for 5 days in the fridge. You can also freeze leftover roast beef. Store the leftover roast beef in an airtight container. Freeze them for up to 4 months.
How to Reheat Roast Beef in the Air Fryer
If you are reheating frozen air fryer roast beef, let it thaw in the fridge overnight first. To reheat the roast beef, place it in the air fryer basket and reheat it for 3-5 minutes at 375°F until it’s heated through.
How To Use Leftover Air Fryer Roast Beef
There are so many ways you can use leftover air fryer roast beef. You can make a roast beef sandwich, add it to pasta, or a salad. Here are other ways you can use leftover roast beef:
- Philly cheesesteak or French dip sandwiches
- Beef wrap
- Tacos
- Quesadillas
- Fried Rice
- Soup
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Air Fryer Roast Beef
4-6
servings5
minutes42
minutes237
kcal47
minutesThis air fryer roast beef recipe is tender, juicy, and full of flavor! Seasoned with garlic, onion powder, thyme, and Herbs de Provence, it’s cooked to perfection. The air fryer creates the perfect seared crust while keeping the inside moist and delicious. Serve this air fryer roast beef with mashed potatoes, pasta, or a salad. Either way, it will be delicious.
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Ingredients
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon fresh thyme
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon herbs de Provence
2 lbs. beef sirloin roast
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, cut into 1/2-inch slices
Directions
- Set your air fryer to 380°F and let it preheat for 3 minutes.
- Combine the kosher salt, black pepper, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs de Provence in a small bowl.
- Brush the beef sirloin all over with olive oil, then sprinkle the seasoning all over the roast and massage it into the meat.
- Place the onion slices in the bottom of the air fryer basket. Place the beef sirloin on top of the onion slices and air fry it for 15 minutes.
- Flip the roast beef over and cook it for another 25-27 minutes until it hits 5 degrees under your desired temperature.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 237kcal
- Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 83mg
- Sodium: 864mg
- Potassium: 522mg
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Iron: 3mg
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