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 wonderfully satisfying about a perfectly cooked roast, especially when it’s done in a snap with an air fryer. This Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights or when you want a juicy, tender beef roast without firing up your whole oven.

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

I’m excited to share this Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe because it’s so reliable and fuss-free. This method keeps the roast juicy and flavorful, and you don’t have to babysit it — perfect for when I want a hearty dinner but need to get other things done.

Speed and Convenience: Using the air fryer drastically cuts down cooking time compared to the oven.
Flavorful Herb Rub: The garlic, rosemary, and a touch of smoked paprika pack a punch, making every bite delicious.
Perfect Medium-Rare Every Time: With my tips and a meat thermometer, you’ll nail the perfect doneness without guesswork.
Minimal Cleanup: Fewer dishes and no hot oven mean less mess and less heat in the kitchen.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here is chosen to complement the beef and create a simple yet flavorful crust. The herbs and spices bring warmth and depth without overpowering the natural beefiness.

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: I prefer top round or sirloin because they’re lean, affordable, and cook well in the air fryer.
Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and promotes a nicely browned exterior.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a vibrant punch that dried garlic powder can’t match.
Fresh rosemary: Adds fragrant piney notes that pair beautifully with beef.
Salt: Essential for seasoning through the roast and enhancing flavor.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth.
Onion powder: Brings a mild sweetness to balance the garlic.
Smoked paprika: Optional, but I love the smoky hint it adds—it’s a tasty twist if you have it on hand.

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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 playing around with the herbs and spices here. Sometimes I swap rosemary for thyme or toss in a splash of Worcestershire sauce for an extra umami boost. Feel free to tweak the seasoning so it suits your taste—and don’t be shy about trying different cuts of beef either!

Variation: One time, I swapped smoked paprika for a pinch of chili powder and it gave the roast a subtle kick that my family raved about.
Diet Friendly: This roast is naturally gluten-free and keto-friendly, making it versatile for any diet.
Seasonal Twist: Adding fresh herbs like oregano or thyme during summer gives this a bright, garden-fresh vibe.

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: Prepare and Season Your Roast

First things first, pull your roast out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking so it’s closer to room temperature. This helps it cook more evenly. In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped rosemary, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika if you’re using it. Rub the roast all over with olive oil, then coat it generously with the seasoning mix. This step is key to locking in flavor and getting a beautiful crust.

Step 2: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the seasoned roast in the air fryer basket and cook at that high temp for 15 minutes. This initial blast helps form a nice crust. Then lower the temperature to 360°F (180°C) and cook for another 15 to 17 minutes depending on your roast’s size and your preferred doneness. I always use an instant-read thermometer and pull the roast at 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare. Let it rest for 10 minutes—this step is non-negotiable for juicy results.

Step 3: Slice and Serve

After resting, slice the roast thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness. Serve immediately or save leftovers for sandwiches or salads. If you follow these steps, you’ll get a tender, flavorful roast every time.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned that a great roast is more about the preparation and resting than just cooking time. Here are some tips that made a huge difference for me with the Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe:

Bring to Room Temperature: Let the beef temper outside the fridge for 30 minutes so it cooks evenly with no cold center.
Use a Meat Thermometer: This removes all the guesswork—you’ll never overcook or undercook again.
Don’t Skip the Rest: Resting lets the juices redistribute, making every slice tender and juicy.
Experiment with Herbs: Rosemary’s my go-to, but don’t hesitate to try thyme or oregano for a different flavor.

How to Serve Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe

air fryer roast beef - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I keep garnishes simple—fresh rosemary sprigs or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt across the slices does wonders. Sometimes, a dollop of horseradish cream on the side adds that lovely kick that cuts through the richness.

Side Dishes

Mashed potatoes or garlic roasted veggies make perfect companions for this roast. On a busy day, I even serve it with a crisp green salad and crusty bread, and it feels like a special meal without extra fuss.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or dinner parties, I like to slice the roast thin, arrange it on a platter with roasted veggies, and drizzle a homemade gravy or au jus. Adding fresh herb sprigs and vibrant sides makes it look effortlessly elegant.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap leftovers tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. The roast stays juicy for 3 to 4 days, and slicing it thin helps it reheat evenly.

Freezing

I’ve frozen slices of roast beef in freezer bags with a layer of parchment paper between slices to prevent sticking. It freezes well up to 2 months and thaws quickly in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm leftovers in a low oven or microwave with a splash of beef broth to keep things moist. This recipe holds up beautifully even reheated, which is great for quick lunches or dinner the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Top round or sirloin roast are my go-to choices because they cook evenly and stay tender in the air fryer without being too fatty or tough.

Can I adjust the cooking time for different roast sizes?

Absolutely! If your roast is larger than 2 pounds, increase the cooking time by a few minutes and check the internal temperature frequently to avoid overcooking.

How do I get the perfect medium-rare roast beef in the air fryer?

Use an instant-read meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature; pull the roast out at 130°F (54°C) and let it rest for 10 minutes—that carryover heat will bring it to a perfect medium-rare.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh rosemary?

Yes, you can substitute dried rosemary but use about one-third the amount because dried herbs are more concentrated. Just be sure to rub it well into the beef for flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites for a reason—it’s simple, quick, and reliably delicious every time. I love sharing it because it brings joy to dinner without the fuss. I hope you give it a try and make it your own, just like I did in my kitchen!