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 deeply satisfying about a perfectly cooked roast beef with a caramelized crust and juicy center—and the best part? You can get it all done quickly with this Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe. Rustic, flavorful, and hassle-free, it’s a weeknight game changer.

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

Honestly, I never thought air frying a roast beef could be so good – it’s fast, simple, and delivers juicy results every single time. It’s one of those recipes that you make once and keep coming back to.

Speedy Cooking: The air fryer drastically cuts down on cooking time compared to traditional oven roasting.
Juicy & Tender: Using precise temperature control means the roast stays beautifully tender inside.
Simple Ingredients: Few pantry staples come together effortlessly to create bold, savory flavors.
Less Fuss, Great Results: No need to babysit the roast—set it, forget it, and enjoy the magic of your air fryer.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe keeps it classic with herbs and spices that complement the beef’s natural flavor without overpowering it. The olive oil helps form that irresistible crust in the air fryer while locking in moisture.

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 (top round or sirloin): These cuts are lean yet tender enough for roasting, perfect for air frying.
Olive oil: Helps the seasonings stick and promotes a crispy, golden exterior.
Garlic (minced): Adds aromatic depth and a little punch.
Fresh rosemary (chopped): Brings freshness and an earthy note that pairs beautifully with beef.
Salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
Black pepper: Provides a subtle heat and complex flavor.
Onion powder: Adds a hint of sweetness and savory richness.
Smoked paprika (optional): For a subtle smoky warmth that’s just a little extra special.

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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 experimenting with this Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe by swapping herbs and spices based on what I have on hand. You can make it more herbaceous, smoky, or even add a touch of heat for a personal twist.

Variation: Once, I swapped rosemary for thyme and added a dash of Worcestershire sauce—totally transformed the savory profile and gave it an umami boost that I loved.

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: Bring the roast to room temperature

This step might seem small, but trust me—pulling your beef out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking ensures it cooks evenly. I always forget this once and notice uneven doneness, so it’s worth the wait!

Step 2: Mix your seasoning blend

In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped rosemary, salt, pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika if you’re using it. Smelling the mix before it hits the beef is one of my favorite little moments in cooking.

Step 3: Prepare the beef for air frying

Rub olive oil all over the roast to help the seasonings coat evenly. Then massage the seasoning mix onto the beef, making sure every side is well covered. I find this step essential for that perfect crust.

Step 4: Cook in the air fryer

Place the roast in your air fryer basket and set temperature to 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes to sear and lock in juices. Then lower the heat to 360°F (180°C) and cook for another 15–17 minutes, depending on your preferred doneness. I use an instant-read thermometer to hit 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, which is my sweet spot.

Step 5: Rest and serve

After cooking, remove the roast and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time is non-negotiable—it's what lets the juices redistribute and keeps the meat tender and juicy.

Top Tip

From my own trials with this recipe, I've learned a few handy tricks that will turn out a roast beef you and your family will rave about.

Temperature Control: Using an instant-read thermometer is a game changer for perfect results—don't rely just on time.
Resting is Key: Skipping the resting step causes precious juices to run out—give yourself this 10-minute buffer.
Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure the roast fits comfortably in your air fryer basket so air can circulate for even cooking.
Season Generously: Because air frying can form a crust quickly, don’t be shy with your seasoning rub.

How to Serve Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe

air fryer roast beef - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or additional rosemary on top just before serving. It adds a nice pop of color and freshness that balances the rich beef perfectly.

Side Dishes

Mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus are my go-to partners for this roast. But honestly, a crisp green salad or even air fryer sweet potato fries complement it well for a lighter touch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to slice the roast thinly and arrange it on a wooden board with horseradish sauce, crusty bread, and pickled vegetables—makes for a stunning and interactive meat board everyone enjoys.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. I usually slice the roast thin and layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

I’ve frozen sliced roast beef before by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and placing in a freezer-safe bag. It holds up well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To keep the roast juicy, I reheat leftovers wrapped in foil at low oven temperature (around 300°F) or use a skillet with a splash of beef broth. Microwave works but can dry it out, so be careful!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other cuts of beef for this Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe?

Absolutely! While top round and sirloin are great for even cooking and tenderness, you can also try chuck roast or ribeye roast. Just adjust cooking times based on thickness and fat content.

How do I know when my roast is done in the air fryer?

The best way to check is with an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the roast. For medium-rare, you want about 130°F (54°C). Remember the roast will rise in temperature as it rests.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses simple herbs and spices with no added gluten-containing ingredients. Just double-check your seasonings if using prepared blends.

What if my air fryer is smaller or larger?

If your air fryer is smaller, choose a smaller sized roast or cut into smaller pieces. For larger air fryers, increase cooking time slightly and check doneness often with a thermometer to avoid overcooking.

Final Thoughts

Making this Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe has become one of my favorite shortcuts to a homemade, hearty meal without the wait and fuss of oven roasting. It’s simple, quick, and delivers results that wow. You'll love how hands-off it is, making it perfect for busy nights yet special enough for company. Give it a try — I’m sure it will become a staple in your kitchen like it is in mine!