Go Back
Perfect Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe (Tender & Juicy)

Perfect Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe (Tender & Juicy)

A seasoned 2-pound beef roast is air-fried at two temperatures for a browned exterior and juicy center. Resting and slicing across the grain are the keys to tender serving pieces.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 pounds Beef eye of round, top round, rump roast, or small sirloin roast
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon Ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Dried rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon Paprika, optional

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Remove the beef from the refrigerator 20–30 minutes before cooking. Pat it very dry with paper towels.
  2. Rub the roast with olive oil. Mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, thyme, and optional paprika, then coat the beef thoroughly.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Place the roast in the basket, fat-side up if it has a fat cap.
  4. Cook at 400°F for 15 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 350–360°F (175–182°C) and cook for another 25–35 minutes, checking the thickest part with an instant-read thermometer.
  5. Remove the roast at the temperature that matches your preferred doneness: 120–125°F for rare, 125–130°F for medium-rare, 135–140°F for medium, or 145°F for the USDA-recommended minimum.
  6. Transfer the roast to a cutting board, tent loosely with foil, and rest for 10–15 minutes. Slice thinly across the grain and serve.

Notes

Roast shape and air fryer models vary, so rely on internal temperature rather than time alone. If cooking to 145°F, follow the USDA recommendation of a 3-minute rest; the longer 10–15 minute rest also helps the juices redistribute before slicing.