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 incredibly satisfying about getting a perfectly cooked roast beef with minimal fuss—and that's exactly why I want to share my Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe with you. The juicy inside and crispy edges come together so quickly, it might just become your new go-to for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

The image shows five slices of cooked meat arranged slightly overlapping on a wooden cutting board with visible grain patterns. The meat has a pink center with a browned, seasoned crust on the edges, showing a textured coating with herbs and spices. Behind the slices is a larger unsliced piece of meat with the same texture and color. Green rosemary sprigs are placed around the meat, adding a fresh touch. The setting includes a white marbled surface and a faintly visible light cloth in the background. 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 can’t tell you how many times I’ve turned to this Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe when I want a delicious, hands-off roast that’s still bursting with flavor and tenderness. It’s such a joy to nail roast beef without firing up an oven for hours—plus, the air fryer makes crisping up that crust easier than ever!

Speedy Cooking: Get a perfectly roasted beef in under an hour, including resting time.
Hands-Off Convenience: Once it’s in the air fryer, you can go chill while it does its magic.
Consistently Juicy and Tender: The air fryer locks in juices better than you might expect.
Flexible Flavor: You can easily tweak the herbs and spices to suit your mood or pantry.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe plays a key role. The herbs and spices build layers of flavor while the olive oil helps develop that irresistible crust. Plus, choosing the right cut of beef makes all the difference in tenderness and juiciness.

Flat lay of a fresh whole beef roast top round with rich red marbling, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, two peeled garlic cloves on a white ceramic plate, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright green chopped fresh rosemary, a small white ceramic bowl containing coarse white salt crystals, another small white ceramic bowl with cracked black peppercorns, a separate small white bowl holding fine pale onion powder, and a tiny white bowl with vibrant deep red smoked paprika powder, all arranged symmetrically and balanced 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 balance flavor and tenderness—just right for the air fryer’s quick, intense heat.
Olive oil: Helps the seasonings stick and gives the roast a beautiful, golden-brown crust.
Garlic (minced): Adds savory depth and subtle pungency that pairs perfectly with beef.
Fresh rosemary (chopped): Its piney aroma gives the roast a lovely, fragrant kick.
Salt: Essential for enhancing all those other flavors and seasoning the meat evenly.
Black pepper: Adds mild heat and sharpness without overpowering the beef.
Onion powder: A subtle, sweet background flavor that works great alongside garlic.
Smoked paprika (optional): Provides a faint smokiness and beautiful color. I love this little twist, but you can skip it if you prefer.

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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

One of the best parts about this Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you want it spicy, herby, or more classic, there’s plenty of wiggle room here to make it truly your own.

Variation: I once swapped rosemary for thyme and added a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the rub—it was insanely flavorful and gave the roast a new savory dimension that my family devoured.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe

A thick piece of cooked meat with a browned, seasoned crust on the outside and a pink, tender inside is shown on a wooden board. The meat has two visible layers: the outer dark brown, spiced crust with a rough texture, and the inner soft pinkish layer with visible fibers. A fork is piercing the top of the meat, holding it steady while a knife slices from the left side. The background is a blurred white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Bring Your Roast to Room Temperature

I always pull my beef out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking to temper it. This little pause ensures the roast cooks evenly inside, giving you perfect medium-rare slices instead of a cold center.

Step 2: Mix Your Flavorful Herb Rub

Combine minced garlic, chopped rosemary, salt, pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. This rub brings in stuffy, savory, and smoky notes that make every bite a flavor bomb.

Step 3: Coat and Prep the Roast

Rub the roast all over with olive oil—this acts like glue for the spices and helps get that mouthwatering crust. Then, pat the herb and spice mixture all over the beef, making sure it’s evenly coated.

Step 4: Cook the Roast in the Air Fryer

Pop the roast into the air fryer basket and set your machine to 400°F for 15 minutes. This high heat jump-starts the crust formation. Then, lower the temperature to 360°F and cook for another 15-17 minutes or until your meat thermometer reads 130°F for medium-rare. I usually check at 16 minutes here just to be safe!

Step 5: Rest and Slice

Once it’s out, let the roast rest loosely covered for about 10 minutes. This step locks in juices and makes slicing easier without drying out the meat. I promise it’s worth every minute of the wait.

Top Tip

From my experience making this Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe, a few simple tips can really take your roast from good to unforgettable. These nuggets come from the trial-and-error phase we've all been through—trust me, they’ll save you some kitchen frustration!

Use an Instant-Read Thermometer: I always rely on a good thermometer to avoid the dreaded overcooked roast—it's the easiest way to get your desired doneness every time.
Don’t Skip the Rest Time: Even if you’re hungry, wait the full 10 minutes after cooking to let those juices redistribute. The meat literally tastes juicier and more tender.
Adjust Cook Times by Size: My 2.5-pound roast needed a bit longer—start checking temps early but be ready to add a few extra minutes if yours is bigger.
Try Different Herbs: Rosemary is classic, but thyme or oregano swap in beautifully if that's what you have on hand.

How to Serve Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe

air fryer roast beef - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love to finish the slices with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and just a touch of fresh cracked black pepper. Sometimes I drizzle a little olive oil or even a dollop of horseradish cream if I want a tangy kick. Fresh rosemary sprigs on the side are pretty and invite that herby aroma to the table.

Side Dishes

For sides, I often go with garlic mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus or a simple kale salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. These pair perfectly with the beef without overpowering its flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

At my last Sunday dinner, I presented the roast thinly sliced on a wooden board surrounded by fresh herbs, lemon wedges, and small bowls of Dijon mustard and horseradish sauce. It made the meal feel rustic yet elegant, and guests loved being able to customize their bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or an airtight container, and they usually last 3-4 days in the fridge. The key is sealing them well to keep the beef juicy rather than drying out.

Freezing

This roast freezes beautifully. Just slice it first, then layer the slices with parchment paper and freeze in a sturdy container or freezer bag. It makes reheating quick and mess-free when you’re ready for a tasty protein boost.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend warming slices in a skillet over medium-low heat, covering loosely, so the beef warms gently without toughening up. Or pop them in the air fryer at 320°F for 3-4 minutes with a little splash of broth or water to keep moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Top round and sirloin are my favorites—they balance flavor and tenderness well and cook evenly in the air fryer. Avoid tougher cuts like chuck that need slow cooking.

How do I know when the roast is done?

Using an instant-read meat thermometer is your best bet. For medium-rare, aim for 130°F internal temperature. Keep in mind the temp will rise a few degrees while resting.

Can I adjust the seasoning?

Absolutely! You can swap rosemary for thyme, add Worcestershire sauce, or increase garlic. The recipe is flexible—make it your own depending on your pantry and taste preferences.

How long can I store leftover roast beef?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze sliced beef with parchment paper between layers to preserve freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Roast Beef Recipe quickly became one of my favorites because it combines incredible flavor with ease—no long oven waits or babysitting required. I promise if you give it a try, you’ll wonder why you ever thought roast beef was complicated. So grab your air fryer, try this out, and enjoy a cozy, tasty meal that feels impressively gourmet even on a busy weeknight!