Olivia Carter
Roast beef is a classic dish that many people love to enjoy, and with the help of an air fryer, you can easily achieve a delicious and tender roast beef in no time. Cooking roast beef in an air fryer is a great alternative to using an oven, as it provides a quicker cooking time and a crispy outer crust.
To cook roast beef in an air fryer in Australia, you will need to start by selecting a good cut of beef. The best cuts for roasting in an air fryer are rib eye, sirloin, or tenderloin. These cuts are known for their tenderness and rich flavor, making them perfect for roast beef.
Before cooking the roast beef, be sure to season it well with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices. This will help to enhance the flavor of the meat and ensure a delicious end result. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C, and place the seasoned roast beef in the air fryer basket.
Cook the roast beef in the air fryer for about 20-25 minutes per pound for medium-rare, or 25-30 minutes per pound for medium. For a well-done roast beef, cook for 30-35 minutes per pound. It’s important to periodically check the internal temperature of the roast beef using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the desired level of doneness.
Once the roast beef is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a tender and flavorful roast beef. Serve the roast beef with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Preparing the Roast Beef
Before you start cooking the roast beef in the air fryer, it’s important to properly prepare the meat. Follow these steps to ensure a delicious and tender roast:
1. Choose the Right Cut
The first step in preparing your roast beef is to choose the right cut of meat. Look for a well-marbled piece of beef with a good amount of fat. Popular cuts for roasting include ribeye, sirloin, and tenderloin.
2. Season the Meat
Once you have selected your roast, it’s time to season the meat. You can keep it simple by using just salt and pepper, or you can customize your seasoning blend with herbs and spices. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the roast, making sure to cover all sides.
3. Let it Rest
After seasoning the roast, let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This allows the meat to come to room temperature and helps the seasoning penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful roast.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer
While the roast is resting, preheat your air fryer to 200°C. This will ensure that the air fryer is hot enough to sear the roast and lock in the juices.
5. Place in the Air Fryer
Once the air fryer is preheated, place the seasoned roast beef in the basket. Make sure to leave enough space between the roast and the sides of the basket to allow for proper air circulation.
6. Cook and Flip
Cook the roast beef in the air fryer at 200°C for about 25-30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the meat and how well-done you prefer your roast. Flip the roast halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
7. Check the Internal Temperature
Using a meat thermometer, check the internal temperature of the roast beef to ensure it has reached your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, the temperature should be around 55-57°C, for medium around 63-68°C, and for well-done around 71-74°C.
8. Let it Rest
Once the roast beef has reached your desired temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful roast.
9. Slice and Serve
After the roast beef has rested, slice it against the grain into thin slices. Serve immediately with your favorite sides and enjoy!
| Cut of Beef | Internal Temperature (Medium-Rare) | Internal Temperature (Medium) | Internal Temperature (Well-Done) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ribeye | 55-57°C | 63-68°C | 71-74°C |
| Sirloin | 55-57°C | 63-68°C | 71-74°C |
| Tenderloin | 55-57°C | 63-68°C | 71-74°C |
Choosing the Right Cut
When it comes to cooking roast beef in an air fryer, the cut of meat you choose is crucial for achieving a tender and juicy result. Here are some of the best cuts of beef for roasting in an air fryer:
1. Ribeye
Ribeye is a highly prized cut of beef known for its rich marbling that adds loads of flavor and tenderness to the meat. It is a popular choice for roasting in an air fryer as it cooks quickly and consistently, resulting in a deliciously juicy roast beef.
2. Sirloin
Sirloin is another excellent choice for roasting in an air fryer. It is a leaner cut of beef, but still tender and flavorful. The air fryer helps to seal in the natural juices of the sirloin, resulting in a moist and succulent roast beef.
3. Tenderloin
Tenderloin, also known as filet mignon, is one of the most tender cuts of beef available. It is typically more expensive than other cuts, but worth it for its melt-in-your-mouth texture. When cooked in an air fryer, the tenderloin retains its tenderness and develops a beautiful crust on the outside.
When choosing the right cut of beef for roasting in an air fryer, it’s important to consider not only the tenderness and flavor but also the thickness of the meat. Thicker cuts will require longer cooking times, while thinner cuts will cook more quickly.
For the best results, look for grain-fed or grass-fed beef that is well-marbled. The marbling adds flavor and moisture to the meat, ensuring a more delicious and tender roast beef.
Remember to let the roast beef rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, making for a more evenly moist and flavorful result.
Seasoning the Beef
Before cooking roast beef in the air fryer, it’s important to season the meat properly to enhance its flavor. Here are some ideas for seasoning:
1. Salt and Pepper
The classic combination of salt and pepper is a simple yet effective way to bring out the natural flavors of the beef. Generously season all sides of the beef with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Garlic and Herbs
Add some minced garlic and your favorite herbs to the beef to give it a delicious aroma and taste. Rosemary, thyme, and oregano work well with roast beef.
3. Dry Rubs
You can use pre-made dry rubs or make your own by mixing together spices like paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder. Rub the mixture all over the beef, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Marinades
Marinating the beef before cooking can add moisture and flavor to the meat. You can use a store-bought marinade or make your own using ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and olive oil. Allow the beef to marinate for at least an hour or overnight in the refrigerator.
Once you have seasoned the beef, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. This will help to ensure a more flavorful roast beef when cooked in the air fryer.
Marinating the Beef
Marinating the beef is an important step to infuse it with flavor and tenderize it before cooking. Here’s how to marinate roast beef for air frying:
- Choose a marinade: You can use a pre-made marinade or create your own using ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, herbs, and spices.
- Prep the beef: Trim any excess fat from the roast beef and place it in a resealable plastic bag or a dish large enough to hold the beef while submerged in the marinade.
- Add the marinade: Pour the marinade over the beef, making sure it is completely covered. If using a bag, remove any excess air and seal it tightly. If using a dish, cover it with plastic wrap.
- Marinate the beef: Place the marinating beef in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and tenderize it.
- Turn the beef: If marinating in a dish, flip the beef halfway through the marinating time to ensure even flavor distribution.
After marinating the beef, you can proceed to cook it in your air fryer using your desired method. Remove the beef from the marinade and pat it dry before placing it in the air fryer basket.
Cooking the Roast Beef
Once your roast beef is marinated and prepared, you can start cooking it in the air fryer. Here’s how:
- Preheat the air fryer to a temperature of 400°F (200°C).
- Place the roast beef in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it.
- Cook the roast beef for 20 minutes, then flip it over using tongs.
- Cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the desired level of doneness is reached. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, the temperature should be around 130°F (55°C), while medium should be around 140°F (60°C).
- Once cooked, remove the roast beef from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Remember to adjust the cooking time and temperature based on the size and thickness of your roast beef. It’s always better to slightly undercook the beef and let it rest, as it will continue to cook and reach the desired doneness while resting.
Now you can enjoy your deliciously cooked roast beef in the air fryer!
Preheating the Air Fryer
Before you begin cooking roast beef in your air fryer, it’s important to preheat it to the correct temperature. Preheating your air fryer ensures that it cooks the food evenly and helps to achieve a crisp outer layer.
Follow these steps to preheat your air fryer:
- Plug in your air fryer and place it on a heat-resistant surface.
- Set the temperature dial to the recommended preheating temperature for roast beef. Usually, it’s around 400°F (200°C).
- Press the power button to start the preheating process.
- Allow the air fryer to preheat for about 5 minutes or until it reaches the desired temperature. Some air fryers have preheating indicators that light up when the appliance is ready.
While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your roast beef by trimming any excess fat and seasoning it according to your taste preferences.
Once the air fryer reaches the desired temperature, it’s ready for you to start cooking your roast beef. Be sure to follow the specific cooking instructions for roast beef in your air fryer model to achieve the best results.
Cooking Time and Temperature
Cooking roast beef in an air fryer allows for quick and even cooking. The cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the size and cut of the roast beef, as well as personal preference for doneness. Here are some general guidelines to help you get started:
Temperature
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) to ensure even cooking.
- For medium-rare beef, cook the roast at 375°F (190°C).
- For medium beef, cook the roast at 390°F (199°C).
- For well-done beef, cook the roast at 400°F (204°C).
Cooking Time
The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the roast beef. Here are some general guidelines:
- For a 1-pound (0.45 kg) roast, cook for 20-25 minutes for medium-rare, 25-30 minutes for medium, and 30-35 minutes for well-done.
- For a 2-pound (0.9 kg) roast, cook for 30-35 minutes for medium-rare, 35-40 minutes for medium, and 40-45 minutes for well-done.
- For a 3-pound (1.36 kg) roast, cook for 40-45 minutes for medium-rare, 45-50 minutes for medium, and 50-55 minutes for well-done.
It is important to note that these are general guidelines and it is always best to use a meat thermometer to ensure the roast beef reaches your desired level of doneness. The internal temperature for medium-rare beef is 135°F (57°C), for medium beef is 145°F (63°C), and for well-done beef is 160°F (71°C).
Resting and Slicing the Beef
After the roast beef is cooked to perfection in the air fryer, it is important to let it rest before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat even more tender and flavorful.
Take the roast beef out of the air fryer and place it on a cutting board. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for about 10 to 15 minutes.
While the beef is resting, now is a good time to prepare any accompanying side dishes or sauces.
Slicing the Beef
Once the beef has rested, remove the foil and carefully transfer it to a clean cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice the beef against the grain into thin slices.
If you’re unsure which direction the grain runs, look for the lines or fibers on the surface of the meat. Cutting against the grain will result in more tender slices.
Work your way across the roast, slicing each piece to your desired thickness.
Arrange the sliced roast beef on a serving platter and serve immediately with your favorite side dishes. The beef should be juicy, tender, and full of flavor.
Storing Leftover Beef
If you have any leftover roast beef, let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be stored for up to 3 to 4 days.
Leftover roast beef can be used in a variety of dishes, such as sandwiches, salads, or stir-fry. Just make sure to reheat it gently to maintain its tenderness.
Enjoy your delicious roast beef cooked to perfection in the air fryer!
Questions and Answers
What is the best cut of beef to use for roast beef in an air fryer?
The best cut of beef to use for roast beef in an air fryer is a beef rump roast or a beef chuck roast.
What temperature should I cook roast beef in an air fryer?
It is recommended to cook roast beef in an air fryer at a temperature of 375°F (190°C).
How long should I cook roast beef in an air fryer?
The cooking time for roast beef in an air fryer can vary depending on the size and thickness of the roast. As a general guideline, calculate about 20 minutes per pound. So if you have a 2-pound roast, you would cook it for approximately 40 minutes.
Should I marinate the roast beef before cooking it in an air fryer?
Marinating the roast beef before cooking it in an air fryer is not necessary, but it can add extra flavor. If you choose to marinate the beef, you can do so for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
Can I use frozen roast beef in an air fryer?
No, it is not recommended to use frozen roast beef in an air fryer. The roast beef should be thawed completely before cooking it in an air fryer to ensure even cooking.
