Roast beef is a beloved British classic, often enjoyed during Sunday dinners or special occasions. Traditionally, it’s cooked in the oven, but with the rise of modern kitchen appliances, air fryers have become a popular alternative. Using an air fryer to roast beef can save time, reduce oil usage, and still deliver a deliciously tender and juicy result. In this article, we’ll dive deep into how to make roast beef in an air fryer, covering everything from preparation to serving suggestions.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Roast Beef?
1. Efficiency and Time-Saving
One of the main reasons to use an air fryer for roast beef is the reduced cooking time. Air fryers use rapid air circulation to cook food, meaning that you can achieve similar results to an oven roast in a fraction of the time. This is perfect for those looking to enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
2. Health Benefits
Air fryers are known for their ability to cook food with little to no oil. This makes them a healthier option than traditional roasting methods, where oil or fat is often needed to achieve the perfect roast. For those watching their fat intake, using an air fryer is an excellent way to enjoy roast beef without added guilt.
3. Consistent Results
With the air fryer, there’s no need to worry about uneven cooking. The hot air is distributed evenly around the meat, ensuring that your roast beef is cooked thoroughly and consistently, with a beautifully crisp crust on the outside and a tender, juicy centre.
Choosing the Right Cut of Beef
Before you begin, selecting the right cut of beef is crucial. Different cuts have varying levels of fat, tenderness, and flavour, so it’s important to choose one that suits your taste and budget.
1. Topside
Topside is a lean cut of beef that’s perfect for roasting. It has a good balance of flavour and tenderness when cooked properly. Since it’s a lean cut, you may want to baste or marinate it to avoid it drying out in the air fryer.
2. Ribeye
For those who prefer a fattier, more flavourful cut, ribeye is a fantastic option. The fat content makes it juicier, and when cooked in an air fryer, the fat renders beautifully, resulting in a moist and tasty roast beef.
3. Sirloin
Sirloin is another popular choice for roasting. It’s slightly leaner than ribeye but still has enough fat to ensure a moist roast. It’s also one of the more affordable cuts, making it a good option for family meals.
Preparing Your Beef for the Air Fryer
1. Seasoning
Seasoning is key to making roast beef that is full of flavour. A simple seasoning mix of salt, pepper, garlic, and rosemary is often all you need. However, you can get creative with herbs and spices to suit your taste. Some like to add thyme, mustard powder, or even a touch of paprika for added depth.
- Basic seasoning recipe:
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 2 teaspoons of sea salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 teaspoons of garlic powder or 3 cloves of fresh garlic
- 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary or a few sprigs of fresh rosemary
- Optional: thyme, mustard powder, paprika
Rub the seasoning mix all over the beef, making sure it’s evenly coated. For best results, let the beef sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes after seasoning. This allows the flavours to penetrate the meat and ensures even cooking.
2. Preheating the Air Fryer
Preheating your air fryer is essential to achieving that crispy exterior. Set the air fryer to 200°C (392°F) and let it preheat for 5 minutes. While some air fryers do not require preheating, it’s a good practice when roasting meat to get the temperature just right from the start.
Cooking Times and Temperatures
The cooking time for roast beef in an air fryer will depend on the size of your cut and your desired level of doneness. Here’s a general guide:
Beef Doneness | Internal Temperature | Cooking Time per 500g (1.1lb) at 180°C (350°F) |
---|---|---|
Rare | 50°C to 52°C (122°F to 125°F) | 10-12 minutes |
Medium Rare | 55°C to 57°C (131°F to 135°F) | 12-15 minutes |
Medium | 60°C to 63°C (140°F to 145°F) | 15-17 minutes |
Well Done | 70°C to 73°C (158°F to 165°F) | 18-20 minutes |
To ensure accuracy, it’s best to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the beef to check the internal temperature. Once it reaches your desired level of doneness, remove the beef from the air fryer.
1. Turning the Beef
It’s important to turn the beef halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. For instance, if you’re cooking a medium-rare roast for 15 minutes, flip it over at the 7-8 minute mark.
2. Resting the Beef
Once your roast beef is done, let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before carving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavourful. Simply cover it with foil and let it sit on a cutting board.
Serving Suggestions
Now that your roast beef is perfectly cooked, it’s time to serve it up! Here are some classic sides and accompaniments to make your roast beef meal complete:
1. Yorkshire Puddings
Yorkshire puddings are a traditional side to roast beef in the UK. These light, airy delights are perfect for soaking up gravy and complement the beef wonderfully. You can even make them in the air fryer if you have enough space!
2. Roast Potatoes
No roast dinner is complete without crispy roast potatoes. These can also be cooked in the air fryer. Simply toss your potatoes in oil, season with salt and herbs, and cook at 200°C for 20-25 minutes, shaking halfway through.
3. Gravy
A rich gravy made from beef drippings is essential to any roast beef dinner. You can use the juices collected in the bottom of the air fryer, adding flour and stock to create a smooth, flavorful gravy.
4. Vegetables
Roast vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and broccoli are perfect sides for beef. You can roast them in the air fryer as well, making this a one-appliance meal.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Roast Beef
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Make sure there’s enough space for air to circulate around the beef for even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer: This ensures your roast is cooked to your liking.
- Rest the beef: Always rest the beef before slicing to retain the juices.
- Experiment with flavours: While salt, pepper, and garlic are classic, don’t be afraid to try different herbs, spices, and marinades to customize the flavour.
Conclusion
Making roast beef in an air fryer is a game-changer for busy households or anyone looking to enjoy this classic dish without the hassle of a traditional oven roast. Not only is it faster, but it also produces consistently juicy and tender results with minimal oil. Whether you’re cooking for Sunday lunch or a special occasion, the air fryer makes it easy to enjoy perfectly cooked roast beef every time.
So, fire up your air fryer, pick your favourite cut of beef, and get ready to impress with this modern twist on a British classic.