Roast beef in the air fryer is surprisingly easy – and the result is a tender, pink roast with a crispy crust in just 20-35 minutes at 180°C. The secret lies in the even heat distribution, which makes it easy to hit the perfect core temperature. In this guide, you’ll get the master butcher’s best tips on time, temperature and seasoning – plus advice on slicing and delicious sides.

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Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Table of Contents:
- Why the air fryer is perfect for roast beef
- What is a roast beef?
- I recommend this bold Amarone for our juicy roast beef
- Flavour profile of roast beef
- How to make roast beef in the air fryer – time, temperature and method
- How to slice a roast beef
- What sides go with roast beef?
- Conclusion on roast beef in the air fryer
- Frequently asked questions
Why the air fryer is perfect for roast beef
When it comes to roast beef, the air fryer can create a juicy and tender dish with a crispy outer crust without requiring a lot of time or great experience in the kitchen. One of the biggest advantages is that the air fryer provides even heat distribution, ensuring consistent cooking. This makes it easier to reach the desired core temperature and thus the perfect level of doneness.
What is a roast beef?
Roast beef is a cut of beef that typically comes from the inside of the cow’s hind leg. But according to the master butcher’s explanation, it can actually come from other parts of the cow too. It’s known for its tenderness and flavour, especially when prepared correctly. Roast beef can be served both cold and hot, and is often cut into thin slices. It’s used in many classic dishes and can be prepared in many different ways. Among others, in the oven, on the grill, and now also in the air fryer.
I recommend this bold Amarone for our juicy roast beef
Summer almost calls for a good choice of meat, and here the roast beef is a true favourite. I can warmly recommend Latium Morini Amarone Campo Leon 2018 – it has just the right depth for the red beef. Kind regards, Morten.
Flavour profile of roast beef
The flavour of roast beef is rich and meaty with a slight sweetness that comes through during cooking. When cooked in an air fryer, it develops a crispy crust that complements the juicy and tender interior. Marinades and spices can add further layers of flavour that can enhance the meat’s natural flavour profile. Popular spices include rosemary, thyme, garlic and pepper, all of which contribute to a deep and complex flavour.
How to make roast beef in the air fryer – time, temperature and method
To achieve perfectly cooked red meat in the air fryer, according to the master butcher’s advice, it’s important to prepare the meat correctly and follow a few simple steps. Start by taking the roast beef out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking, so it reaches room temperature. This ensures more even cooking. Preheat the air fryer to 180°C. Coat the roast beef with olive oil and season it with salt, pepper, rosemary and garlic powder.
To achieve an extra juicy roast beef, you can seal the surface of the meat before cooking it in the air fryer. This is done by quickly browning the meat on all sides in a very hot pan with a little oil. Brown the meat for 1-2 minutes on each side, until it develops a golden and crispy surface. This helps seal in the meat juices before further cooking in the air fryer.
Tips and tricks from the author: Morten Jensen
How to slice a roast beef
Slicing a roast beef correctly is the master butcher’s advice for preserving juiciness and achieving the best texture. Use a sharp knife and cut across the grain of the meat. This makes the meat more tender and easier to chew. Start from the thinnest end and work your way slowly towards the thicker part, cutting thin slices. If the roast beef is very hot, it can help to let it cool slightly, so the slices turn out neater and don’t crumble.
What sides go with roast beef?
Red meat can be served with a wide selection of sides, all of which can enhance the meat’s rich flavour. Here are some popular options:
- Creamed potatoes: A classic and creamy dish that goes perfectly with roast beef. The creamed potatoes are made with sliced potatoes, cream, cheese and spices, and baked in the oven until golden and tender.
- Vegetable medley: A light and fresh mix of seasonal vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, cauliflower and asparagus. The vegetables can be lightly sautéed in olive oil with a touch of garlic and lemon for extra flavour.
- Red cabbage salad: A crisp and tangy salad made with thinly sliced red cabbage, apples, walnuts and a dressing of apple cider vinegar and honey. This salad provides a great contrast to the rich roast beef.
Conclusion on roast beef in the air fryer
Roast beef in the air fryer is a fantastic way to get a tender and juicy roast with a crispy crust – without much hassle. With 180°C and 20-35 minutes, you’ll hit the perfect core temperature every time. Serve it with browned potatoes in the air fryer or a good cream sauce, and you’ll have a festive meal ready in no time.
Frequently asked questions
A roast beef of about 1 kg typically needs 20-35 minutes at 180°C. Always use a meat thermometer and aim for a core temperature of 55-58°C for a pink result.
For pink (medium-rare), aim for 55-58°C. At 60-62°C it’s medium. Remember that the temperature rises 2-3 degrees during resting.
Yes, let it rest for 10-15 minutes on a cutting board without wrapping it. This allows the juices to distribute evenly and the meat becomes extra tender.
Recipe

Roast beef in the Air Fryer
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Ingredients
- 1 kg roast beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp salt

- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 tsp garlic powder
How to make it
- Take 1 kg roast beef out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking, so that it reaches close to room temperature.
- Preheat the air fryer to 180°C.(Pre-program it, or let it run for a few minutes before cooking)
- Coat the roast beef with 2 tbsp olive oil and season it with 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 2 tsp dried rosemary and 2 tsp garlic powder.
- Place the roast beef in the air fryer basket.
- Cook the roast beef at 180°C for 20 minutes.Start onlinekøkkenuret her
- Use a meat probe or a meat thermometer to check the meat’s core temperature. For a medium-rare roast beef, the temperature should be around 58-60°C.
- Once the roast beef has reached the desired temperature, take it out of the air fryer and let it rest on a cutting board for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Når roastbeefen har nået ønsket temperatur, tag den ud af airfryeren og lad den hvile på et skærebræt i 10-15 minutter før udskæring.
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Nutrition per serving (Guideline)
Important about shelf life and nutrition
Nutrition per serving (guideline): Calculations are based on data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Shelf life (guideline): Shelf life data is provided, as far as possible, by public institutions, including national food authorities. Our information is therefore only indicative, and it is your responsibility to obtain and calculate accurate information about shelf life and nutrition for all recipes on airfryerkogebogen.dk
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