Getting a perfect roast beef can feel like a big task. But your air fryer makes it simple, and this guide will show you exactly How To Cook Roast Beef In Air Fryer Australia. This method gives you a juicy, tender centre with a beautifully browned outside, and it’s much faster than using your oven. Whether you’re cooking for a Sunday lunch or a weeknight dinner, you’ll get great results every time.
Air fryers are fantastic for roasting. They circulate hot air intensely around the meat. This creates that lovely crust we all love. It also cooks the beef evenly and quickly. You’ll save time and energy compared to heating a large oven. Let’s get started on making your perfect roast.
How To Cook Roast Beef In Air Fryer Australia
This is your core, step-by-step method. Follow these instructions for a reliably delicious roast beef cooked in your air fryer.
What You’ll Need
- A boneless beef roast (like scotch fillet, eye fillet, or topside). Aim for 1kg to 1.5kg for best results in most air fryer baskets.
- 1-2 tablespoons of oil (olive oil or canola oil work well).
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Optional herbs: fresh rosemary sprigs, thyme, or crushed garlic cloves.
- Kitchen string (if your roast isn’t already tied).
- Meat thermometer (this is the most important tool for perfect doneness).
- Your air fryer, of course!
Choosing the Right Cut of Beef
Picking a good cut is the first step to success. In Australia, some great choices for air frying are:
- Scotch Fillet (Ribeye): Well-marbled and very flavourful. It stays juicy and is very forgiving.
- Eye Fillet (Beef Tenderloin): A lean, very tender cut. It cooks quickly but can dry out if overcooked, so a thermometer is essential.
- Topside or Silverside: Leaner and more economical. It benefits from marinating and should be sliced thinly against the grain.
For beginners, a scotch fillet is often the best bet. It’s hard to go wrong with it’s fat content.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Take your roast out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before cooking. Letting it come closer to room temperature helps it cook more evenly. Pat it completely dry with paper towels. A dry surface is key for a good sear.
If your roast isn’t tied, use kitchen string to tie it at regular intervals. This helps it keep a round shape for even cooking. Drizzle the oil over the beef and rub it all over. Generously season with salt and pepper on all sides. Press any optional herbs onto the surface.
Step 2: Pre-heat Your Air Fryer
Pre-heat your air fryer to 200°C for about 5 minutes. Pre-heating is important. It starts the cooking process immediately, creating that crust fast. Some models don’t have a pre-heat function, so just let it run empty for 5 minutes at the cooking temperature.
Step 3: Cook the Roast
Place the seasoned roast in the air fryer basket. If you have herbs, you can place some underneath it. Cook at 200°C for the initial sear. The time will vary based on size and desired doneness.
A general guide for a 1kg roast:
- Rare: Cook for about 15-20 minutes total, or until internal temp reaches 50-52°C.
- Medium-Rare: Cook for about 20-25 minutes total, or until 55-57°C.
- Medium: Cook for about 25-30 minutes total, or until 60-62°C.
Always use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Insert it into the thickest part of the roast towards the end of the estimated cooking time.
Step 4: Rest the Meat
This step is non-negotiable. Once your roast reaches 5 degrees below your target temperature, remove it from the air fryer. The carryover cooking will bring it up the rest of the way.
Place the beef on a clean plate or board. Loosely tent it with foil. Let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the juices, which have been driven to the center, to redistribute throughout the meat. If you slice it to early, all those flavorful juices will just run out onto the board.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
After resting, remove the string if you used it. Use a sharp knife to slice the beef against the grain into thin slices. This makes every piece more tender. Serve immediately with your favourite sides, like roast vegetables, Yorkshire puddings, or a fresh salad.
Air Fryer Roast Beef Cooking Times Chart
This chart is a handy reference. Remember, a thermometer is your best friend.
- 500g Roast: 200°C for 12-18 mins (Rare to Medium).
- 1kg Roast: 200°C for 18-30 mins (Rare to Medium).
- 1.5kg Roast: 200°C for 25-40 mins (Rare to Medium). Start checking early.
For larger roasts, you may need to reduce the temperature to 180°C after the initial 15-minute sear to prevent the outside burning before the inside is done.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Roast Beef
- Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure the roast sits in the basket with space around it for air to circulate.
- Check for Doneness Early: All air fryers and beef cuts vary. Start checking the internal temperature a few minutes before you think it’s ready.
- Use a Trivet or Rack: If your air fryer came with a rack, use it. It lifts the meat and allows fat to drip away, improving air flow.
- Add Vegetables: You can place halved potatoes or other hardy veg around the roast for the last 20-25 minutes of cooking. Toss them in a little oil first.
- Save the Juices: The juices in the bottom of the air fryer drawer are gold. Add a splash of red wine or beef stock to them for a simple, tasty gravy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a simple method, a few slip-ups can happen. Here’s what to watch for.
- Not Using a Thermometer: Guessing doneness leads to over or undercooked meat. It’s worth the small investment.
- Skipping the Rest: Rushing to slice is the biggest reason for a dry roast. Be patient during the rest.
- Using a Frozen or Cold Roast: Cooking straight from the fridge gives you an uneven result. The outside will be overdone before the centre is warm.
- Over-seasoning with Wet Marinades: Very wet sauces or marinades can burn in the high heat. Pat the beef dry before adding dry rubs or just oil and herbs.
Adapting for Different Air Fryer Models
Air fryers in Australia come in many shapes. Here’s how to adapt.
Basket-style Air Fryers: The most common. Follow the guide above. Ensure the roast fits without touching the top heating element.
Oven-style Air Fryers (with racks): These often have more space. You might be able to cook a slightly larger roast. Use the middle rack position. You may need to rotate the tray halfway for even browning.
Small Capacity Fryers: If your roast is to big, consider cutting it in half. Cook one half at a time, keeping the first half warm while the second cooks, or cook them together if they both fit without crowding.
Serving Suggestions & Leftovers
Your roast beef is the star. Here’s how to build a meal around it.
Classic sides include creamy mashed potato, steamed green beans, or honey-glazed carrots. For a true Aussie Sunday roast, add some gravy and maybe a horseradish cream.
Leftover roast beef is incredibly versatile. Slice it thin for sandwiches with mustard and lettuce. Chop it up for a hearty beef fried rice in your air fryer. Or add it to a breakfast hash with some potatoes and eggs.
FAQ Section
Can I cook a frozen roast beef in the air fryer?
It’s not recommended for best results. For food safety and even cooking, it’s best to fully thaw the roast in the fridge first. Cooking from frozen can leave the inside undercooked while the outside gets to dry.
What temperature should roast beef be cooked at in an air fryer?
A high temperature of 200°C is ideal for starting most roasts. This gives a good sear. For larger cuts over 1.5kg, you can start at 200°C for 15 mins, then reduce to 180°C to finish cooking without burning the exterior.
How do I make gravy from the air fryer drippings?
After removing the roast, carefully pour the drippings from the drawer into a small saucepan. Skim off excess fat if you like. Place the pan over medium heat, add a tablespoon of plain flour, and whisk for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in about 1 cup of beef stock until smooth. Simmer until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
Why is my air fryer roast beef tough?
Tough beef is usually due to three things: choosing a very lean cut like topside without marinating, overcooking the meat beyond medium doneness, or not slicing it against the grain. Using a thermometer and resting the meat properly helps avoid this.
Can I add potatoes to cook with the roast?
Absolutely. Cut potatoes into even-sized chunks and toss in oil. Add them to the basket around the roast for the last 20-25 minutes of cooking. You might need to shake the basket once to ensure they crisp evenly. Smaller veggies like brussels sprouts can go in for the last 10-15 minutes.
How long does leftover roast beef last?
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep for 3-4 days. You can also freeze sliced roast beef for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.
Final Thoughts
Cooking roast beef in your air fryer is a smart, efficient way to get a fantastic result. The key takeaways are simple: choose a good cut, pat it dry, season well, use a meat thermometer, and never skip the resting step. This method saves you time and energy, and it doesn’t heat up your whole kitchen—a real bonus on warmer Australian days.
With this guide, you have all the information you need. Give it a try next time you want a special meal without the fuss. The result will be a tender, flavorful roast that will impress your family and friends. Remember, practise makes perfect, and each time you’ll get more confident with the timings for your specific air fryer model.