A roast beef joint in the air fryer comes out with a seared, savoury crust and a tender pink middle — and it frees the oven for everything else. The method is sear hot, then lower to roast. Here's how.
Key takeaways
Q: How long does roast beef take in an air fryer?
A: Sear at 200°C for 5 minutes, then roast at 180°C for about 18–20 minutes per 500g for medium-rare, to an internal 55–60°C. Always rest 15 minutes.
Q: What joint works best?
A: Topside, sirloin or rib that fits your basket — around 750g–1.2kg is ideal.
Times by doneness
| Doneness | Per 500g (at 180°C) | Internal temp |
|---|---|---|
| Rare | 15–17 min | 52°C |
| Medium-rare | 18–20 min | 57°C |
| Medium | 21–23 min | 63°C |
| Well done | 25–28 min | 70°C |
Pull it 2–3°C below target — it rises as it rests.
Method
- Oil and season the joint all over.
- Sear at 200°C for 5 minutes for a crust.
- Drop to 180°C and roast to your target temperature.
- Rest 15 minutes under foil before carving.
The recipe
Air Fryer Roast Beef
Ingredients
- 1kg beef joint (topside/sirloin)
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- Salt & black pepper
Method
- Rub the joint with oil and seasoning.
- Sear at 200°C for 5 minutes.
- Roast at 180°C to your target temp.
- Rest 15 minutes, then carve thin.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a beef joint take in an air fryer?
Sear at 200°C for 5 minutes, then roast at 180°C for about 18–20 minutes per 500g for medium-rare. Use a thermometer and rest for 15 minutes.
What temperature for medium-rare roast beef?
Pull it at an internal 55–57°C — it rises to a perfect medium-rare during the 15-minute rest.
What's the best beef joint for an air fryer?
Topside, sirloin or a small rib joint of around 750g–1.2kg that fits the basket works best.