If you are craving a hearty, flavorful dinner that comes together easily and cooks quickly, this Air Fryer Roast Beef and Potatoes Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender, juicy roast beef accompanied by perfectly crispy baby potatoes, all cooked together in your air fryer for fuss-free convenience. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between simple ingredients and impressive results, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals when you want something comforting but not complicated.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating that irresistible harmony of textures and flavors. From the rich, savory beef to the golden, crisp potatoes, these staples transform into a sensational dish when combined with aromatic herbs and simple seasonings.
- 2 lb beef roast (sirloin, chuck, or round): Choose your favorite cut for tender, juicy slices packed with meaty flavor.
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved: Small potatoes offer a crisp exterior and creamy inside when air fried perfectly.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds a lovely richness and helps the potatoes crisp up beautifully.
- 1 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning both the beef and potatoes, enhancing their natural flavors.
- 1/2 tsp pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat and depth to the roast.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses the dish with savory aroma without overpowering the beef’s natural taste.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: Brings a fragrant, earthy note that complements both the meat and potatoes perfectly.
How to Make Air Fryer Roast Beef and Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F. This ensures your beef and potatoes begin cooking immediately at the proper temperature so that everything finishes up tender and golden in the perfect amount of time.
Step 2: Season the Roast Beef
While the air fryer warms up, generously season your beef roast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. Make sure to rub the spices evenly over all sides so every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes
Toss the halved baby potatoes in olive oil and a pinch of salt until each piece is coated. This step is crucial for that irresistible crispy skin and soft interior.
Step 4: Start Cooking the Roast
Place your seasoned roast beef into the air fryer basket and cook for 25 minutes. This initial cook time helps the beef develop a savory crust while beginning to cook through to juicy perfection.
Step 5: Add Potatoes and Continue Cooking
After 25 minutes, carefully arrange the seasoned potatoes around the roast inside the basket. Continue cooking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. Halfway through this time, give the potatoes a gentle shake to encourage even crisping all around.
Step 6: Rest and Slice the Roast
Once cooked, remove the roast beef and potatoes from the air fryer and let the beef rest for about 10 minutes. Resting locks in the juices, creating tender slices that melt in your mouth.
How to Serve Air Fryer Roast Beef and Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs such as parsley or rosemary sprinkled on top instantly brighten the dish, adding color and a fresh burst of flavor that complements the savory roast and potatoes.
Side Dishes
Though this recipe is a complete meal on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables adds a refreshing contrast. Creamy horseradish sauce or a dollop of mustard can also amplify the beef’s rich flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the roast thinly and serving it atop a bed of warm potatoes with a drizzle of pan jus or balsamic glaze. For a rustic look, plate the potatoes next to chunky slices of beef, garnished with roasted garlic cloves for an extra boost of aroma and savoriness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The beef remains tender and the potatoes keep their texture nicely when reheated carefully.
Freezing
You can freeze both the roast beef and potatoes separately to maintain their textures. Wrap the beef tightly in foil and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Potatoes freeze best when blanched briefly before freezing to preserve their texture.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 to 10 minutes to regain crispiness on the potatoes and warmth for the beef without drying it out. Microwaving can be a quick option but may make potatoes softer.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! Sirloin, chuck, or round roasts all work well for this recipe, each bringing a unique tenderness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking times slightly depending on thickness and fat content.
What size air fryer do I need?
This recipe works best in an air fryer with at least a 5.3-quart capacity to fit the roast and potatoes comfortably without overcrowding, which helps everything cook evenly.
How do I know when the roast beef is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 135°F for medium-rare or up to 145°F for medium. Let the meat rest; it will continue cooking slightly during this time.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Carrots, pearl onions, or green beans can be added around the roast along with the potatoes. Just cut vegetables to similar size to ensure even cooking.
What if I don’t have garlic powder?
Fresh minced garlic can be used as well—just rub about 2 cloves over the roast before seasoning, or substitute with garlic salt for a combined seasoning effect.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Roast Beef and Potatoes Recipe is truly a weeknight game-changer. It combines minimal prep with maximal satisfaction, giving you a tender, flavorful roast and crisp, golden potatoes in under an hour. Whether you’re feeding your family or enjoying a cozy meal for one, this recipe is bound to become a cherished favorite. I can’t wait for you to try it and taste that perfect balance of ease and deliciousness firsthand!
Print
Air Fryer Roast Beef and Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and convenient air fryer meal featuring tender, flavorful roast beef paired with crispy baby potatoes. This easy recipe cooks both the beef and potatoes together in one appliance, making for a delicious and complete dinner that’s ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
Beef Roast
- 2 lb beef roast (sirloin, chuck, or round)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
Potatoes
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for roasting the beef and potatoes evenly.
- Season Roast: In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the beef roast thoroughly to coat it for maximum flavor.
- Prepare Potatoes: In a separate bowl, toss the halved baby potatoes with olive oil and a pinch of salt until they are evenly coated.
- Cook Beef Roast: Place the seasoned roast into the air fryer basket and cook for 25 minutes at 375°F, allowing the beef to begin roasting.
- Add Potatoes: After 25 minutes, carefully arrange the seasoned potatoes around the roast inside the air fryer basket. Continue cooking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and crispy and the roast reaches your desired doneness.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the roast from the air fryer and let it rest for about 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Then slice against the grain and serve alongside the crispy baby potatoes.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on thickness of the roast for perfect doneness.
- Shake or toss the potatoes halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness.
- Letting the roast rest before slicing helps retain its moisture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
