Air Fried Roast Beef Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2-3 lbs beef roast (e.g., top sirloin, ribeye, or chuck roast)
- Salt (optional, depending on your preference)
- Freshly ground black pepper (optional, depending on your preference)
- 1-2 tablespoons beef tallow or another animal fat (optional for extra flavor, but can be skipped for strict carnivore)
Instructions:
- Preparation:
- Take your beef roast out of the fridge about 30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking to bring it to room temperature. This helps the roast cook more evenly.
- If you’re using beef tallow or any other animal fat, melt it in a small pan over low heat. You can also skip this step if you prefer a more minimalist approach. The fat adds flavor and helps with browning, but it’s not necessary if you’re sticking strictly to meat.
- Pat the beef roast dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for getting a crispy outer crust, so be sure to remove as much moisture as possible.
- Seasoning:
- If you like to add seasoning, sprinkle salt and pepper generously over the entire surface of the roast. Salt is optional, but it enhances the flavor. You can skip seasoning entirely if you’re going for a 100% carnivore experience, where you’re only eating meat.
- If you’re using melted beef tallow, rub it evenly over the surface of the roast. This will help the roast get a delicious, crispy exterior and keep it juicy on the inside. Again, this is optional, as you can cook it without any added fat.
- Air Frying:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This is an ideal temperature for roasting beef, allowing the exterior to crisp up while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
- Place the roast beef into the air fryer basket. If it’s too large to fit, consider cutting it into smaller portions or using a different cut of meat that fits comfortably in your air fryer.
- Cook for 25-30 minutes for medium-rare to medium doneness. For a more well-done roast, you can increase the cooking time by 5-10 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary based on your air fryer model and the size of your roast, so it’s a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
- For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C), and for medium, it should be around 140-145°F (60-63°C). For well-done, the internal temperature should be 150°F (66°C) or higher.
- Resting:
- Once the roast is cooked to your desired doneness, carefully remove it from the air fryer. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the roast stays juicy and tender when sliced.
- Serving:
- Slice the roast thinly against the grain for the best texture. Serve immediately as a main dish or as part of a larger carnivore meal. You can pair it with other carnivore-friendly foods like eggs, cheese, or even some bone broth if you wish.
Tips:
- If you want a deeper crust, you can sear the roast on a hot pan for a couple of minutes on each side before air frying. This extra step gives the roast a nice, caramelized finish.
- The air fryer is great for creating a crispy crust, but be mindful of the roast’s thickness. A thicker roast may require a bit more time to cook through, while a thinner one will cook faster.
Why It Works for the Carnivore Diet:
This recipe uses only beef and optional animal fat, which is the foundation of the carnivore diet. You’re getting high-quality protein, fats, and nutrients from animal sources with no plant-based ingredients at all. The air fryer is simply a convenient way to cook your beef quickly and evenly, while also helping to maintain a crispy exterior without adding unnecessary oils or fats.
Enjoy your delicious air-fried roast beef!