Traditional British Sunday Roast in the Air Fryer
This air fryer version keeps all the classic elements of a Sunday roast while reducing cooking time and using less oil. The meat stays juicy, the potatoes turn golden and crisp, and the vegetables roast beautifully. This recipe is designed for a standard basket or oven-style air fryer.
What This Air Fryer Meal Includes
- Air fryer roast beef
- Crispy air fryer roast potatoes
- Air fryer roasted carrots
- Simple gravy
- Optional Yorkshire pudding alternative (air fryer friendly)
Ingredients
For the Roast Beef
- 1 to 1.2 kg beef roasting joint (topside, sirloin, or rump)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 and a half teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 small onion, sliced
For the Roast Potatoes
- 1 kg potatoes (Maris Piper, Yukon Gold, or russet)
- Salt
- 2 to 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or beef dripping
For the Vegetables
- 5 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
For the Gravy
- Beef drippings from air fryer tray
- 1 tablespoon plain flour
- 1 to 1 and a half cups hot beef stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer (basket or oven-style)
- Air fryer-safe tray or foil
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan (for gravy)
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer (optional but helpful)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Remove the beef from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking.
Pat dry and rub all over with olive oil, salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, and garlic.
Place sliced onion on an air fryer tray or foil, then place the beef on top. This prevents burning and adds flavor.
Step 2: Air Fry the Beef
Preheat the air fryer to 200 degrees Celsius (390 degrees Fahrenheit) for 5 minutes.
Place the tray with beef into the air fryer.
Cook at 200 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes to sear the outside.
Lower the temperature to 180 degrees Celsius (360 degrees Fahrenheit) and continue cooking:
- Rare: 30 to 35 minutes total
- Medium: 40 to 45 minutes total
- Well done: 50 to 55 minutes total
Turn the beef halfway through if possible.
Once done, remove the beef and cover loosely with foil. Rest for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Roast Potatoes
While the beef cooks, peel and cut the potatoes into large chunks.
Boil in salted water for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are just soft.
Drain and shake to roughen the edges.
Toss potatoes with oil and salt.
Step 4: Air Fry the Roast Potatoes
Preheat the air fryer to 200 degrees Celsius.
Place potatoes in the basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd.
Air fry for 20 minutes, shake or turn, then cook for another 15 to 20 minutes until golden and crispy.
Step 5: Air Fry the Carrots
Toss carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Air fry at 190 degrees Celsius for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking halfway, until tender and lightly caramelized.
Step 6: Make the Gravy
Pour the beef drippings from the air fryer tray into a saucepan.
Heat over medium heat and stir in flour. Cook for 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in hot beef stock, stirring constantly.
Simmer until thickened. Season to taste.
Step 7: Optional Yorkshire Pudding Alternative
Traditional Yorkshire pudding needs a very hot oven, but for air fryer use:
- Use ready-made Yorkshire puddings and reheat at 180 degrees Celsius for 3 to 4 minutes
OR - Make mini puddings in silicone molds at 200 degrees Celsius for 8 to 10 minutes
Step 8: Carve and Serve
Slice the rested beef thinly against the grain.
Serve with crispy roast potatoes, carrots, gravy, and Yorkshire pudding.
Timing Guide (Helpful Tip)
- Start beef first
- Prepare potatoes while beef cooks
- Cook potatoes while beef rests
- Cook carrots last
This ensures everything finishes hot and fresh.
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat beef gently to avoid drying
- Reheat potatoes in the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes to restore crispiness
