Air Fryer Beef Sirloin
Air fryer beef sirloin suits a small joint: it fits the basket, browns on the outside and stays rosy in the middle without heating a full oven. An 800g joint takes about 30 minutes at 190°C, enough for four people with the trimmings. Because joints vary in thickness, a meat thermometer is the only reliable way to catch the moment it reaches medium-rare.
- Total
- 1 h 28 min
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 33 min
- Serves
- 4
- Per serving
- 380kcal
How long to cook air fryer beef sirloin
Timing for air fryer beef sirloin depends on the weight and shape of the joint, so treat the 30 minutes as a guide and the thermometer as the rule. At 190°C, an 800g joint reaches rare at about 25 minutes, medium-rare at about 30 and medium at about 35. A long, thin joint cooks faster than a short, fat one of the same weight.
The 30 minutes out of the fridge makes a real difference, as a joint straight from the fridge cooks unevenly. Keep the fat on: it bastes the meat as it renders and gives a better crust. Pat the surface dry first, because dry beef browns and wet beef steams. The joint must fit in the basket without touching the heating element.
Method for air fryer beef sirloin
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Bring the beef out of the fridge Take the joint out of the fridge before cooking and pat it dry with kitchen paper. Mix the salt, pepper and garlic powder in a small bowl. Rub the oil all over the beef, then press the seasoning onto every side.
- Preheat Heat the air fryer to 190°C for .
- Cook fat-side down Put the joint into the basket with the fat side down and cook for , until the underside is browned.
- Turn and finish Use tongs to turn the joint fat-side up and cook for more. Then push a thermometer into the centre. Take the beef out at 50°C for rare, 52–54°C for medium-rare or 58°C for medium. If it is not there yet, cook for 3–5 more minutes at a time and check again.
- Rest Lift the joint onto a carving board, cover it loosely with foil and leave it for . The temperature will rise by 3–5°C as it rests. Carve across the grain into thin slices.
Serving, carving and leftovers
Carve the air fryer beef sirloin into thin slices across the grain, and pour any resting juices over the plate. For a traditional plate, serve it with roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, vegetables and horseradish.
Leftover slices make an excellent open roast beef sandwich. If you would rather cook a smaller piece on the hob, a pan-fried beef sirloin takes only a few minutes.
Common problems and fixes for Air Fryer Beef Sirloin
- The outside is very dark but the middle is still raw.
- The joint was probably too cold or too thick for this heat. Next time take it out of the fridge for the full 30 minutes. If it is dark before 45°C, cover it loosely with foil and turn the heat down to 170°C to finish.
- The slices are chewy.
- Carve across the grain, in thin slices, after the full 15 minutes of resting. Cooking beyond medium also toughens a lean joint like sirloin.
- Smoke rises from the air fryer.
- Fat dripping onto the hot base is the cause. Trim the fat cap to about 5mm and tip the fat out of the drawer when you turn the joint.
Frequently asked questions about Air Fryer Beef Sirloin
How long does it take to cook beef sirloin in the air fryer?
An 800g joint takes about 30 minutes at 190°C for medium-rare, plus 3 minutes to preheat. Thinner joints need less, so start checking with a thermometer after 25 minutes.
What temperature should beef sirloin be?
Take it out at 50°C for rare, 52–54°C for medium-rare and 58°C for medium. It will rise a few degrees as it rests, and a whole joint with a browned outside can safely be served pink.
Can you cook a sirloin joint from frozen?
No. Thaw it completely in the fridge first, which takes about 24 hours for an 800g joint. A frozen joint would burn on the outside long before the middle is cooked.
What do you serve with roast sirloin?
Roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, carrots, greens, gravy and a spoonful of horseradish. For a lighter meal, serve the slices with a peppery salad and a mustard dressing.
How did you like the recipe?
4.7 / 5 · 68 ratings
