11 Air Fryer Beef Recipes for Meat Lovers

11 Air Fryer Beef Recipes for Meat Lovers

Updated on - . 10 min read

Beef, with its rich and robust flavors, has always been a favorite on dinner tables worldwide. Whether it's a juicy burger, a tender steak, or a flavorful meatloaf, beef dishes have a unique way of making any meal memorable.

Now, with the innovation of air fryers, preparing these beefy classics has become quicker, healthier, and even more delicious. The air fryer, using its rapid air technology, ensures that the beef retains its moisture and flavor while achieving that perfect outer crispness.

This collection of air fryer beef recipes promises to elevate your traditional beef dishes, making them not only easier to prepare but also irresistibly tasty.

Dive in and discover the magic of air frying, where convenience meets gourmet, and every bite celebrates the essence of beef.

Table of Contents

  1. Air Fryer Beef Jerky
  2. Air Fryer Burgers
  3. Air Fryer Steak
  4. Air Fryer Jamaican Beef Patty
  5. Air Fryer Ribeye
  6. Air Fryer Meatballs
  7. Air Fryer Meatloaf
  8. Air Fryer Beef Ribs
  9. Air Fryer Roast Beef
  10. Air Fryer Ground Beef
  11. Air Fryer Corned Beef

1. Air Fryer Beef Jerky

Beef jerky

Prep Time: 15 minutes + 4 hours marinating
Cook Time: 3-4 hours
Total Time: 7-8 hours
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb beef top round, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix together all the ingredients except the beef to make the marinade.
  2. Add the beef slices and ensure they are well-coated. Marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 180°F.
  4. Place the marinated beef slices in the air fryer in a single layer.
  5. Cook for 3-4 hours until the beef is dried out and has a jerky texture.
  6. Let cool and store in an airtight container.
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Customization Tip: Experiment with different marinade flavors like teriyaki or spicy chili.

Ingredient Spotlight: Beef top round is a lean cut from the rear leg of the cow. It's ideal for making jerky due to its low-fat content.

Serving Suggestions: Enjoy as a protein-packed snack on its own, or pair with cheese and crackers for a savory treat.


2. Air Fryer Burgers

Photo by Valeria Boltneva

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 20-22 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 burger buns
  • Lettuce, tomato, cheese, and other desired toppings

Instructions:

  1. Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape into patties.
  2. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
  4. Place the patties in the air fryer and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  5. Serve on buns with your choice of toppings.
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Customization Tip: Mix in some finely chopped onions or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef for added flavor.

Ingredient Spotlight: Ground beef is a versatile meat that's rich in protein, iron, and B vitamins.

Serving Suggestions: Pair with a side of air-fried sweet potato fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal.


3. Air Fryer Steak

Beef steak

Prep Time: 10 minutes + 30 minutes marinating
Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
Total Time: 52-54 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients:

  • 2 beef steaks (ribeye, sirloin, or your choice)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Instructions:

  1. Rub the steaks with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
  2. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
  4. Place the steaks in the air fryer and cook for 12-14 minutes for medium-rare, flipping halfway through.
  5. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
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Customization Tip: For a herbaceous touch, add some rosemary or thyme to the marinade.

Ingredient Spotlight: Steaks like ribeye and sirloin are prized for their tenderness and marbling, which gives them a rich flavor.

Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side of garlic mashed potatoes and steamed asparagus for a classic steak dinner.


4. Air Fryer Jamaican Beef Patty

Photo by ezumeimages

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp curry powder
  • 1/2 tsp thyme
  • 1/2 tsp allspice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 sheets of puff pastry

Instructions:

  1. In a skillet, sauté onions and garlic until translucent. Add ground beef and spices, cooking until browned.
  2. Add beef broth and simmer until the mixture thickens.
  3. Roll out puff pastry and cut into circles. Place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of each circle.
  4. Fold the pastry over the filling and seal the edges.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
  6. Place the patties in the air fryer and cook for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
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Customization Tip: Add some finely chopped scotch bonnet peppers to the beef mixture for an authentic Jamaican kick.

Ingredient Spotlight: Allspice is a key ingredient in Jamaican cuisine, giving dishes a unique blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove flavors.

Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side of tropical fruit salad or coleslaw for a refreshing contrast.


5. Air Fryer Ribeye

Photo by Geraud pfeiffer

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 20-22 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients:

  • 1 ribeye steak
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp butter

Instructions:

  1. Season the ribeye steak with salt and pepper.
  2. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
  3. Place the steak in the air fryer and add a dollop of butter on top.
  4. Cook for 10-12 minutes for medium-rare, flipping halfway through.
  5. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
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Customization Tip: For a spicy kick, sprinkle some chili flakes on the steak before cooking.

Ingredient Spotlight: Ribeye steak is known for its rich marbling, which melts during cooking, infusing the meat with a buttery flavor.

Serving Suggestions: Pair with garlic butter, sautéed mushrooms, and a green salad for a hearty meal.


6. Air Fryer Meatballs

Image by Henrik Larsen from Pixabay

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 25-27 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tsp garlic powder (or 1 garlic clove minced or chopped)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix all the ingredients until well combined.
  2. Shape the mixture into small meatballs.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
  4. Place the meatballs in the air fryer and cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally.
  5. Serve with your favorite sauce.
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Customization Tip: Add some finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil to the meatball mixture for added flavor.

Ingredient Spotlight: Parmesan cheese adds a salty and nutty flavor to dishes, enhancing the overall taste.

Serving Suggestions: Serve with spaghetti and marinara sauce for a classic Italian meal.


7. Air Fryer Meatloaf

Photo by aicandy

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix all the ingredients until well combined.
  2. Shape the mixture into a loaf.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
  4. Place the meatloaf in the air fryer and cook for 25-30 minutes.
  5. Let rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
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Customization Tip: For a sweet and tangy glaze, mix together some ketchup, brown sugar, and a splash of vinegar. Brush this on the meatloaf halfway through cooking.

Ingredient Spotlight: Ketchup adds a tangy and sweet flavor, making it a popular choice for meatloaf glazes.

Serving Suggestions: Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans for a comforting meal.


8. Air Fryer Beef Ribs

Photo from freepik

Prep Time: 10 minutes + 2 hours marinating
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes - 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs beef ribs
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Season the beef ribs with salt and pepper and coat them with BBQ sauce. Let them marinate for at least 2 hours.
  2. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
  3. Place the ribs in the air fryer and cook for 25-30 minutes, basting with more BBQ sauce halfway through.
  4. Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
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Customization Tip: Experiment with different marinades or rubs to give the ribs a unique flavor.

Ingredient Spotlight: Beef ribs are rich and meaty, with a deep beef flavor that's enhanced when slow-cooked or air-fried.

Serving Suggestions: Serve with coleslaw and cornbread for a Southern-inspired meal.


9. Air Fryer Roast Beef

Image by -Rita-👩‍🍳 und 📷 mit ❤ from Pixabay

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 55-60 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs beef roast
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp rosemary, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Rub the beef roast with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
  2. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
  3. Place the roast in the air fryer and cook for 45-50 minutes or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
  4. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
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Customization Tip: For a different flavor profile, consider using thyme or sage instead of rosemary.

Ingredient Spotlight: Beef roast is a versatile cut that can be cooked in various ways, from roasting to slow-cooking.

Serving Suggestions: Serve with roasted vegetables and a red wine reduction sauce for a gourmet meal.


10. Air Fryer Ground Beef

ground beef

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: 13-15 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Season the ground beef with salt and pepper.
  2. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
  3. Break the beef into smaller chunks and place them in the air fryer.
  4. Cook for 8-10 minutes, breaking apart the beef occasionally, until fully cooked.
  5. Use in tacos, pasta sauces, or any other dish that requires cooked ground beef.
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Customization Tip: Add some chopped onions or bell peppers to the air fryer for a more flavorful ground beef mix.

Ingredient Spotlight: Ground beef is a staple in many cuisines, known for its versatility and ability to absorb flavors well.

Serving Suggestions: Use the cooked ground beef as a base for chili, lasagna, or stuffed bell peppers.


11. Air Fryer Corned Beef

Photo by chasbrutlag

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 90 minutes
Total Time: 100 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  • 2-3 lbs corned beef brisket
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray
  • 1 tbsp coarse ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp coriander seeds (optional)
  • 1 packet of pickling spices (usually comes with the corned beef)

Instructions:

  1. Remove the corned beef from its packaging and rinse it under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels.
  2. If your corned beef comes with a spice packet, sprinkle it over the meat. If not, you can use the black pepper and coriander seeds.
  3. Lightly coat the corned beef with olive oil or use a cooking spray. This helps the spices stick and gives a nice crust to the beef.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
  5. Place the corned beef in the air fryer basket, fat side up.
  6. Cook for about 90 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C). You might want to check it at around 75 minutes to ensure it doesn't overcook.
  7. Once done, remove the corned beef from the air fryer and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
  8. Slice against the grain and serve with your favorite sides.
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Customization Tip: For a sweeter crust, you can brush the corned beef with a mixture of brown sugar and mustard before air frying.

Ingredient Spotlight: Corned beef is a salt-cured beef product. The term "corned" comes from the treatment of the meat with large-grained rock salt, also called "corns" of salt.

Serving Suggestions: Corned beef pairs wonderfully with cabbage, potatoes, and carrots. You can steam or roast these veggies while the beef rests. Don't forget to serve with some grainy mustard or horseradish sauce on the side!


Air Fryer Beef Tips

  • Always preheat your air fryer for best results.
  • Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of your beef dishes.
  • Let steaks and roasts rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.
  • Experiment with different seasonings and marinades to find your favorite flavor combinations.

Recipe Exploration

  • Find the perfect recipe for air fryer steak bites with or without mushrooms in the latest article by Todd + Diane on the White on Rice Couple blog.
  • Broaden your poultry choices with 12 Easy Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipes.
  • Experience the wonders of pork with our 10 Must-Try Air Fryer Pork Recipes.
  • Satiate your sweet tooth with 8 Air Fryer Dessert Recipes.
  • Breakfast gets better with our 11 Air Fryer Breakfast Recipes.

Further Reading


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