My recipe for air fryer chuck roast gives me a tender, flavorful, impressive roast without turning on the oven or waiting for hours. I love how the air fryer locks in the juices while giving the outside a perfect crust for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
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My Easy Recipe for Chuck Roast in the Air Fryer
The first time I made an air fryer chuck roast was for a holiday dinner when my oven was already packed with casseroles and pies. I needed a way to make the main dish without juggling baking times.
To be honest, I was skeptical about whether the air fryer could handle a big cut of meat like chuck roast. I rubbed it with oil, seasoned it up, and decided to try starting with a high temperature, then lowering the temperature when I flipped the roast to prevent it from overcooking.
Not only did the roast stay tender and juicy with a beautiful crust on the outside, but my family couldn’t believe it was ready in under an hour! I even heard my pickiest in-law talking about how it was the best chuck roast she’d ever had when she thought I wasn’t listening.
Now the air fryer is my go-to whenever I’m feeding a big group and want a classic roast without waiting hours for the oven or slow cooker. The air fryer cooks the roast to perfection, and it’s ready so much faster than any other method!
For more air fryer recipes, be sure to check out my air fryer t bone steak, air fryer flank steak, air fryer meatloaf, and air fryer roast beef!
Air fry Chuck Roast Ingredients
- Beef chuck roast – I look for one with nice marbling because that fat is what keeps the meat juicy and tender. A 2–3 pound roast works perfectly for this recipe.
- Olive oil – This helps the seasoning stick and creates that flavorful crust on the outside.
- Worcestershire sauce – I love how this ingredient adds a rich, savory depth of flavor to the meat.
- Kosher salt – Perfect for seasoning the roast and enhancing the natural taste.
- Seasonings – Garlic and onion powder add layers of flavor without overpowering the beef while dried thyme and rosemary complement the richness of the meat.
- Black pepper – For that perfect finishing bite of spice.
How to Make Chuck Roast in the Air Fryer
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Line the inside of the air fryer with aluminum foil. Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F.
STEP TWO: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and Worcestershire sauce. In a second small bowl, combine the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, and pepper.
STEP THREE: Rub the roast first with the sauce mixture, then with the herb mixture, being sure to coat the entire roast.
STEP FOUR: Place the chuck roast in the air fryer basket and air fry it for 15 minutes, then carefully flip the roast. Air fry at 320 degrees F for another 45-60 minutes, depending on the size of the roast, until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F.
STEP FIVE: Remove the roast and allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes, then slice and serve with your favorite sides.
Tips for the Best Air fryer Chuck Roast
- I use either foil or take the grill grate out of the air fryer so the chuck roast sits on the bottom and can stay in its juices it releases while it cooks.
- I always preheat the air fryer so the roast starts cooking at the right temperature as soon as it goes in the air fryer basket.
- Flip the roast halfway through so it cooks evenly on all sides. I also lower the temperature when I do this to prevent the exterior from overcooking.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. I like mine cooked medium, so I pull the roast when the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F.
- To make a gravy from the drippings, I whisk them with flour or cornstarch and broth. The gravy turns out super flavorful!
- I always let the meat rest for 10–20 minutes before slicing so the juices don’t run out. I’ll cover it loosely with tin foil.
Air Fry Chuck Roast Variations and Substitutions
- For a slightly smoky flavor, I’ll add some smoked paprika to the seasoning mixture.
- I sometimes use avocado oil instead of olive oil if that’s what I have on hand. It still gives methat beautiful crust, and I don’t really notice a difference in taste.Â
- When I want a hint of sweetness, I’ll mix in brown sugar with the dry rub.
- I occasionally use balsamic vinegar instead of Worcestershire for a tangy twist on the flavor.
- If I’m short on time, I’ll season the chuck roast with steak seasoning instead of individual spices to lock in the flavor without the need to measure multiple ingredients.
What to Serve with Chuck Roast
I will never get tired of the classic meat-and-potatoes combo, and I love serving air fryer chuck roast with air fryer red potatoes, rosemary mashed potatoes, or air fryer baked potatoes!
For a few more crowd-pleasing sides, I’ll turn to my maple glazed carrots, gouda mac and cheese, or candied yams!
Air Fryer Chuck Roast FAQs
How should I cut a chuck roast?
I always let my air fryer chuck roast rest on the cutting board for at least 10 minutes. Then, I grab a sharp knife and cut the roast against the grain into thick slices. Cutting against the grain shortens the fibers, making the meat more tender and easier to chew.
How should I store leftover air fryer chuck roast?
I store extra chuck roast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If I’m freezing my leftovers, I wrap the slices tightly in foil first, then place them in a freezer-safe bag in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How to reheat leftover chuck roast in the air fryer
I reheat my chuck roast in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for about 5–7 minutes so it warms through without drying out. This gives it the best texture so it tastes just as good a day or two later!
More Easy Air Fryer Dinner Recipes
- Air fryer pork loin
- Air fryer new york strip
- Air fryer fried chicken
- Air fryer Italian sausage
- Air fryer chicken breast
- Air fryer cod
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Easy Air Fryer Chuck Roast
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Line the inside of the air fryer with aluminum foil or remove the grill plate and preheat it to 390 degrees F.Â
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and Worcestershire sauce. In a second small bowl, combine the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, and pepper.
- Rub the roast with the olive oil-Worcestershire sauce mixture, then rub the herb mixture over the entire roast.
- Place the roast in the air fryer and air fry it for 15 minutes, then carefully flip the roast. Air fry at 320 degrees F for another 45-60 minutes, depending on the size of the roast.Â
- Allow it to rest for 10 minutes, then slice and serve!
Notes
- Use foil or remove the grill plate from the air fryer so the roast will sit in its juices it releases while it cooks.
- Always preheat the air fryer so the roast starts cooking at the right temperature as soon as it goes in the air fryer basket.
- Flip the roast halfway through so it cooks evenly on all sides. I also lower the temperature when I do this to prevent the exterior from overcooking.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
- To make a gravy from the drippings, whisk them with flour or cornstarch and broth.
- Always let the meat rest for 10–20 minutes before slicing so the juices don’t run out.
- Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers in the air fryer preheated at 350 degrees F for 5 to 7 minutes.
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
I have been using an air fryer for about a year now, I haven’t been able to develop a crust like the one pictured. Do I need to turn up the heat in my unit or cook it longer. I love my Casori but if I need the one with top and bottom coil I will.
Hi Joe, have you tried making the chuck roast in the air fryer? This recipe cooks for a longer time, which allows you to get that nice crust on it. If it’s still not getting it, I would up the temperature to 400 degrees for the last 5-10 minutes to help it create it!
I have the Cosori Dual Blaze with the two heating coils, but I can also make this in the normal Cosori 5.8QT with the one (as pictured).
In the original recipe, I air fried at 390dg for 15 minutes, then flipped. I then lowered the temp to 320 dg for 30 minutes. med-med well.
Next time, I will air fry at 390 dg for 10 min, then lower temp to 320 dg for 20 minutes to check.
Hi Patricia, The time will vary a bit depending on the weight and thickness of your roast. Sounds like you had a great dinner!
This didn’t work for me/us. The meat dried out & the connective tissue between the lobes seized up.
Back to the Crock-Pot for me!
Hi John, Sorry this recipe didn’t work out as expected. This recipe was written using a 2 lb roast, is there any chance yours was under 2 lbs? If so, it may have cooked in less time than stated in the recipe card.
Fantastic recipe, family loved it, thanks!
You’re so welcome, Ann-Marie! I’m thrilled to hear your family enjoyed the recipe.
Wondering, does the roast come out tough and overcooked even though I cook a 3lb piece of meat? I always use the pressure cooker as I never could get my roasts tender without overcooking. We like our roasts med rare.
If you can, use a thermometer probe you can close in the air fryer and it will let you know when it’s right at medium rare. Otherwise check earlier than needed to get a gauge of what temperature it’s at. But a thermometer will be your best friend with air frying any meat!