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!
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, please read my disclaimer.
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.
- 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
Love air frying? Join my newsletter! You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, or join my free Facebook Air Frying Community.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
You said air fry 15 minutes after preheat 390 for 5 minutes. Do I keep temperature at 390 for the 15 minutes then down to 320 for the remainder of time? Thank you much ❤️
Hi Elizabeth, yes that is correct. I took out the preheating time since it can depend on the air fryer. You will keep the temperature at 390 degrees until it needs to be switched to 320 for the remainder of the cooking time. Enjoy!
How can I cook this roast with carrots, potatoes and onions?
Hi Becky, I have not cooked the veggies with the chuck roast at the same time, but I would place them in with about 20 minutes of cooking left. Or, what I prefer to do is place them in the air fryer after the chuck roast is done and resting.
This was DELICIOUS! My 11-year-old declared it “as good as Dad’s steak” (which is a big deal at our house!)
Have you tried searing the roast before placing it in the air fryer?
I love it! I love finding new things the kids love that much. I have not tried searing it prior to cooking it, but you definitely can! I just prefer less dishes!
I have a new air fryer oven in my range. How can I use it to make a roast. Do I need to defrost first. My oven paper work says it isn’t necessary. I can not find many recipes for a complete oven air fryer
Hi Elaine, you can actually use normal air fryer recipes in your oven range air fryer as well! Just preheat it and cook as normal. Since the air circulation isn’t as condensed as a countertop unit, it may take a few extra minutes to cook, so check the roast with a meat thermometer before removing.
This was amazing. I’m not a big red meat eater and I didn’t want to stop eating it.
My roast was a little bigger so I cooked it for 20 minutes and then flipped.
Definitely making this again.
This recipe turned out so good. I’m not a red meat eater and I couldn’t stop myself.
It was so easy to make.
I had concerns because Chuck is a braised meat, but omg so delicious. Perfect, crispy crust and juicy. Would recommend.
Is this a whole roast or a slice of steak. The photo of the cut isn’t clear.
Hi Don,
This cut of meat in this recipe is 2 lbs. Anything larger than that will need a longer cook time.
way overdone – and i stopped at 30 min – guess my dogs are getting a $12 roast
Hi Heather,
Depending on the size of the roast the cooking time can fluctuate, checking your roast for an internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F.
Same here! Stopped at 25 minutes and it turned out tough and dry as a bone….
I am so sorry to hear that this recipe didn’t meet your expectations and turn out tender as intended. Depending on the size of your chuck roast, you may need to adjust cooking times back a bit. I suggest monitoring the internal temperature carefully until it reaches 145 degrees at it’s thickest point to avoid overcooking.
Hi there this looks delicious. I just bought my first air fryer so I am a newbie lol. Can you do this frozen or is it best thawed? Thanks
Hi Suzanne,
This recipe has the chuck roast thawed. You could do it frozen but the cooking time will increase.
I just made this today and it was amazing. Crispy on the outside and so so juicy on the inside. This is my first time making an angus chuck roast in the air fryer and I think I will make it this way every time. Thank you for sharing this recipe. Oh, and the seasoning was perfect!
What is the purpose of the foil under the meat, if to keep the unit clean why not put it on the bottom under the rack to promote more air circulation and browning.
It helps to retain moisture from the meat as well as preventing over-browning in this recipe. You can opt to place the foil under the rack but you do run the risk of drying out the meat or over-browning if you aren’t carefully watching it.