Air Fryer Eye Of Round Roast

This Air Fryer Eye of Round Roast feels like a special meal but fits perfectly into a weeknight schedule.

It is proof that you don’t need a fancy cut of meat or complicated cooking method to make something tender, flavorful, and genuinely satisfying.

Eye of round is known for being lean, which means it can turn out dry in the oven if you’re not careful — but the air fryer changes everything.

With even heat and a shorter cook time, the roast stays juicy inside with a beautifully browned crust on the outside.

The seasoning is simple and classic, the method is hands-off, and the result creates a beautiful roast. Serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or turn it into thinly sliced sandwiches.

However you enjoy it, this is the kind of recipe that makes you look like you spent far more time in the kitchen than you actually did.

Before scrolling to the recipe, take a look at the tips section. Some small details make a big difference with lean cuts like this.

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Serves: 4-6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This roast is ideal when you want something hearty and homemade without spending hours cooking.

The air fryer keeps the meat tender by circulating heat efficiently, and the seasoning blend gives you a flavorful crust without overpowering the meat itself. 

It’s also extremely versatile. You can serve it with classic sides for a home-style dinner, slice it thin for sandwiches throughout the week, or pair it with salads and roasted vegetables for something lighter.

Leftovers hold up well, making it great for meal prep. And because the air fryer cooks so quickly, this roast becomes a reliable go-to when you want something impressive with very little effort.

How To Make Air Fryer Eye Of Round Roast

Ingredients

• 2–3 pound eye of round roast
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 2 teaspoons garlic salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Montreal steak seasoning (or your favorite steak seasoning blend)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika (regular or smoked)

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Pat the roast dry with paper towels, then rub it all over with oil.

2. In a small bowl, mix garlic salt, black pepper, steak seasoning, onion powder, and paprika.

3. Rub the seasoning evenly over the roast, pressing it in well.

4. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F for 3–5 minutes.

5. Place roast in the air fryer basket.

Cook at 375°F for 15 minutes to sear the outside.

6. Reduce heat to 325°F and cook for another 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches

• 125°F for rare
• 135°F for medium rare
• 145°F for medium

7. Remove roast from the air fryer, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.

8. Serve!

Tips, Tricks & Storage

Here are a few things I’ve picked up to make sure this cooks right—nothing fancy, just the tricks that truly make a difference.

• Pat Dry First: Before cooking, pat the roast dry first. This helps the oil and seasonings stick better and ensures a good crust.  
• Season Generously: Lean cuts need bold seasoning. Salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder, and herbs create a great crust, so don’t skimp on the application. Make sure to coat the meat on all sides. 
• High-Heat Start: Don’t skip the high-heat start. That first 15 minutes at 375°F gives the roast its caramelized crust.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Eye of round is lean, so it’s important not to overcook it. It can go from perfectly tender to overcooked in a matter of seconds. Aim for your preferred doneness and pull it a few degrees early since it will rise while resting. Check the internal temperature toward the end of the cook time to get your preferred doneness:

• 125°F for rare
• 135°F for medium-rare
• 145°F for medium

• Rest the Roast Before Slicing: Even if you’re late for dinner, don’t skip this step. Let the roast rest for at least 10 minutes to lock in the juices and keep every slice tender.
• Slice Against the Grain: The direction you slice makes a huge difference in texture. Thin slices cut against the grain will feel tender, while cutting with the grain can make it seem chewier.
• Storage: Chill the roast before slicing it to help you get the thinnest slices. Store leftovers tightly sealed in the fridge for 2-3 days. The roast reheats well in the microwave or air fryer on low heat. You can also freeze sliced roast for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge, then gently rewarm it.

Variations 

• Herb-Crusted Roast: Add dried rosemary or thyme to the seasoning mix if you like herbs and a more savory profile. If you want a deeper flavor, marinate the roast for a few hours before cooking.
• Garlic Lover’s Roast: Rub the roast with fresh minced garlic and olive oil before seasoning for added flavor.
• Spicy Roast: Add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for a kick of heat! For something a bit lighter, a gentle rub of Dijon mustard under the seasoning adds a subtle tang and helps the crust develop. 
• Butter-Basted Roast: Brush the roast with melted butter halfway through cooking for extra richness. 
• Roast & Veggies: Place seasoned carrots, potatoes, or onions in the bottom of the air fryer (if it’s large enough) to cook along with the roast.

Substitutions

• Garlic salt → use plain salt + garlic powder if that’s what you have.
• Montreal steak seasoning → swap with any steak rub or a mix of coarse black pepper, salt, and paprika.
• Olive oil → canola, vegetable oil, or even melted butter will work.
• Onion powder → onion salt (reduce other salt), or leave it out if you don’t have any.
• Paprika → smoked paprika for a deeper flavor, or chili powder if you want a mild kick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why cook eye of round in an air fryer instead of the oven?

The air fryer circulates heat more efficiently, giving you great browning on the outside while keeping the inside tender. The shorter cook time helps prevent this lean cut from drying out.

Q: How do I keep the roast from turning out tough?

Don’t overcook it, let it rest before slicing, and always slice against the grain. These three steps make a world of difference when it comes to lean cuts.

Q: Can I cook vegetables in the air fryer with the roast?

You can, but only if your air fryer has room. Most vegetables cook faster, so it’s often easier to roast them separately and serve alongside the meat.

Q: Do I need to tie the roast with kitchen twine?

 If your roast is uneven, tying can help it cook evenly. If it’s already compact and uniform, it’s not necessary.

Q: Can I use the drippings to make gravy?

 Yes. Pour any juices from the resting plate into a small pan, then whisk in broth, butter, and a little flour or cornstarch to make a quick, savory gravy.

Q: What can I serve this with? 

This roast is easy to pair with all kinds of sides. Try garlic mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, green beans, a crisp side salad, or even buttered noodles or rice. Thinly sliced leftovers also make great sandwiches or wraps for lunch the next day!

If you loved this Air Fryer Eye of Round Roast, you’ll enjoy more simple and hearty dinner ideas from our beef collection. Try our Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon and Slow Cooker Coca-Cola Beef Tips for more easy meals with big flavor.