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Air Fryer Eye Of Round Roast

Print Recipe
Two slices of medium-rare steak served on mashed potatoes with a side of asparagus on a white plate.
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:35 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes

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

Instructions

  • Pat the roast dry with paper towels, then rub it all over with oil.
  • In a small bowl, mix garlic salt, black pepper, steak seasoning, onion powder, and paprika.
  • Rub the seasoning evenly over the roast, pressing it in well.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 375°F for 3–5 minutes.
  • Place roast in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F for 15 minutes to sear the outside.
  • 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 or 145°F for medium.
  • Remove roast from the air fryer, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
  • Serve!

Notes

Tips & Tricks

  • Pat the roast dry first: This helps the oil and seasonings stick better and ensures a good crust.
  • Use a meat thermometer: Eye of round can go from perfectly tender to overcooked quickly. Aim for your preferred doneness and pull it a few degrees early since it will rise while resting.
  • Rest before slicing: Letting the roast sit under foil for 10–15 minutes locks in the juices.
  • Slice against the grain: This is key with eye of round, it makes the meat more tender and easier to chew.
  • Don’t skip the high-heat start: That first 15 minutes at 375°F gives the roast its caramelized crust.
  • Leftovers tip: Chill before slicing for the thinnest slices (perfect for sandwiches or wraps).

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.

Variations

  • Herb-Crusted Roast: Add dried rosemary or thyme to the seasoning mix if you like herbs.
  • Garlic Lover’s Roast: Rub the roast with fresh minced garlic along with the olive oil before seasoning.
  • Spicy Roast: Add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
  • 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.
Servings: 6 servings