Easy Air Fryer Pulled Beef (So Tender!)

This incredibly tender air fryer pulled beef transforms an inexpensive cut into a melt-in-your-mouth meal with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep!

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 2

Total Time 2 10

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Beef

3-4 pounds Chuck roast or other well-marbled beef roast
½ cup Beef broth

For the Seasoning Rub

2 tablespoons Olive oil
2 tablespoons Brown sugar optional
1 tablespoon Paprika
2 teaspoons Garlic powder
2 teaspoons Onion powder
1 teaspoon Dried oregano
1 teaspoon Black pepper
1 ½ teaspoons Salt
½ teaspoon Liquid smoke optional

Equipment

Air Fryer
Meat Thermometer
Two Forks (for shredding)
Mixing Bowl

Method

Prepare the Beef

Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels. If your roast is very large, cut it into 2-3 pieces to fit your air fryer basket.
In a small bowl, combine all seasoning ingredients (olive oil, brown sugar if using, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, black pepper, salt, and liquid smoke if using) to form a paste.
Rub the seasoning mixture all over the beef, massaging it in thoroughly.

Air Fry the Beef

Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C) for 3 minutes.
Place the seasoned beef in the air fryer basket, fat side up if applicable.
Cook for approximately 25 minutes per pound (about 75-100 minutes total for a 3-4 pound roast).
Halfway through cooking, flip the roast and pour the beef broth into the bottom of the air fryer basket.
Check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer - it should reach about 195-205°F (90-96°C) and should easily shred with a fork. If not tender enough, continue cooking in 15-minute intervals.

Finishing the Pulled Beef

Once done, carefully remove the beef to a cutting board or large plate and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
Using two forks, shred the beef, discarding any large pieces of fat.
If desired, toss the shredded beef with a few tablespoons of the cooking juices from the air fryer basket for extra moisture and flavor.
Serve warm in your favorite preparation - on sandwiches, in tacos, over rice, or however you prefer!

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add 1 teaspoon of cumin or chili powder to the seasoning mix. If you prefer sweeter pulled beef, increase the brown sugar to 3 tablespoons. For a spicier version, add 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. This recipe works with various beef cuts, but chuck roast provides the best balance of flavor and tenderness. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size/shape of your beef cut.