Every product is independently reviewed and selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
If you love the taste of slow-cooked pulled beef, but don’t want to spend hours tending to a slow cooker or oven roast, this method is for you. Learning how to make pulled beef in an air fryer gives you all the juicy tenderness you crave, without the long cook time or mountain of dishes.
This recipe shows the process step by step, explaining how to get that perfect shredded texture using simple tools and ingredients you already have in your kitchen.
This Method Really Works
Traditional pulled beef is slow-cooked for hours so the connective tissues break down, giving you that fall-apart texture. The air fryer uses rapid circulating heat, which browns the exterior beautifully while locking in moisture inside.
Here’s the trick: combining marinade time + moderate air fryer temperature + short resting period allows the beef fibers to tenderize without drying out. You get that same “slow-cooked” tenderness, just faster and with less fuss.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- Beef cut: 1.5 – 2 lbs (700 to 900g) chuck roast or brisket (trimmed of excess fat)
- Marinade or dry rub:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- 2 tbsp BBQ sauce or Worcestershire sauce for added depth
- Optional: 1 sliced onion or bell peppers for extra flavor
Tools & Equipment
- Air fryer (5-quart or larger recommended)
- Meat thermometer
- Forks or meat claws for shredding
- Mixing bowl
- Aluminum foil or parchment (for resting/sealing)
Substitute Options:
- If you don’t have chuck roast, try short ribs (boneless), blade steak, or even leftover pot roast cuts.
- For a lighter version, lean brisket or sirloin tip can also work, though it’ll be slightly less fatty.
How to Make Pulled Beef in an Air Fryer
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Beef
- Pat the beef dry with paper towels to allow the rub to stick and create a nice crust.
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin.
- Rub the mixture evenly over the beef.
- Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 8 hours in the fridge for deep, developed flavor.
Pro tip: If you have time, marinate overnight—this will tenderize the fibers and amplify the flavor.
Step 2: Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (160°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Lightly brush or spray the basket with oil to prevent sticking.
- Add the beef, keeping space around it for hot air to circulate evenly.
If your beef cut is thick, you can cut it into two smaller pieces to cook more evenly.
Step 3: Air Fry Until Tender
- Cook the beef for 30 minutes at 325°F (160°C).
- Flip halfway through for even crisping.
- After 30 minutes, reduce the heat to 275°F (135°C) and cook another 25–35 minutes, depending on thickness.
Your goal: an internal temperature of 200°F (93°C), the perfect point where connective tissue breaks down and the beef shreds easily with a fork.
Step 4: Rest the Meat
Remove the beef from the air fryer and wrap it loosely in foil. Let it rest for 15–20 minutes. This lets the juices settle, so your pulled beef stays moist when shredded.
Step 5: Shred the Beef
Use two forks or heat-safe gloves to pull the meat apart. It should shred easily. Mix in any accumulated juices from the foil—this adds moisture and flavor.
Optional: Toss the shredded beef with BBQ sauce, honey-garlic glaze, or your favorite spice blend.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your air fryer pulled beef:
- On sandwich buns with coleslaw
- Over rice or mashed potatoes
- In tacos or burritos
- On salads for a high-protein topping
Pro Tips & Best Practices
- Choose the right cut: Chuck roast gives the best balance of fat, flavor, and texture.
- Avoid overloading the basket: Airflow is key to even cooking. Work in batches if needed.
- Use a thermometer: Don’t guess, checking ensures tenderness without overcooking.
- Resting is not optional: Rushing this step can lead to dry, chewy results.
- Save the drippings: If your air fryer has a drip tray, save the juices, they make a great quick gravy or sauce base.
Common Questions About Air Fryer Pulled Beef
1. Can I make pulled beef from frozen in the air fryer?
It’s best to thaw the beef first. Cooking from frozen can result in a cooked exterior but underdone center. Instead, defrost it fully in the fridge overnight.
2. What’s the best cut of beef for shredding?
Chuck roast is the top choice—it has the perfect mix of collagen and fat. Brisket or blade cuts also work well.
3. How do I keep my pulled beef moist?
Resting and adding back cooking juices are key. You can also mix in a spoonful of BBQ sauce, broth, or butter before serving.
4. Can I reheat pulled beef in the air fryer?
Yes! Reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 5 – 6 minutes, covered loosely with foil to lock in moisture. Add a little broth or sauce if it seems dry.
5. Can I make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely, add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or chipotle paste to your rub or sauce.
6. How long will pulled beef last in the fridge or freezer?
- Fridge: 3–4 days in an airtight container
- Freezer: Up to 3 months (reheat after thawing overnight)
When NOT to Use the Air Fryer for Pulled Beef
- For very large roasts (over 3 lbs / 1.3 kg): it’s better to use an oven or slow cooker.
- If the beef is too lean: air fryers can dry out lean cuts. Use more marbling or a bit of added oil.
- If you want liquid-heavy results (like stew-style pulled beef): the air fryer isn’t designed for wet cooking environments.
In those cases, try pressure cooking or slow cooking instead.
Alternative Methods
| Method | Time | Flavor Profile | Ideal For |
| Air Fryer | ~1 hour | Smoky, crisp edges | Small batches |
| Slow Cooker | 6–8 hours | Ultra-tender, saucy | Set & forget cooking |
| Oven Braise | 3–4 hours | Deep roasted flavor | Larger roasts |
| Instant Pot | 60–75 minutes | Juicy, fast | Time-efficient heavy cuts |
Each has its place, but for a compact, energy-saving, and quick option, the air fryer pulled beef method shines.
Conclusion
Making pulled beef in an air fryer is the perfect balance of speed, flavor, and convenience. With the right cut, seasoning, and temperature control, you can create tender, juicy shredded beef that tastes like it’s been slow-cooked for hours.
Whether you’re a beginner home cook or simply looking for an easier weeknight meal prep option, this method is budget-friendly, time-saving, and deliciously satisfying.
Try it once, you’ll see why this quick air fryer technique has become a game changer for pulled meat lovers everywhere.