Can You Cook Beef Stew in an Air Fryer? The Ultimate Guide

Air fryers have become an incredibly popular kitchen appliance in recent years. Their ability to cook food quickly and with less oil makes them a favorite for healthy cooking. But can you use an air fryer for classic dishes like beef stew? The answer is yes – with the right techniques an air fryer can produce a tender flavorful beef stew.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make delicious beef stew in an air fryer.

Why Cook Beef Stew in an Air Fryer?

There are several advantages to using an air fryer instead of traditional cooking methods for beef stew:

• Speed – The circulating hot air cooks the meat and vegetables very quickly, significantly reducing cooking time.

• Convenience – With an air fryer there’s no need for constant stirring or monitoring. Just set it and let it cook!

• Flavor – The air fryer locks in juices and flavors. Browning the meat adds richness.

• Healthier – Using less oil or butter results in a healthier stew compared to stovetop methods.

• Easy clean-up – With contained cooking, there are fewer pots and pans to wash later.

Tips for Making Beef Stew in an Air Fryer

Follow these tips and tricks for perfect air fried beef stew every time:

• Cut ingredients uniformly – Cut beef and vegetables into similar sized pieces for even cooking.

• Use fatty cuts of beef – Choose well-marbled cuts like chuck or ribeye for tender, juicy results.

• Brown the beef first – Browning the beef cubes on the stovetop before air frying enhances flavor.

• Cook in batches – Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook meat and veggies in batches.

• Preheat properly – Allow the air fryer to fully preheat before adding ingredients to prevent uneven cooking.

• Stir halfway – Stir or shake the ingredients midway through cooking for the best texture.

• Add liquid – The small amount of liquid in the recipe helps produce tender meat and vegetables.

• Use broil setting – Finish cooking by broiling for 2-3 minutes to brown the top layer.

Step-by-Step Air Fryer Beef Stew Recipe

Now let’s look at a simple recipe to make delicious beef stew in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• 1 1⁄2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 cups chopped vegetables (potatoes, carrots, celery, onions)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth or stock
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• Oil for browning
• Salt, pepper and other seasonings

Instructions:

1. Pat beef cubes dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. In a skillet, brown seasoned beef cubes in batches over medium-high heat with a little oil. Set aside.
3. In a small bowl, mix broth and tomato paste. Set aside.
4. Preheat air fryer to 370°F.
5. In a large bowl, toss vegetables and garlic with a little oil.
6. Working in batches, air fry vegetables for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway. Remove and set aside.
7. Add beef cubes to the air fryer basket. Air fry for 5 minutes.
8. Return cooked vegetables to the air fryer. Pour over broth mixture.
9. Air fry for 8-10 minutes more, gently stirring halfway, until beef is tender.
10. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tbsp water.
11. Stir cornstarch mixture into stew to thicken.
12. Set air fryer to broil for 2-3 minutes to lightly brown the top.
13. Remove from air fryer and adjust seasonings as desired before serving.

In 35-40 minutes, you’ll have a hearty beef stew made right in your air fryer. The results are tender beef, perfectly cooked vegetables, and rich flavor in every bite.

Customize Your Air Fried Beef Stew

Once you get the basic method down, feel free to customize your air fried beef stew to suit your tastes:

• Use different cuts of beef like sirloin or round.

• Add potatoes, sweet potatoes, turnips, or other root vegetables.

• Include peas, corn, green beans or other vegetables.

• Use chicken, vegetable or mushroom broth for different flavor.

• Add red wine, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce or balsamic for extra flavor.

• Season with herbs like thyme, rosemary, oregano or bay leaves.

• Stir in cream or milk to enrich the stew near the end.

• Mix in cooked macaroni or rice to make it a beef stew casserole.

• Top with parsley, green onions or shredded cheese before serving.

The possibilities are endless when making beef stew in an air fryer!

Helpful Air Fryer Tips for Beef Stew

• For the best results, use a 5-6 quart air fryer which gives room for stirring and tossing.

• Cut ingredients in similar sized pieces for even cooking.

• Preheating is a must as it primes the air fryer. Don’t skip this step!

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket which prevents even cooking.

• Stirring or shaking halfway through is important for proper browning and texture.

• Insert a meat thermometer into beef cubes to check for doneness (145°F is medium).

• Let the stew rest 5 minutes after cooking for the juices to absorb into the meat.

• Add a bit more liquid than a stovetop stew since some will evaporate in the dry air fryer heat.

Common Air Fryer Beef Stew Questions

How long does it take to make beef stew in an air fryer?

Cooking times will vary based on amount of ingredients and size of the air fryer, but plan on 25-40 minutes total cooking time. Browning the beef first adds extra time.

Should I sear the beef before air frying?

Yes, browning the beef first adds deeper, richer flavor. Use a skillet with a little oil to brown beef cubes on all sides before air frying.

What temperature do I cook beef stew at in an air fryer?

Preheat to 370°F which is ideal for cooking beef and vegetables without drying them out. If the stew seems wet, finish by broiling for 2-3 minutes.

Can I make beef stew from frozen meat in my air fryer?

It’s best to thaw frozen beef completely before cooking for food safety and to prevent uneven cooking. Partially thawed cubes may cook unevenly.

What liquid should I use in air fryer beef stew?

Beef broth or stock are ideal, but you can also use red wine, tomato juice or water. Add just enough liquid to moisten and prevent burning.

Should I stir my beef stew during air frying?

Yes, gently stirring halfway through is important to ensure even cooking and prevent burning on the bottom.

How can I thicken my beef stew at the end?

Mix cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry. Once stew is cooked, stir in slurry and cook for 2-3 minutes more to thicken.

The air fryer offers a quick and convenient way to makeclassic comfort food like beef stew with less effort. With the right techniques, you can achieve fork-tender beef and perfectly cooked vegetables in your air fryer. Browning the beef first and cooking in batches gives the best results. Feel free to customize the ingredients to suit your tastes. In no time, you can be enjoying a hearty bowl of air fried beef stew!