If you are wondering whether making beef stew with an air fryer is possible, the answer is yes!
An air fryer can give you all the deliciousness you get from making the traditional beef stew. However, when making air fryer beef stew, ensure to use the air fryer steak bite in place of the traditional stew meat. This classic tweak will give you an outstanding overall result.
The only challenge with cooking beef stew with an air fryer is cooking the stew meat. An air fryer cooks fast so the meat in the air dryer becomes tough. This is the opposite of stew meat, which is usually braised over low heat. This allows the connective tissue and collagen in the meat to break down and tenderize.
But you can still enjoy the needed stew using quick-cooking cuts like steak.
Also, cooking times will vary, depending on the air fryer you use. In this beef stew we are also going to try something different, we will thicken the stew gravy before adding it to the beef and veggies. The result is so fantastic, you won’t believe it came from an air fryer.
How to Cook Stew Meat in Air Fryer
To start, you will need to air fry the meat. If you are using a rib eye steak for the stew, you need to air fry it for 13-20 minutes at 400F (200C).
Combine the balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and onion powder and brush the mixture on the steak. Marinate the steak for some minutes in the fridge, or place it immediately in the air fryer if you are short on time.
Air fry the steak at 400F (200C) for 10 minutes. If you have an air fryer oven, use the top rack position and flip the steak to the air fryer after every 5 to 10 minutes or more.
Cook the steak to whatever doneness you prefer, using a meat thermometer to check it.
After air frying, set the beef aside to rest for 10 minutes, then cut it into cubes. It will make it extra juicy.
Allow the cooked beef to rest, and work on the other veggies. Cut the carrots, potatoes, onion, and celery into ½-inch dice or your desired size, and mix them with the oil.
Air fry the vegetables for 10 minutes at 375F (190C).
If necessary, add more time until it’s as soft as you want. Remember, we don’t want them brown much. If you cut your veggies larger, you may require more time to evenly cook. After cooking, set the veggies aside.
Whisk the tomato paste, hot beef broth, red wine, thyme, and Xanthan gum together. This is our beef stew gravy. Unlike flour, the Xanthan will thicken the mixture as it thickens at any temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add other vegetables to the stew?
Yes, you can add other vegetables like mushrooms, peas, or corn to the stew. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I use other cuts of meat for this air fryer beef stew recipe?
Yes, you can use other cuts of meat such as sirloin, chuck roast, or bottom-round steak. However, avoid using lean cuts of meat as they tend to become tough when cooked in an air fryer.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth?
Yes, you can use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to make a vegetarian version of this recipe. However, the flavor may vary slightly.
Should I flip the stew meat while cooking it in the air fryer?
Yes, flipping the stew meat halfway through the cooking process is recommended. This will ensure even browning and cooking on both sides.
How do I know when the stew meat is done cooking in the air fryer?
The best way to determine if the stew meat is done cooking is by using a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be around 145°F (63°C), for medium, it should be around 160°F (71°C), and for well-done, it should be around 170°F (77°C).
Wrap Up!
Stew is one of those meals people usually contemplate whether you can cook with an air fryer. And this article purely reveals yes, you can! The only challenge with cooking beef stew with an air fryer is cooking the stew meat. However, if you follow our tweak, you will have delicious beef stew.
Meet our air fryer recipe expert, Jenny J. Brown. Jenny is a culinary enthusiast with a passion for creating healthy, delicious meals using the latest kitchen appliances. As an experienced home cook and food blogger, Jenny has spent years experimenting with air fryer recipes and perfecting her techniques to create meals that are both nutritious and satisfying.