Cooking Up Delicious Beef Stew in an Air Fryer: A Step-by-Step Guide

Beef stew is a hearty, mouthwatering dish that typically requires long cooking times on the stovetop or in the oven. But did you know you can make insanely delicious beef stew in an air fryer in a fraction of the time? Air frying utilizes super hot air circulation to quickly cook food while retaining moisture and flavor. Follow this comprehensive guide to crafting tender, succulent beef stew in your air fryer.

Why Make Beef Stew in an Air Fryer?

Cooking beef stew in an air fryer offers several advantages over conventional cooking methods:

• Speed – The circulating hot air cooks food very rapidly, You can make beef stew in about 30-40 minutes instead of hours

• Convenience – Simply throw everything in the fryer basket and walk away. Minimal prep and cleanup required.

• Flavors – The air frying process concentrates flavors for intense taste in each bite.

• Texture – Meat and veggies cook up crispy on the outside while staying nice and tender inside.

• Health: Air-frying stew is better for you than deep-frying because it uses less or no oil.

Making hearty beef stew has never been faster or easier thanks to the air fryer. Let’s get into the specifics on how to make it happen.

Tips for Choosing the Best Cuts of Beef

The first step in stellar beef stew is selecting the right cut of beef. Opt for cuts that become melt-in-your-mouth tender when braised:

• Chuck roast: The shoulder cut has a lot of fat that keeps the meat juicy.

• Round roast – This leaner cut works if you trim excess fat and cook carefully.

• Brisket – Brisket has the perfect texture and fat content for stew after slow cooking.

• Shank – Lower leg shanks have a high collagen content that breaks down into luscious gelatin.

Look for well-marbled, collagen-rich cuts. Trim excess fat cap but leave some marbling. Cut beef into 1-2 inch cubes before cooking.

Picking the Best Vegetables and Aromatics

In addition to the beef, you’ll want vegetables, herbs and seasonings to add layers of flavor. Great options include:

• Onions – Caramelized onions lend sweetness.

• Carrots – Adds a pop of color and natural sweetness.

• Celery – Provides an aromatic, savory depth.

• Potatoes – Thicken the stew and become perfectly tender.

• Mushrooms – Meaty texture and earthy flavors.

• Garlic – For a punch of aroma.

• Thyme, rosemary, bay – Classical stew herbs.

Aim for a variety of colors, textures and flavors when selecting supporting ingredients for your beef stew.

Tips for Preparing the Air Fryer

Before using your air fryer, give it a quick clean and preheat:

• Wipe down the cooking basket and removable parts with a damp cloth.

• If needed, scrub surfaces with baking soda and a non-abrasive sponge.

• Ensure the heating element is free of food debris.

• Re-assemble all cleaned air fryer components before preheating.

• Preheating for 3-5 minutes helps the air fryer recover its lost heat faster when food is added.

Taking a few minutes to properly preheat your meticulously cleaned air fryer will set you up for the best results.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Beef Stew

Once you have your ingredients prepped, follow these easy steps:

1. Sear the beef cubes on all sides in a skillet with a bit of oil to build deep, caramelized flavor.

2. Sauté the aromatics and vegetables like onions, carrots, mushrooms and garlic to draw out moisture and enhance flavors.

3. Transfer the beef and vegetables into the preheated air fryer basket, seasoning them first with salt and pepper.

4. Pour in broth and wine until ingredients are just lightly covered to add moisture and complexity.

5. Add dried herbs like thyme, rosemary or bay leaves tied in a bouquet garni sachet.

6. Air fry at 350°F for 25-35 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until beef is tender when pierced.

7. Let stew rest for 10 minutes before carefully removing the herb sachet and serving.

With minimal active cooking time, you’ll have insanely tender beef stew ready in under an hour!

Handy Tips and Variations for Air Fried Beef Stew

Follow these tips for foolproof results:

• Browning the beef well before air frying adds lots of flavor.

• Cut all vegetables and beef into uniform 1-2 inch pieces so everything cooks at the same rate.

• Add a bit of cornstarch slurry at the end to give the stew a rich, silky thickness.

• Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color.

• Swap in red or white wine for some of the broth for added acidity and fruitiness.

• Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce or balsamic for extra umami bomb notes.

• Toss in a few peeled pearl onions or boiled baby potatoes halfway through for variety.

Checking Doneness of the Beef and Vegetables

With the fast cooking time of the air fryer, be diligent about checking doneness:

• Use a meat thermometer to check beef reaches 145°F internally for medium rare.

• The beef should be tender when pierced with a fork or knife tip.

• Vegetables are done when easily pierced with a fork but still have bite.

• If needed, air fry for 5-10 minutes more, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.

Pulling the beef stew at just the right moment ensures every component is perfectly cooked but not mushy.

Serving Up Your Finished Air Fryer Beef Stew

Once your beef stew is ready, all that’s left is to plate it up and dig in! Serving suggestions include:

• Ladle piping hot stew into deep bowls and garnish with fresh herbs.

• Serve alongside slices of crusty, buttered bread for dipping in the savory juices.

• Pair with lighter sides like steamed green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts or a fresh salad.

• Mound over creamy mashed potatoes, polenta or buttered egg noodles.

• For a fun twist, stuff the stew into puff pastry shells for handheld beef pies.

However you choose to serve this beefy, comforting stew cooked in your air fryer, it’s sure to be an instant hit!

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Frying Beef Stew

What type of beef is best for stew in the air fryer?

Look for well-marbled cuts like chuck roast, brisket or round roast. Trim excess exterior fat.

Do I need to sear the beef first?

Browning adds tons of flavor but isn’t mandatory. At minimum season the beef before air frying.

How much liquid should I add to the beef stew?

Add just enough broth and wine to come about halfway up the ingredients in the air fryer basket.

How will I know when the beef stew is done?

Check the internal temperature of the beef reaches 145°F and the meat is fork tender.

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

It’s best to thaw frozen beef completely first in the fridge before attempting to make stew in the air fryer.

Satisfy Your Stew Cravings with Air Fried Beefy Goodness

Air frying allows you to enjoy fall-off-the-bone tender, richly flavored beef stew without spending all day simmering it on the stove. Prepping your air fryer properly, choosing the right ingredients, and monitoring cook times delivers a hearty bowl of goodness in just 30-40 minutes. Turn to your air fryer anytime the craving for beef stew strikes for satisfying results without the work.