Air Fryer Beef Stew: Tender & Flavorful

Air Fryer Beef Stew: Your Go-To Recipe for Quick & Tender Comfort Food

Is it truly possible to create a rich and savory beef stew in an air fryer? Absolutely! This innovative recipe challenges the traditional slow-cook method, proving that with a few smart adjustments, you can achieve a delicious, tender beef stew with the speed and efficiency of your air fryer. Many believe stew is off-limits for air frying, but this delightful air fryer beef stew recipe, featuring succulent air fryer steak bites instead of conventional stew meat, is here to change minds.

Delicious air fryer beef stew in a serving pot, garnished and ready.
Experience the hearty comfort of beef stew, perfectly adapted for your air fryer.

“Quick and easy, with great flavor!”

– Carl

Debunking the Myth: Why Traditional Stew Meat Isn’t Suited for Air Frying

A frequent query among home cooks is whether classic beef stew can be adapted for the air fryer. The primary challenge with a traditional beef stew air fryer recipe lies in the nature of air fryer stew meat. Conventional stew meat, typically from tough cuts like chuck roast, is packed with collagen and connective tissues. These components require a prolonged, low-heat braising process, often over several hours, to break down and transform into the gelatinous richness that gives stew its signature tender texture and deep flavor. This slow cooking method allows the meat to become incredibly succulent and easy to chew.

However, an air fryer operates on a completely different principle. It functions much like a mini convection oven, circulating dry, high-temperature air rapidly around the food. While excellent for achieving crispy results, this dry heat is detrimental to tough cuts of beef. When traditional stew meat is subjected to the air fryer’s intense, dry environment, the collagen does not have sufficient time or moisture to break down properly. The result is often an unpleasantly tough, dry, and chewy piece of beef that falls far short of the desired stew-like tenderness. Therefore, attempting a stew meat air fryer recipe with these traditional cuts will likely lead to disappointment.

But don’t despair! While we strongly advise against cooking typical stew meat in the air fryer, you absolutely CAN savor a mouthwatering beef stew in the air fryer with delicious, tender beef. The secret is to cleverly adapt the ingredients to suit the air fryer’s unique cooking capabilities, focusing on cuts that thrive in its quick, hot environment.

The Ingenious Approach: Quick-Cooking Beef and a Pre-Thickened Gravy

The innovation behind this air fryer beef stew recipe lies in two key modifications. First, instead of tough, slow-cooking cuts, we utilize a premium, quick-cooking cut of beef, such as ribeye or sirloin steak. These cuts are naturally tender and cook rapidly, transforming into succulent beef bites that integrate beautifully into the stew without the need for hours of simmering. This ensures that the beef remains juicy and flavorful, perfectly cooked within the air fryer’s faster timeframe.

Second, we streamline the gravy-making process. The rich, flavorful stew gravy is prepared and thickened separately before being combined with the air-fried beef and vegetables. This approach guarantees a consistent, velvety sauce that envelops all the ingredients perfectly, eliminating the need for extended simmering within the air fryer itself. The result is an incredibly tender, deeply flavorful, and satisfying stew that defies expectations for an air-fried meal. Your family and friends will be astonished by the rich taste and perfectly tender beef, unaware that this comforting dish was prepared with such speed and convenience in an air fryer!

⭐ Essential Ingredients for Air Fryer Beef Stew

To embark on your air fryer beef stew culinary journey, gather these high-quality ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (approx. 227 grams) Ribeye Steak: Choose a well-marbled ribeye for optimal flavor and tenderness. Sirloin can also be a great alternative.
  • 2 Teaspoons Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a subtle tang and helps tenderize the beef.
  • 1 Teaspoon Soy Sauce: A secret weapon for umami depth and a savory kick in the marinade.
  • 1 Clove Garlic: Finely chopped, infusing the beef with aromatic essence.
  • ⅛ Teaspoon Onion Powder: Enhances the savory profile of the beef; garlic powder can be substituted if preferred.
  • ½ Medium Carrot (approx. 2 ounces / 57 grams): Diced evenly to ensure consistent cooking and sweet notes.
  • ½ Small Peeled Potato (approx. 4 ounces / 113 grams): Diced for that classic stew heartiness and texture.
  • ¼ Medium Onion (approx. 2 ounces / 57 grams): Finely diced, forming a fundamental aromatic base.
  • ½ Rib Celery (approx. 1 ounce / 28 grams): Adds a fresh, subtle crispness and depth of flavor.
  • 1 Tablespoon Cooking Oil: Any neutral oil like olive, avocado, or canola oil will work for tossing vegetables.
  • 1 Teaspoon Double-Concentrated Tomato Paste: Crucial for developing a rich, deep red color and concentrated tomato flavor in the gravy.
  • 1 Tablespoon Red Wine: Adds complexity and a gourmet touch to the sauce. (For alcohol-free, you can substitute with extra beef broth).
  • ½ Cup Hot Beef Stock: The liquid base for your luscious gravy. Opt for low-sodium if managing salt intake.
  • ½ Teaspoon Xanthan Gum: An invaluable thickening agent that works instantly, perfect for the air fryer method.
  • 5 Small Canned Buttermilk Biscuits (Optional): For a classic, flaky topping that soaks up all the delicious gravy.
  • Non-Aerosol Cooking Oil Spray (Optional): For easy cleanup and preventing sticking in your air fryer basket or tray.
  • 1 Tablespoon Melted Butter (Optional): To brush over the biscuits for a golden, rich crust.
  • Grated Parmesan Cheese (Optional): A delicious garnish for serving.
  • Salt and Pepper (Optional): To season to your personal preference, especially if using unsalted or homemade broth.
All ingredients for air fryer beef stew laid out on a white surface.
A visual guide to the fresh and flavorful ingredients needed for this air fryer stew.

A detailed, printable recipe card with specific measurements and instructions is available further down the page!

This innovative recipe has been extensively tested across various air fryer models to ensure consistent success. From a spacious Kalorik Air Fryer Oven to compact basket-style units, and even the versatile Ninja Foodi for a fantastic Ninja air fryer beef stew, the principles hold true. Whether you own a Philips, Nuwave, Pampered Chef, Actifry, Instant Pot Vortex, Cosori, Breville, or another brand, you can confidently prepare this stew. However, remember that air fryer cooking times can vary. Always begin checking your food a few minutes before the suggested time, especially when trying a new recipe or using a different appliance. We provide adaptive tips below to help you navigate cooking times for both large air fryer ovens and smaller basket models.

For a smooth cooking experience, consider having these helpful kitchen tools:

  • High-Quality Knife: Essential for precise and safe chopping of vegetables and portioning the steak.
  • Pastry Brush: Ideal for evenly applying marinade to the steak and melted butter to the biscuits.
  • Meat Thermometer: Your best friend for ensuring the steak reaches your desired doneness safely and accurately.
  • Oven-Safe Baking Dish or Ramekin: Crucial for assembling and finishing the stew in your air fryer. An 8×8-inch aluminum baking pan is perfect for larger air fryer ovens, while a compact 2-cup ramekin fits well in smaller air fryer baskets. (Note: A smaller ramekin will accommodate fewer biscuits on top.)

❓ Can You Air Fry Stew Meat? Reconsidering Your Cut

The term “stew meat” often refers to tough cuts like chuck that require long, slow braising. As explained, these are not suitable for the dry, fast heat of an air fryer. However, you can absolutely make delicious air fryer beef cubes for stew by choosing the right type of meat. Instead of traditional stewing beef, opt for quick-cooking, tender cuts like beef tips, sirloin steak, or ribeye. These cuts will yield wonderfully tender and juicy results when air-fried, perfectly complementing your stew.

Furthermore, your air fryer stew doesn’t have to be limited to beef! Get creative: prepare a flavorful chicken stew using leftover cooked meat from air fryer frozen chicken thighs, or experiment with a rich lamb stew by air frying cubes of tender leftover air fryer lamb chops. The adaptability of the air fryer opens up a world of possibilities for comforting stew variations.

➕ Step-by-Step Guide: Making Beef Stew in Your Air Fryer

Let’s outline the precise steps and temperatures for perfecting your air fryer beef stew. After the meat and vegetables are individually air-fried, the final assembly and heating of your stew are incredibly quick, requiring just 3-5 minutes at 325°F (163°C). This final stage perfectly marries all the flavors and textures.

An image depicting the stages of preparing air fryer stew, with ingredients ready for assembly.
Visualize the easy process of creating a hearty stew with your air fryer.

Step 1: Preparing the Optional Biscuits for Your Stew

If you plan to crown your stew with fluffy, golden biscuits, it’s best to start them first. This ensures they are perfectly cooked and ready to be added at the final stage.

  1. Begin by lightly coating your air fryer basket or tray with a non-aerosol cooking spray. This prevents the biscuits from sticking and helps them brown evenly. Carefully arrange the canned biscuits in a single layer on the tray, making sure they do not touch each other to allow for optimal air circulation.
  2. Air fry the biscuits at 325°F (163°C) for approximately 6-8 minutes. Crucially, halfway through this cooking time, gently flip each biscuit over. The goal here is to bake them until they are just about one minute shy of being fully done and golden brown. This undercooked stage is intentional, as they will return to the air fryer later to finish cooking alongside the stew.
  3. Important Consideration for Biscuits: It’s worth noting that not all air fryers provide ideal results for biscuits and croissants; some may leave them slightly doughy in the center. If you’ve experienced this with your air fryer, you have two options: either omit the biscuits from this recipe entirely or, for guaranteed perfection, bake them in a conventional oven according to their package directions.
  4. Once the initial air frying is complete, remove the biscuits and set them aside. With the biscuits prepped, we can now move on to air frying the tender beef and vibrant vegetables for our stew.
Golden brown biscuits, freshly air-fried, awaiting the stew.
Fluffy air-fried biscuits, prepared to top your savory beef stew.

Step 2: Air Frying the Succulent Steak Bites

The secret to tender beef in this quick air fryer stew lies in using a quick-cooking cut of steak, prepared to perfection. We’ll be adapting a simple method for air fryer ribeye steak to create our stew-ready beef pieces. The total cooking time for the steak will typically range from 13-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C), depending on your air fryer model and preferred level of doneness.

  1. In a small bowl, prepare your marinade by whisking together the balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, finely chopped garlic, and onion powder. Generously brush this flavorful mixture over all sides of your ribeye steak. For maximum flavor penetration, you can marinate the steak in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or even up to a few hours. However, if time is of the essence, the steak can be cooked immediately after brushing with the marinade.
  2. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Carefully place the marinated steak into the air fryer basket or onto the tray. If you are using an air fryer oven, position the steak on the top rack to ensure even cooking and a beautiful sear. Air fry the steak for an initial 10 minutes.
  3. After the first 10 minutes, carefully flip the steak to cook the other side. Continue to air fry for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking the steak’s internal temperature and doneness after about 3 minutes. For the most accurate results, use a reliable meat thermometer. Cook the steak to your desired doneness; many prefer medium-rare for maximum juiciness and tenderness, which translates exceptionally well into stew.
  4. Once cooked, remove the beef from the air fryer and allow it to rest on a clean cutting board for 10 minutes. This crucial resting period allows the muscle fibers to relax and reabsorb the juices, ensuring the steak remains incredibly tender and moist. After resting, slice or cube the steak into approximately 1-inch (2.54 cm) pieces, perfect for your hearty stew.

Step 3: Preparing and Air Frying the Hearty Vegetables

While your perfectly cooked beef is resting, you can swiftly prepare the vibrant vegetables. This step ensures they are tender and ready to absorb the rich flavors of your stew.

  1. Take your carrots, potatoes, onion, and celery, and dice them into uniform ½-inch (1.27 cm) pieces. Consistency in size is key here for even cooking in the air fryer. In a medium mixing bowl, toss the diced vegetables with the tablespoon of cooking oil until they are lightly and evenly coated.
  2. Place the oiled vegetables into your air fryer basket or onto the tray in a single layer. Air fry the vegetables for approximately 10 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Depending on the exact power of your air fryer and your preferred level of tenderness, you may need to add a few extra minutes to achieve the desired softness. The aim is to soften the vegetables without browning them too much. Be mindful that if your vegetables are cut into pieces larger than ½ inch, they may require longer cooking times and could cook unevenly. Once tender, remove the cooked vegetables from the air fryer and set them aside.

Step 4: Crafting the Rich and Speedy Stew Gravy

This method for creating your stew’s gravy is designed for efficiency and perfect for the air fryer’s rapid cooking. It ensures a velvety smooth sauce without requiring lengthy simmering.

  1. In a separate bowl, combine the double-concentrated tomato paste, red wine, hot beef broth, and the powerful thickening agent, xanthan gum. Whisk these ingredients vigorously until thoroughly combined and smooth. Xanthan gum is an ideal thickener for air fryer stew because, unlike traditional flour or cornstarch sluries, it works instantly and effectively at any temperature, eliminating the need for further cooking or reduction. This step quickly yields a rich, thick, and flavorful gravy that’s ready to be incorporated into your stew.

🔥 Assembling and Finishing Your Air Fryer Beef Stew

Assembled beef stew mixture with biscuits on top, ready for final air frying.
The final stage: air frying the hearty stew with its biscuit topping to perfection.

With your tender steak cubes, perfectly cooked vegetables, and rich, pre-thickened gravy all prepared, it’s time for the grand finale: bringing everything together into a cohesive and incredibly comforting air fryer beef casserole.

  1. In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the air-fried beef, the softened vegetables, and your expertly prepared gravy. Stir until all components are well coated and evenly distributed. Transfer this flavorful mixture into your chosen oven-safe baking dish or ramekin, ensuring it fits comfortably within your air fryer.
  2. If you opted for the optional biscuits, now is the time to arrange them artfully on top of the stew mixture. For an irresistible golden crust, lightly brush the tops of the biscuits with the melted butter.
  3. Carefully place your baking dish, laden with stew and biscuits, into your preheated air fryer. Air fry at 325°F (163°C) for a brief 3-5 minutes. If you are using an air fryer oven, position the dish on the middle rack for optimal and even heating. This critical final step accomplishes several things: it finishes cooking the biscuits to a perfect golden-brown, thoroughly warms the entire stew, allows the gravy to thicken just a touch more, and most importantly, it gives all the wonderful flavors a moment to meld together into a truly harmonious dish.

Once your air fryer beef stew has achieved its final stage of perfection, carefully remove the hot dish from the air fryer. For an added touch of elegance and flavor, sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese over the top and garnish with fresh parsley. This recipe is designed to serve two, making it an ideal, intimate meal for couples or a comforting option for a single person with delicious leftovers to enjoy!

A serving of air fryer beef stew in a bowl, with a spoon, garnished.
Your flavorful and hearty air fryer beef stew, ready for a comforting meal.

🌡️ Storing Leftover Air Fryer Beef Stew for Future Enjoyment

To preserve the deliciousness of your air fryer beef stew, proper storage is key. Transfer any leftover stew into a clean, airtight container and refrigerate it promptly. It will remain fresh and flavorful for up to 3-4 days. If you’ve opted to include the biscuits, it’s crucial to store them separately in their own airtight container at room temperature, ideally for no more than one day. Biscuits left atop the stew will quickly absorb moisture, becoming soggy and losing their delightful texture.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat the stew in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for approximately 1½-2 minutes, or until it is steaming hot throughout. For the biscuits, pop them back into your air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 3-4 minutes to restore their warmth and a touch of crispness. Serve the reheated stew topped with the freshly warmed biscuits for a meal that’s just as comforting and satisfying as the original serving.

Air fryer stew and biscuits, showing biscuits stored separately.
Separate storage for biscuits ensures they remain perfectly textured for reheating.

🥶 Freezing Stew: What You Need to Know

While many types of stews are excellent candidates for freezing, we generally advise against freezing this specific air fryer beef stew recipe. The primary reason for this recommendation is the inclusion of potatoes. Potatoes tend to undergo an undesirable textural change when frozen and then thawed; they can become quite mushy and mealy, detracting significantly from the overall quality of the stew. Stews that do not contain potatoes, or those made with root vegetables that are more freezer-friendly (such as sweet potatoes or parsnips), typically freeze and defrost much more successfully when stored in a well-sealed, airtight container. If you plan to make a batch of stew specifically for freezing, consider a potato-free version to ensure the best possible texture upon reheating.

🥗 Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Air Fryer Beef Stew

This beef stew, especially with the optional biscuits, is a delightful and complete meal on its own. However, if you’re looking to enhance your dining experience, add more vegetables, or simply offer additional variety, here are some fantastic side dishes that complement the rich flavors of beef stew beautifully:

  • Air Fryer Frozen Vegetables: A quick and healthy way to boost your vegetable intake, from broccoli to mixed greens.
  • Smoked Portobello Mushrooms: Offers a deep, earthy, and umami-rich flavor that pairs wonderfully with beef.
  • Protein Cornbread: A wholesome and satisfying alternative to traditional biscuits, providing extra nutrients.
  • Air Fryer Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfect for soaking up every last drop of the savory gravy.
  • Costco Cauliflower Rice: A lighter, low-carb option that provides a neutral base for the stew’s robust flavors.
  • Canned Asparagus Recipe: A simple and quick green vegetable side dish.
  • A Fresh Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty stew.
  • Crusty Artisan Bread: Always a classic choice, perfect for tearing and dipping into the rich, flavorful gravy.

FAQs About Air Fryer Beef Stew

Can you cook frozen stew meat in an air fryer?

As previously mentioned, traditional stew meat (like chuck steak) is best slow-braised, not air-fried, regardless of whether it’s fresh or frozen. However, if you’re using quick-cooking, tender cuts for your stew, such as sirloin steak, chicken, or lamb, these can indeed be cooked from frozen in your air fryer. Just remember to adjust your cooking times accordingly to ensure they are cooked through and tender, and always verify internal temperatures for food safety.

Can you make crispy beef strips in an air fryer?

Absolutely! The air fryer is an excellent tool for achieving wonderfully crispy textures. If your goal is to make crispy beef strips for dishes like stir-fries or other preparations where a crunchy exterior is desired, the air fryer is ideal. Many recipes exist for air-fried crispy chili beef and similar dishes, showcasing the air fryer’s capability to deliver delicious, crunchy results.

How can I make air fryer stew gluten-free?

To easily adapt this air fryer stew recipe to be gluten-free, you’ll need to make two main modifications. First, omit the optional canned biscuits, as most commercially available biscuits contain gluten. Second, substitute the regular soy sauce in the beef marinade with gluten-free tamari. Always double-check labels on other ingredients, particularly beef stock, to ensure they are certified gluten-free, and you’ll have a safe and delicious meal.

Can you air fry raw beef?

Yes, air frying raw meat, including various cuts of beef, is perfectly safe and effective. In this specific air fryer stew recipe, we air fry raw ribeye steak to create tender beef bites before combining them with the other stew components. The air fryer’s mechanism of circulating hot air efficiently cooks raw meat thoroughly and evenly, much like a conventional oven but often faster.

Do you need to boil meat before air frying?

No, there is no need to boil meat before air frying. The air fryer is designed to cook raw meat directly and effectively using its circulating dry heat. Pre-boiling meat before air frying would be an unnecessary step and could actually have adverse effects on the meat’s texture and flavor, potentially leading to drier or tougher results. Simply prepare your raw meat according to the recipe instructions and place it directly into the air fryer for cooking.

Air Fryer Stew vs. Traditional Stew: What are the Key Differences?

The fundamental distinction lies in the cooking approach and the resulting profile. Traditional stews typically rely on tough, inexpensive cuts of meat and lengthy, moist heat (braising) over many hours. This process slowly breaks down connective tissues, tenderizing the meat and developing profound, complex flavors. Air fryer stew, on the other hand, utilizes tender, quick-cooking cuts of beef and the rapid, dry heat of an air fryer. While it delivers a delicious, convenient, and considerably faster stew-like experience, it won’t replicate the specific melt-in-your-mouth texture or the intensely layered flavor depth achieved from hours of slow braising tougher cuts. It’s a fantastic alternative for speed and simplicity, offering a more “quick and hearty” meal rather than a “slow-cooked masterpiece.”

Expert Tips for the Best Air Fryer Beef Stew

  • Uniform Cuts are Key: Always ensure your vegetables are diced to similar sizes, ideally ½-inch (1.27 cm), for consistent cooking. Likewise, cut your cooked steak into even 1-inch (2.54 cm) cubes.
  • Avoid Overcrowding: When air frying the biscuits, steak, and vegetables, arrange them in a single layer without overlapping. Overcrowding significantly hinders air circulation, leading to uneven cooking, steaming instead of crisping, and less desirable textures. Cook in batches if necessary.
  • Monitor Cooking Times Closely: Air fryers can vary considerably in power and efficiency. Always err on the side of caution and check your food a few minutes before the recommended cooking time, especially when preparing a new recipe or using an unfamiliar air fryer model.
  • Allow the Steak to Rest: This step is non-negotiable for juicy beef. Letting the steak rest for 10 minutes after air frying allows the internal juices to redistribute, ensuring the beef remains incredibly tender and succulent when cubed.
  • Embrace Xanthan Gum: This is the secret to a quick, perfectly thickened gravy in this air fryer method. Unlike flour or cornstarch, xanthan gum thickens instantly without needing to simmer, which is crucial given the air fryer’s rapid cooking times.
  • Consider Making Ahead for Deeper Flavor: While this recipe is designed for speed, the flavors of any stew benefit from time. If your schedule allows, prepare the stew a day in advance, refrigerate it, and then gently reheat it. The flavors will have more time to meld and deepen, often resulting in an even more satisfying taste akin to a slow-cooked stew.

📋 Air Fryer Stew Calories and Detailed Nutrition Information

A close-up shot of a serving of beef stew cooked in an air fryer, highlighting its rich texture.
Enjoy a satisfying serving of hearty beef stew, prepared conveniently in your air fryer.

A single serving of this air fryer beef stew recipe, which includes the optional canned biscuits, provides approximately 784 calories. The nutritional breakdown is as follows: 56 grams of total carbohydrates, 27.2 grams of protein, and 47 grams of total fat, with 19.2 grams of saturated fat. This hearty meal also contributes significantly to your daily intake of essential nutrients, including fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Iron.

For those mindful of calorie intake, opting to skip the optional buttered biscuits significantly reduces the caloric value. Without the biscuits, each serving of this air fryer stew contains approximately 509 calories. This adjustment also makes the meal moderately low in carbohydrates, though it’s important to note that due to the presence of starchy potatoes, it is not suitable for a strict ketogenic diet.

💭 Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule:

  • Energetic Meal: At nearly 800 calories per serving (with biscuits), this stew is a substantial and energizing meal, well-suited for active individuals or those maintaining their weight.
  • Lighter Alternative: By simply omitting the biscuits, you can reduce each portion to around 500 calories, offering a lighter yet still satisfying option.
  • Flavor Enhancement: Due to the rapid cooking nature of the air fryer, the flavors in this stew may not develop the same depth as those achieved through traditional slow cooking. For a richer, more complex flavor profile, consider preparing the stew a day in advance and refrigerating it. Reheating will allow the ingredients to meld further, yielding a taste closer to a slow-cooked stew. You might even find that a little more red wine can be added if you’re making it ahead for enhanced flavor development!
  • Nutrition Information Disclaimer: Please be aware that all provided nutrition information is an estimate. Actual values can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used and preparation methods. If you have specific medical needs or dietary concerns, consulting with a registered dietitian or your physician is highly recommended for personalized advice.

👨🏾‍🍳 More Delicious Air Fryer Beef Recipes to Explore

If you’re now a believer in the air fryer’s incredible versatility for cooking beef, you’ll love exploring these other fantastic recipes to broaden your culinary horizons:

  • Frozen Meatballs in Air Fryer: Perfect for effortlessly quick weeknight dinners or delightful appetizers.
  • Air Fryer Flank Steak: Master the art of achieving tender, perfectly cooked flank steak with remarkable ease.
  • Air Fryer Roast Beef: Discover a simplified and efficient method for preparing a classic, succulent roast beef.
  • Meatloaf in Air Fryer: Enjoy juicy, flavorful meatloaf with significantly less fuss and faster cooking times.
  • Frozen Hamburgers in Air Fryer: Achieve perfectly cooked, juicy burgers directly from frozen in just minutes.

While you’re here, be sure to browse our comprehensive collection of popular Air Fryer Recipes for even more inspiration and culinary adventures!

Watch How to Make It!


Air fryer stew with rich beef and vegetables.

Air Fryer Beef Stew Recipe (Quick & Tender)

By Summer Yule

Learn how to make a tender and flavorful beef stew using your air fryer, defying traditional cooking methods with smart ingredient choices and a faster cooking process.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (based on 8 votes)

🖨️ Print Recipe
📌 Pin Recipe

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Servings: 2

Calories: 784 kcal

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces ribeye steak (227 grams)
  • 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
  • ⅛ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ medium carrot (about 2 ounces or 57 grams)
  • ½ small peeled potato (about 4 ounces or 113 grams)
  • ¼ medium onion (about 2 ounces or 57 grams)
  • ½ rib celery (about 1 ounce or 28 grams)
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 teaspoon double-concentrated tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon red wine
  • ½ cup beef bone broth (hot; add salt and pepper if using homemade broth)
  • ½ teaspoon xanthan gum
  • 5 small canned biscuits (optional)
  • Cooking oil spray (optional, non-aerosol cooking spray)
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

⭐ Love this recipe? Please leave a comment below 😊

Instructions

  1. Spray your air fryer basket or tray with cooking spray. Place the biscuits in a non-touching single layer on your air fryer tray. Air fry biscuits at 325°F (163°C) for 6-8 minutes, carefully flipping them over halfway through cooking time. They should be about 1 minute underdone, as they’ll go back in the air fryer later.
  2. Combine the balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and onion powder. Brush this mixture on the steak. You can marinate the steak in the fridge, or cook it right away if you’re short on time.
  3. Air fry the steak at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. Use the top rack position if you have an air fryer oven. Then flip the steak, and air fry for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking after 3 minutes. Cook the steak to your preferred doneness, using a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
  4. After air frying, set the beef aside to rest for 10 minutes, then cut it into 1-inch (2.54 cm) cubes.
  5. While the cooked beef rests, prepare the vegetables. Cut the carrots, potatoes, onion, and celery into uniform ½-inch (1.27 cm) dice. Mix them with the tablespoon of cooking oil.
  6. Air fry the vegetables for 10 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Add additional time as needed to soften them, but avoid excessive browning.
  7. Whisk together the tomato paste, red wine, hot beef broth, and xanthan gum for your stew gravy.
  8. Stir the cubed beef, cooked vegetables, and prepared gravy together. Transfer this mixture into an oven-safe baking pan or ramekin that fits your air fryer. Top with the biscuits (if using) and brush them with melted butter. Air fry at 325°F (163°C) for 3-5 minutes. (If using an air fryer oven, use the middle rack.)
  9. Once the stew has finished cooking, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve immediately.

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Knife
  • Silicone Pastry Brush
  • Kitchen Thermometer
  • 8″x8″x1.5″ Aluminum Pan (or a 2-cup ramekin)

Notes

Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule

This recipe is categorized as a level 3 recipe, suitable for weight maintenance and active lifestyles. At nearly 800 calories per serving (including biscuits), this air fryer stew is a robust, energy-rich meal.

To reduce the calorie count, simply omit the biscuits. This modification will bring each serving down to approximately 500 calories. Skipping the biscuits also makes the stew somewhat low-carb, though not fully keto due to the inclusion of potatoes.

The red wine in this air fryer stew does not have an extended cooking period to allow the alcohol to fully cook off, which is why a smaller amount is used compared to stovetop stews. Also, due to the fast cooking times of an air fryer, the flavors in the stew don’t have as much time to meld deeply.

For enhanced flavor development, consider preparing the stew a day in advance and storing it in the refrigerator. Reheating it later will allow the flavors to deepen and harmonize, resulting in a taste profile much closer to a slow-cooked stew. If making ahead, you might even consider adding a slightly larger amount of wine to further enrich the flavor profile. 😊

Note on Nutrition: The nutrition information provided is for one serving of air fryer stew with biscuits. The sodium content can vary significantly based on the specific brands of beef broth and biscuits used.

Nutrition Info Disclaimer

All recipes presented on this website are for informational purposes only and may or may not be suitable for your specific medical needs, dietary restrictions, or personal preferences. It is always recommended to consult with a registered dietitian or your primary physician if you require guidance in determining the most appropriate dietary pattern for your health goals.

The nutrition information provided is an estimated value and is offered as a courtesy. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the specific brands, types, and quantities of ingredients you use. Furthermore, calorie information found on food labels can sometimes be inaccurate, so please do not overly stress about precise numerical values.

The phrase “to taste” refers to adjusting ingredients according to your personal preference, while always adhering to food safety guidelines. Please ensure all food is cooked to safe internal temperatures and avoid consuming undercooked food.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 784 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 56g
  • Protein: 27.2g
  • Fat: 47g
  • Saturated Fat: 19.2g
  • Sodium: 1109.2mg
  • Potassium: 494.6mg
  • Fiber: 5.9g
  • Vitamin A: 34.7% DV
  • Vitamin C: 25.6% DV
  • Calcium: 4.6% DV
  • Iron: 24.5% DV

Keywords

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A beautifully plated air fryer beef stew, showing the rich texture and garnishes on a dark plate.
The ultimate air fryer beef stew, proving that comfort food can also be quick and convenient.

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