Air-Fried Stew Beef: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Cooking beef stew in an air fryer is a convenient and satisfying way to prepare a classic dish with a modern twist. While it is possible to cook beef stew in an air fryer, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Stew meat is typically a cheap, tough cut of beef that requires a long cooking time to become tender. Air fryers, on the other hand, cook with dry heat and can result in tough meat if not cooked properly. To ensure a tasty, tender beef stew in an air fryer, it is recommended to use a quick-cooking cut of beef, such as steak, and to adjust cooking times depending on the air fryer model.

Choosing the right cut of beef

While it is possible to cook stew beef in an air fryer, it is important to note that the choice of beef cut plays a crucial role in achieving the desired taste and texture. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the right cut of beef for your air fryer stew:

Toughness and Tenderness

The toughness of the meat is an important consideration when choosing the right cut of beef for stew. Tougher cuts of meat tend to have more connective tissues and collagen, which can break down during the cooking process, adding richness and flavour to the stew. Cheaper cuts of meat are often tougher and more suitable for stews, as they have a higher fat content, which helps keep the meat moist and tender. On the other hand, tender cuts of beef, such as ribeye or beef tenderloin, may become chewy and tough when slow-cooked due to the loss of intramuscular fat.

Fat Content

Selecting a cut of beef with the right amount of fat is crucial for a successful stew. Cuts with higher fat content, such as those from well-worked muscles, will add flavour and moisture to the dish. Look for cuts with marbling, or intramuscular fat, as this type of fat will melt during the cooking process, keeping the meat tender and juicy. However, be cautious when choosing extremely fatty cuts, as they can affect the texture and mouthfeel of the final dish.

Popular Choices

When it comes to choosing the right cut of beef for stew, there are a few popular options that are known for delivering great results. One of the most common choices is chuck, which is a relatively cheap cut from the forequarter of the cow, including the shoulder, neck, and upper arm muscles. Chuck has good flavour, lots of connective tissue, and a high fat content, making it ideal for stews. Another popular option is round, which is taken from the rear legs of the cow and is known for being tough with relatively low fat content. Bottom round cuts are especially tough and perfect for slow cooking in stews.

Other Considerations

In addition to toughness and fat content, there are a few other factors to keep in mind when choosing the right cut of beef. Firstly, consider the flavour profile you want to achieve. For example, short ribs offer a deep beefy flavour, while bone-in options like oxtail can add extra flavour to your broth due to the gelatin released from the bones. Secondly, don't be afraid to ask your butcher for advice. They can guide you towards the best cuts for stewing and often have pre-cut options available. Lastly, remember that the cooking method can also impact the final result. Air fryers cook quickly with dry heat, so it is essential to choose a quick-cooking cut of beef, such as steak, to avoid ending up with tough meat.

Air fryer temperature and timing

Air fryers cook food quickly using dry heat. This is great for getting juicy, tender meat, but it does mean that you need to be careful not to overcook your beef.

The ideal temperature and timing for your air fryer stew will depend on the specific recipe and the size of your meat chunks. A general guideline is to cook the beef at around 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the beef is done to your liking. If you're cooking your beef with vegetables, you'll want to add them to the air fryer with the meat, and cook until tender. This will usually take around 30-40 minutes.

If you're cooking your beef and vegetables separately, you can finish the stew at 325°F (163°C) for 3-5 minutes. You can also use this temperature to cook biscuits to go with your stew. Place the biscuits in a single layer on your air fryer tray, and cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping them over halfway through.

It is recommended to preheat your air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding your ingredients.

Preparing the beef

Firstly, select an appropriate cut of beef. It is recommended to opt for a quick-cooking cut, such as steak, instead of traditional stew meat, which can become tough in the air fryer. You can choose from various steak cuts, including NY Strip, ribeye, or filet mignon. If you're on a budget, a cheaper piece of steak will work just fine, especially if you marinate it beforehand.

Before cooking the beef, you can optionally marinate it to enhance its flavour and tenderness. To marinate, simply coat the steak pieces with your chosen seasonings and refrigerate for anywhere from one to twenty-four hours. Avocado oil, liquid aminos or soy sauce, and seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper can create a delicious flavour profile.

When you're ready to cook the beef, preheat your air fryer to a temperature suitable for your chosen cut of steak. For steak bites, preheating at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about four minutes is sufficient. However, cooking temperatures may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of the steak pieces.

Next, transfer the raw steak bites to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the beef in batches. Air fry the steak bites for 10 to 20 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. It is recommended to shake the drawer a couple of times during the cooking process to ensure even cooking. Aim for tender and juicy steak bites with crispy edges.

Once the steak bites are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and set them aside. If you're making a stew, you'll now add the vegetables and other ingredients to the air fryer, following your chosen recipe. Remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as the steak bites themselves won't require as much cooking time as the other stew ingredients.

Preparing the vegetables

Once you have your ingredients, it's time to start chopping. Chop the onions, carrots, and potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic, as it will need less time to cook and will infuse its flavor into the dish more quickly. You can also add other aromatic herbs like thyme and rosemary to enhance the flavor of your stew.

After you've chopped all your vegetables, heat some olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. You can use the same pan you used to cook the beef to add even more flavor. Add the onions and sauté until they become translucent. Then, add the garlic, thyme, and rosemary, and cook for another minute, stirring occasionally so nothing burns.

Next, stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute. If you'd like, you can deglaze the pan with some red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This step adds a depth of flavor to your stew.

Finally, transfer the vegetables to your air fryer casserole pan or dish. Add the beef, chopped carrots, potatoes, and any other vegetables you've chosen. Now, you're ready to cook your beef stew in the air fryer!

Thickening the sauce

While it is possible to cook stew beef in an air fryer, it is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of air fryer you have. Traditional stew meat may become tough in an air fryer due to the dry heat, so it is recommended to use quick-cooking cuts of beef such as steak bites or strips.

Now, let's talk about thickening the sauce for your beef stew. There are a few ways to achieve this, and we'll explore them in the following paragraphs.

Firstly, potatoes are a great way to add thickness to your stew. They provide a creamy texture and help to naturally thicken the broth. If you're looking for a hearty and comforting element in your stew, potatoes are an excellent choice.

Secondly, carrots also play a role in thickening the sauce. While they are known for adding natural sweetness and vibrant colour to your stew, they also contribute to a tender texture, making your sauce more substantial.

Additionally, onions are a key ingredient in enhancing the flavour of your stew while adding thickness. They provide a sweet and savoury taste, creating depth and aroma. By cooking the onions until they are translucent, you'll be able to add flavour and thickness to your sauce.

Another way to thicken the sauce is by using tomato paste. It not only adds a rich umami flavour but also provides a hint of sweetness, enhancing the overall taste of your stew. The tomato paste helps to thicken the sauce and gives it a deeper colour.

Finally, you can also use cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a small amount of water, and then stir this mixture into your stew during the last few minutes of cooking. This will help to give your sauce a thicker consistency without affecting the flavour.

By combining these ingredients and techniques, you'll be able to create a delicious and hearty beef stew in your air fryer with a rich and thick sauce. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and flavours to find your perfect combination!

Frequently asked questions