Stew In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can cook a wide range of dishes, but can they be used to make stew? The short answer is yes, but with some modifications to traditional recipes. Air fryers cook with dry heat, so the main challenge is ensuring the meat stays tender and juicy. To overcome this, it's recommended to use quick-cooking cuts of beef, such as steak bites, or pre-cook the meat by browning it to seal in the juices. This guide will explore the steps to making beef stew in an air fryer, from choosing the right cut of beef to serving tips, for a delicious and tender meal.

Choosing the right cut of beef

Opt for Tougher, Well-Marbled Cuts

Go for cuts like chuck roast, top round, or bottom round. These cuts are ideal for stew because they are tough enough to withstand slow cooking, yet not so tough that they become impossible to eat. Well-marbled meat with a good amount of fat running through it will help keep the meat moist and tender during the cooking process.

Trim the Excess Fat

Before cutting your beef into bite-sized cubes, be sure to trim away any excess fat or gristle. This will ensure that your meat cooks evenly and has a pleasing texture.

Cut the Beef into Bite-Sized Pieces

For even cooking and easy eating, it's important to cut your beef into small, bite-sized pieces. This will ensure that the meat cooks through properly in the air fryer and that each piece is tender and juicy.

Consider Quick-Cooking Cuts

If you're looking for a faster alternative to traditional stew meat, consider using a quick-cooking cut of beef, such as steak. Steak cooks much faster than traditional stew meat and can be cut into cubes after air frying to keep it juicy.

Marinate for Richer Flavor

For a boost of flavor, consider marinating your beef cubes in a mixture of oil, vinegar, and herbs before placing them in the air fryer. This will add depth and complexity to your stew.

Season Generously

Don't skimp on the seasoning! Sprinkle your beef cubes generously with salt and pepper, and feel free to add additional spices or seasonings to suit your taste. You can also sear the seasoned beef in a hot skillet before adding it to the air fryer for an extra flavor boost and a beautiful golden crust.

Remember, the right cut of beef will make all the difference in your air fryer stew, so take the time to select a suitable option and prepare it properly. With the right cut and some tasty seasonings, you'll be well on your way to a delicious and hearty meal.

Pre-cooking the beef

When making beef stew in an air fryer, it is recommended to pre-cook the beef before adding it to the stew. This is because the air fryer cooks food quickly with dry heat, which can result in tough and chewy meat. By pre-cooking the beef, you can help seal in the juices and prevent the meat from becoming too tough.

To pre-cook your beef, you can either use a pan on the stove or the air fryer itself. If using the air fryer, place the seasoned beef in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 5 minutes. Then, turn the beef over and cook for an additional 4 minutes for a medium steak. For medium-well, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, and for medium-rare, cook for a couple of minutes less.

When pre-cooking your beef, it is important to brown it first. This will help add flavour to the stew and ensure that the juices are sealed in. You can also use this step to render some of the fat from the beef, which can help reduce the overall fat content of your dish.

If you are using a more tender cut of beef, such as ribeye or New York strip, you may not need to pre-cook the beef. However, it is still recommended to sear the beef on all sides before adding it to the stew to lock in the juices and create a rich, caramelized flavour.

Once your beef is pre-cooked, you can then add it to your stew. Place the beef, along with your choice of vegetables, broth, and seasonings, into a mixing bowl or slow cooker. Mix everything together and then transfer it to the air fryer basket. Set your air fryer to the Saute or Pressure Cook setting and cook for about 35 minutes on high pressure or until everything is tender.

If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, chuck roast is a great choice. While it may not be as tender as some other cuts, it has a lot of connective tissue and fat, which makes it perfect for slow cooking or pressure cooking. Just be sure to cut the chuck roast into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

Using a meat thermometer

• If using a leave-in probe thermometer, place it in the thickest part of the meat, preferably close to the bone if the cut contains one.
• For instant-read stick-in thermometers, insert the probe into the thickest part of the meat. The goal is to find the coolest part of the meat.
• As you push the probe in, watch the temperature reading. It should drop as the probe moves towards the deepest part of the meat. When it starts to rise, you've gone too far. The minimum point is the temperature you should note.
• When cooking red meat in an air fryer, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F for a perfect medium-rare steak.
• To get the most accurate readings, remember to preheat your air fryer before inserting the thermometer.
• If using a wireless thermometer, insert the probes, place them in the air fryer, and monitor the cooking progress without opening the fryer. This way, all the heat stays inside, and you can also check the real-time temperature.

Avoiding overcrowding the air fryer

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, but it's important to avoid the temptation of overcrowding the appliance. The air fryer works by circulating hot air through the cooking compartment, so if you fill the basket to the brim, the air cannot move around the food. This means the food won't cook properly or get crispy.

To get the most out of your air fryer, ensure that the food has enough space for the hot air to circulate around each piece. This is similar to baking, roasting, and stir-frying, where there needs to be air circulation for the food to cook and the flavours to concentrate. If you overcrowd the air fryer, you'll end up with soggy food as the steam cannot escape.

To avoid overcrowding, cook your food in batches. Most of the time, air fryers work best for foods that are cooked and served in batches. For example, you can make garlic bread a few pieces at a time, and put the next batch in when people want seconds.

If you're cooking for a larger group, you may want to consider investing in a larger-capacity air fryer. There are high-capacity options with dual baskets that can handle batch cooking for large groups or even hold enough food for an entire meal.

• Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for how much food to load into your air fryer.
• Don't stack food on top of each other. This impedes airflow and holds onto steam.
• Make sure your air fryer has at least five inches of space on all sides.
• The basket on most air fryers has enough room to comfortably cook two servings of meat or fish, or four servings of vegetables.

Thickening the stew

Choosing a Thickening Agent

The most common thickening agents for stew are flour and cornstarch. These ingredients help create a slurry that, when added to the stew, results in a thicker and more luscious consistency. You can also use other starches like arrowroot powder or xanthan gum. These thickening agents are crucial when you want to achieve a heartier and more satisfying texture in your stew.

Creating the Slurry

To create a slurry, mix your chosen thickening agent with a small amount of water in a separate bowl. Stir or whisk the mixture until it forms a smooth, lump-free paste. This step is essential, as it ensures that the thickening agent is evenly distributed and prevents lumps from forming in your stew. You can also use broth or stock instead of water for added flavour.

Adding the Slurry to the Stew

Once your slurry is ready, it's time to incorporate it into your stew. First, turn on the air fryer and select the "Sauté" function. Then, slowly stir the slurry into the stew, making sure it combines evenly. Continue cooking the stew for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired thickness. This process allows the thickening agent to activate and absorb the liquid in the stew, resulting in a richer and more indulgent texture.

Adjusting Seasoning

After thickening your stew, it's essential to taste and adjust the seasoning accordingly. The addition of a thickening agent may slightly alter the flavour, so you may need to add more salt, pepper, or other spices to enhance the taste. Remember to add seasonings in small increments and taste after each addition to avoid overseasoning.

Other Thickening Options

If you prefer a more natural approach to thickening your stew, there are a few alternatives to using a slurry. One option is to simply allow the stew to simmer for a longer period, reducing the liquid content and resulting in a thicker consistency. Additionally, you can add more vegetables to your stew, as they will release starch as they cook, absorbing liquid and contributing to a thicker texture.

Frequently asked questions