Air Fryer Stew Meat: The Perfect Timing Guide

Cooking stew in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a hearty meal. You can use an air fryer to cook the meat and vegetables, and even finish off the stew itself. The time it takes to cook stew meat in an air fryer depends on the type and cut of meat, the size of the pieces, and the desired level of doneness. For example, steak bites can take as little as 2-3 minutes, while a full beef stew can take 35-50 minutes.

Air fryer temperature for stew meat

When making stew in an air fryer, it is recommended to use a quick-cooking cut of meat such as steak, instead of traditional chuck stew meat. This is because air fryers cook with dry heat, and beef stew meat cooked in an air fryer can end up unpleasantly tough.

To make beef stew in an air fryer, first season the meat and mix the ingredients in a bowl. Then, 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 do this in batches. Air fry the steak bites for 10 to 20 minutes, or until the steak reaches your desired level of doneness. For best results, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Once the steak is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting it into 1-inch cubes.

While the steak is resting, cut your vegetables into ½-inch pieces. Carrots, potatoes, onions, and celery are classic choices, but you can also add garlic, mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers. Toss the vegetables with oil and air fry them at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, or until softened. You may need to add additional time if your vegetables are cut larger than ½ inch.

Finally, whisk together your choice of broth, tomato paste, and seasonings. Beef broth is traditional, but you can also use chicken or vegetable broth. Thicken the sauce with xanthan gum or a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water. Add the sauce to the beef and vegetables, and finish the stew in the air fryer at 325°F (163°C) for 3 to 5 minutes.

How to prepare the meat

To prepare the meat for your stew, start by cutting it into bite-sized pieces or 1-inch cubes. You can use a variety of meats, such as beef, chicken, or lamb, and opt for quick-cooking cuts. If you're using beef, consider steak or beef tips. For chicken, you can use leftover meat from air fryer frozen chicken thighs. For lamb, use leftover lamb chops.

Before cooking, you can marinate the meat in the refrigerator. While this step is optional, it can add extra flavour to your stew. You can marinate the meat for up to 24 hours, covering the bowl with plastic wrap.

When you're ready to cook, preheat your air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 to 3 minutes. Then, transfer the raw meat to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the meat in batches.

Air fry the meat for 10 to 20 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. For steak, this could be medium-rare, medium, or well-done. Check the internal temperature of the meat with a meat thermometer for the best results. During the cooking process, shake the drawer a few times to ensure even cooking.

Once the meat is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and set it aside to rest for about 10 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat juicy. Then, cut the meat into 1-inch cubes, aiming for uniform sizes so that all the pieces cook evenly.

How to prepare the vegetables

Preparing the vegetables for your stew is a straightforward process. First, gather your chosen vegetables. Carrots, potatoes, onions, and celery are classic choices, but you can also add garlic, mushrooms, peas, or green beans to your stew. Once you have your vegetables, give them a good wash under running water to remove any dirt or impurities.

Next, you'll need to cut the vegetables into uniform pieces. Aim for a 1/2-inch dice (about 1.27 cm) for the carrots, potatoes, onions, and celery. This size ensures even cooking and prevents larger pieces from taking longer to cook. If you're adding garlic, mince or crush it finely, and slice or quarter the mushrooms. For peas and green beans, you can leave them whole or cut them in half lengthwise for a more bite-sized piece.

After all the vegetables are cut, mix them with a small amount of oil. This step helps the vegetables cook evenly and gives them a nice texture. You can use any type of cooking oil you prefer, such as olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil. Once coated with oil, your vegetables are ready to be added to the air fryer.

If you're cooking the vegetables separately from the meat, set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the vegetables for around 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more time as needed until they reach your desired level of doneness. Remember that you're not looking to brown the vegetables too much, so adjust the time accordingly. Once they're cooked, set them aside and continue with the rest of your stew recipe.

How long to cook the vegetables

When making stew in an air fryer, the meat and vegetables should be cooked separately. The vegetables should be cut into small pieces, ideally no larger than 1/2-inch cubes. This ensures that the vegetables cook evenly and in a reasonable amount of time.

Once the vegetables are prepared, they should be mixed with oil and any desired seasonings. The air fryer should be preheated to 375°F (190°C). The vegetables can then be placed inside and cooked for 10 minutes. If the vegetables are not yet tender, they can be left in the air fryer for a few minutes longer. It is not necessary to brown the vegetables, so they should be removed once they have reached the desired level of softness.

In addition to carrots, potatoes, and onions, other vegetables that can be added to the stew include peas, green beans, mushrooms, and bell peppers. These vegetables can be added at the same time as the carrots, potatoes, and onions and will likely be cooked through after the same amount of time.

Once the vegetables are cooked, they can be set aside while the meat is prepared. After the meat is cooked, it should be allowed to rest for about 10 minutes before being added to the vegetables. The meat and vegetable components can then be combined and placed back in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 325°F (163°C) to finish the stew.

How to make the gravy

To make the gravy for your stew, you'll first need to decide on the ingredients. A good base for your gravy is tomato paste, red wine, and beef broth. You can also add vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, onions, and garlic. If you want a thicker gravy, you can add xanthan gum or mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the stew during the last few minutes of cooking.

Start by stirring in the tomato paste and cooking it for a minute. Deglaze the skillet with red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Then, add your beef broth and stir to combine. If you're using an air fryer, transfer the beef and onion mixture to a casserole pan and place it in the air fryer.

Chop your carrots, potatoes, and any other desired vegetables into small pieces and add them to the dish. Make sure that the ingredients are mostly submerged in the broth. If you're cooking on a stovetop, bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to a low simmer. If you're using an air fryer, set the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the dish from the air fryer or stove using oven mitts, as it will be hot. Serve your beef stew warm, and enjoy a comforting and hearty meal.

Frequently asked questions