Air fryer beef soup. Yes, you read that right! Who would have thought you could make a comforting, hearty soup like air fryer beef soup in an air fryer? Well, get ready to be amazed. This recipe is a modern twist on a classic, inspired by those cozy winter nights spent with my grandmother, where the aroma of simmering beef would fill her tiny kitchen. It’s simpler than the traditional methods, quicker, and honestly, just as delicious.
Table of Contents
Growing up, beef soup was synonymous with love and warmth. It’s a dish that instantly transports me back to her kitchen table. But now, with the magic of the air fryer, we can achieve that same rich flavor with minimal effort.
Why You Will Love This air fryer beef soup Recipe
This air fryer beef soup recipe is your ticket to a warm and satisfying meal, even when you’re short on time. Let’s face it, we all crave that home cooked goodness but don’t always have hours to spend in the kitchen. This recipe delivers that comfort food experience in a fraction of the time, thanks to the air fryer’s amazing ability to tenderize beef and concentrate flavors. This meal is extremely easy to clean up after, too, because the soup gets cooked in the pot of the air fryer.
Perhaps the best part is the depth of flavor you get from browning the beef directly in the air fryer. It’s a game changer. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to your taste by adding your favorite vegetables. It’s the perfect “clean out the fridge” kind of meal!
Ingredients Needed for This air fryer beef soup Recipe
- Beef: 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1 inch cubes
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Onion: 1 large, chopped
- Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and chopped
- Celery: 2 stalks, chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Beef Broth: 6 cups
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce) can, undrained
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon
- Dried Rosemary: 1/2 teaspoon
- Bay Leaf: 1
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
- Potatoes: 2 medium, peeled and diced (optional)
- Frozen Peas: 1 cup (optional, added at the end)
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish
How to Make This air fryer beef soup Recipe
- 1. Prepare the Beef: Toss the beef cubes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Make sure the beef is well coated.
- 2. Brown the Beef: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the beef in the air fryer basket or a suitable air fryer safe pot in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches). Cook for 8-10 minutes per side, tossing halfway through. The goal is to get a nice sear on all sides, which adds tremendous flavor to the soup. Remember you could also use the air fryer to cook Air Fryer Beef Tacos for dinner!.
- 3. Sauté Vegetables: Remove the browned beef and set aside. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same air fryer pot. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.
- 4. Add Aromatics and Base: Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Cook for another minute or two until fragrant. Then, pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes. Stir well to combine.
- 5. Combine Ingredients: Return the browned beef to the air fryer pot. Add the Worcestershire sauce and bay leaf. Stir. If you need help with something lighter, try the Air Fryer Cod Wraps.
- 6. Cook the Soup: Close the air fryer and continue cooking at 325°F (160°C) for 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, or until the beef is very tender. Check the soup periodically and add more beef broth if needed to maintain the desired consistency.
- 7. Add Potatoes (Optional): If using potatoes, add them about 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time. This will give them enough time to cook through without becoming mushy.
- 8. Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf. If desired, stir in the frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
How to Serve This air fryer beef soup Recipe
Serve this hearty air fryer beef soup hot, straight from the air fryer (or after a quick simmer on the stovetop if you prefer a slightly thicker consistency). It pairs beautifully with a crusty loaf of bread for soaking up all those flavorful juices.
Consider topping it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese for extra richness. A side salad can add a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the soup. Or serve it with some Air Fryer Beef Soup for a complete meal.
How to Store This air fryer beef soup Recipe
- Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave. If frozen, you may need to add a splash of beef broth or water to restore its original consistency.
Tips to Make This air fryer beef soup Recipe
- Beef Selection: Use beef stew meat for best results. Chuck roast, cut into cubes, also works well. The key is to use a cut that benefits from long, slow cooking.
- Browning is Key: Do not skip the browning step. The Maillard reaction that occurs when the beef sears creates a depth of flavor that is crucial to the overall taste of the soup.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as parsnips, turnips, or green beans. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Herb Options: Experiment with different herbs to customize the flavor. Italian seasoning, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or fresh thyme can all add a unique touch.
Helpful Notes for This air fryer beef soup Recipe
- Air Fryer Size: Keep in mind that air fryer sizes vary. You may need to adjust cooking times slightly depending on your specific model. If your air fryer is small, do not overcrowd the pot.
- Broth Quality: Use a good quality beef broth for the best flavor. Homemade beef broth is even better if you have the time.
- Tomato Paste: Be sure to cook the tomato paste with the vegetables for a minute or two to caramelize it slightly. This helps to deepen its flavor.
- Salt: Be aware that the broth will reduce as it cooks, so add salt cautiously. You can always add more at the end if needed.
Variation of This air fryer beef soup Recipe
- Spicy air fryer beef soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the soup for a bit of heat.
- Creamy air fryer beef soup: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream just before serving for a richer, creamier taste.
- Barley air fryer beef soup: Add ½ cup of pearl barley to the soup along with the potatoes. Increase the cooking time as needed until the barley is tender.
- Wine Infusion: For a richer flavor, deglaze the air fryer pot with 1/2 cup of red wine after sautéing the vegetables. Let it reduce slightly before adding the beef broth.
Can you really make beef soup in an air fryer?
Yes, absolutely! Air fryers are versatile and can be used to create a delicious and efficient beef soup. This recipe simplifies the traditional process while retaining the hearty and comforting flavors.
How long does it take to make beef soup in an air fryer?
One of the biggest advantages of using an air fryer for beef soup is the reduced cooking time. It generally takes significantly less time compared to stovetop or slow cooker methods, often ready in under an hour.
What are the key ingredients for air fryer beef soup?
The essential ingredients typically include beef chuck, broth (beef or vegetable), diced vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes, and various seasonings. Feel free to customize with your favorite herbs and spices for added flavor.
Is air fryer beef soup healthier than traditional beef soup?
Air fryer beef soup can be healthier due to the reduced need for added fats during the cooking process. The air fryer circulates hot air, cooking the ingredients evenly without excessive oil.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a deliciously simple and heartwarming air fryer beef soup recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the magic of the air fryer in a whole new way! Please leave a comment below, I’d love to hear your thoughts or if you have some adjustments to the recipe. Enjoy your first batch of air fryer beef soup, and remember, food is best enjoyed when shared!
Air Fryer Beef Soup: Easiest Recipe EVER!
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A hearty and delicious beef soup made easily in the air fryer! Tender beef, savory vegetables, and a rich broth come together in this simple and comforting recipe.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (optional)
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional, added at the end)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- 1. Toss the beef cubes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- 2. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the beef in the air fryer basket or a suitable air fryer safe pot in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches). Cook for 8-10 minutes per side, tossing halfway through.
- 3. Remove the browned beef and set aside. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same air fryer pot. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.
- 4. Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Cook for another minute or two until fragrant. Then, pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes. Stir well to combine.
- 5. Return the browned beef to the air fryer pot. Add the Worcestershire sauce and bay leaf. Stir.
- 6. Close the air fryer and continue cooking at 325°F (160°C) for 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, or until the beef is very tender. Check the soup periodically and add more beef broth if needed to maintain the desired consistency.
- 7. If using potatoes, add them about 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time.
- 8. Remove the bay leaf. If desired, stir in the frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: beef soup, air fryer, easy soup, comfort food
