Air Fryer Beef Stew: Ultimate, Easy, & Ready in 30 Minutes!

February 3, 2026

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air fryer beef stew. The very words conjure up images of cozy evenings, the kind where a chilly wind is howling outside, but inside, the aroma of slowly simmered beef and vegetables fills the air. This isn’t your grandmother’s slow cooked beef stew, though, it’s a streamlined, quicker version thanks to the magic of the air fryer! This air fryer beef stew delivers all the hearty, comforting flavors you crave, but in a fraction of the time.

Growing up, my grandmother’s beef stew was legendary. It took hours to simmer, filling her kitchen with warmth and the promise of a comforting meal. While I cherish those memories, life doesn’t always allow for hours of simmering. This air fryer version captures the essence of her recipe, transforming it into a weeknight winner.

Why You Will Love This air fryer beef stew Recipe

This air fryer beef stew recipe is the perfect marriage of convenience and classic comfort. The air fryer allows the beef to get beautifully browned and tender in a fraction of the time it would take in a traditional oven or on the stovetop.

Forget hovering over a simmering pot for hours. With this recipe, you get all the depth of flavor without the all day commitment. Plus, clean up is a breeze! And if you are in the mood for other air fryer beef recipes, check out my Air Fryer Beef Tacos.

air fryer beef stew - Detail or variation — Close-up detail

Here are a few reasons you’ll fall in love with this recipe:

Speed: Ready in about an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
Comfort: A hug in a bowl, packed with savory flavors.
Flavor: Deep, rich beef flavor with perfectly tender vegetables.
Ease: Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions.

Ingredients Needed for This air fryer beef stew Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious air fryer beef stew:

Beef: 1.5 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
Vegetables:

* 1 large onion, chopped * 2 carrots, peeled and chopped * 2 celery stalks, chopped * 3 red potatoes, cubed * 1 cup frozen peas

Broth: 4 cups beef broth
Seasoning:

* 2 tablespoons olive oil * 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce * 1 teaspoon dried thyme * 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary * 1 teaspoon paprika * 1 teaspoon garlic powder * Salt and pepper to taste

Thickener: 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup cold water (optional)

How to Make This air fryer beef stew Recipe

This recipe uses the air fryer to brown the beef and begin the stewing process, then finishes on the stovetop for maximum depth of flavor. Don’t forget to Follow us on Pinterest for more yummy recipe inspiration!

1. Prepare the Beef: Toss the beef cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Air Fry the Beef: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the beef in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you may need to do this in batches). Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until browned on all sides.
3. Sauté Vegetables: While the beef is air frying, sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and celery in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Combine Ingredients: Add the air fried beef to the pot with the vegetables. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in the dried thyme and rosemary.
5. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 45 minutes, or until the beef is tender.
6. Add Potatoes: Add the cubed potatoes to the stew and continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
7. Thicken (Optional): If desired, whisk the cornstarch mixture into the stew and simmer for a few more minutes until thickened.
8. Add Peas: Stir in the frozen peas just before serving. Cook until heated through. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. You can compare this recipe to Air Fryer Beef Soup 2 for inspiration.

How to Serve This air fryer beef stew Recipe

This air fryer beef stew is a complete meal in itself, but here are some serving suggestions:

Bread: Serve with crusty bread, dinner rolls, or Irish soda bread for dipping.
Mashed Potatoes: A dollop of creamy mashed potatoes elevates the dish.
Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream.
Wine Pairing: A medium bodied red wine like Merlot or Pinot Noir pairs nicely.

How to Store This air fryer beef stew Recipe

Proper storage will help your air fryer beef stew last longer:

Refrigeration: Store cooled stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooled stew in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat stew on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.

Tips to Make This air fryer beef stew Recipe

Here are a few tips to ensure your air fryer beef stew turns out perfectly:

Beef Selection: Choose a well marbled beef chuck for the most tender and flavorful results.
Browning: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket when browning the beef. Work in batches to ensure even browning.
Salt and Pepper: Season generously with salt and pepper throughout the cooking process.
Vegetable Size: Cut the vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
Thickening: Add a cornstarch slurry at the end to make the stew thicker if you want.

Helpful Notes for This air fryer beef stew Recipe

A few extra notes to consider:

Air Fryer Size: Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model. Adjust accordingly.
Broth: You can substitute chicken broth for beef broth if you prefer, but beef broth will yield a richer flavor.
Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs, such as bay leaf or fresh thyme.

Variation of This air fryer beef stew Recipe

Looking to customize your air fryer beef stew? Here are a few variations:

Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a little heat.
Vegetarian: Substitute the beef with hearty mushrooms or lentils for a vegetarian version.
Wine: Add a splash of red wine to the stew for extra depth of flavor.

How long does it take to cook beef stew in an air fryer?

Air fryer beef stew is significantly faster to make than traditional slow-cooked versions. This recipe is designed to be ready in approximately 30 minutes, offering a quick and convenient way to enjoy this classic comfort food.

What temperature should I set my air fryer to for beef stew?

For optimal results, set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) when preparing beef stew. This temperature allows the beef to cook through while ensuring the vegetables become tender and flavorful.

What are the best cuts of beef to use for air fryer beef stew?

Chuck roast is a great option for air fryer beef stew because it becomes tender and flavorful as it cooks. Other suitable cuts include stew meat or round roast.

Can I add other vegetables to my air fryer beef stew?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your stew with your favorite vegetables. Potatoes, carrots and celery are all excellent choices.

Conclusion

This air fryer beef stew is a modern take on a classic comfort food. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful, making it the perfect meal for any night of the week. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your air fryer, and get ready to enjoy a steaming bowl of homemade goodness. I hope you enjoy this air fryer beef stew and remember to share your thoughts!