Air Fryer Turkey Stew: Easy Comfort Food Tonight!

December 20, 2025

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Air fryer turkey stew. That's right, we're taking a classic comfort food and giving it a modern, quicker, and dare I say, tastier twist! This air fryer turkey stew is the perfect weeknight meal when you crave something hearty and soul warming, but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen. My grandmother's slow simmered beef stew was a winter staple, and this air fryer variation brings back all those delicious memories, just with a family friendly air fryer spin.

Why the air fryer? Because it concentrates the flavors beautifully, creating a rich and savory stew in less time than traditional methods. This air fryer turkey stew is destined to become a new family favorite!

Why You Will Love This air fryer turkey stew Recipe

This air fryer turkey stew is more than just a convenient meal; it is about creating heartwarming flavors in a fraction of the time. The air fryer works its magic by circulating hot air, which results in a deeply browned turkey and tender vegetables. It's like a slow cooked stew, but ready in under an hour!

I love how easily this recipe comes together using pantry staples and leftover turkey. It's a fantastic way to use up that Thanksgiving or holiday turkey! Plus, the cleanup is a breeze compared to traditional stovetop stewing. The richness rivals my grandma’s original recipe that simmers for hours, but takes only a fraction of the time. If you are looking for a comforting bowl, consider making Stir Fry Beef Stew, or even Baked Beef Stew.

Ingredients Needed for This air fryer turkey stew Recipe

Here are the ingredients you will need to create this flavorful air fryer turkey stew. Let's get started!

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless turkey thighs, cut into 1 inch cubes
1 large onion, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups low sodium turkey or chicken broth
1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 cup frozen peas
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
2 tablespoons all purpose flour, optional (for thickening)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

How to Make This air fryer turkey stew Recipe

Follow these simple steps to make delicious air fryer turkey stew:

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, toss the cubed turkey thighs with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Place the turkey in the air fryer basket in a single layer allowing air to circulate freely. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly browned. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Next, add the browned turkey to your air fryer safe pot or dutch oven.
In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Pour in the turkey or chicken broth, then add the cubed potatoes, frozen peas, thyme, and rosemary.
Stir everything well to combine the ingredients.
Carefully place the baking dish into the air fryer basket. Cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the stew has thickened slightly. Check halfway through and stir gently.

If you desire a thicker stew, whisk the flour with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Gently stir the slurry into the stew during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Once the stew is cooked, remove it from the air fryer.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

How to Serve This air fryer turkey stew Recipe

This air fryer turkey stew is delicious served on its own as a hearty and complete meal. For an extra touch, you can serve it with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the savory broth. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese can also add a nice creamy element.

Consider serving it alongside a simple green salad for a balanced meal. You could also make One Pot Turkey Tacos for another quick meal with your leftover turkey.

How to Store This air fryer turkey stew Recipe

To store any leftover air fryer turkey stew, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

Refrigeration: Store the stew in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the stew in a freezer safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the stew on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the stew has thickened too much during storage, add a little extra broth to reach your desired consistency.

Tips to Make This air fryer turkey stew Recipe

Here are a few tips to ensure your air fryer turkey stew turns out perfectly every time:

Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Sweet potatoes, parsnips, or green beans would all be great additions.
Success Tip: Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket when browning the turkey. Cook in batches to ensure even browning.
Common Mistakes: Avoid using too much oil, as it can make the stew greasy. Using low sodium broth will give you more control over the saltiness of the dish.
Pro Tip: For extra flavor, brown the turkey in batches and deglaze the air fryer safe pot with a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar before adding the broth. This will add depth and richness to the stew!

Helpful Notes for This air fryer turkey stew Recipe

A few extra notes that might come in handy:

Turkey Thighs: I prefer using turkey thighs for this recipe because they stay tender and flavorful during cooking. However, you can also use turkey breast, just be careful not to overcook it.
Air Fryer Safe Pot: Make sure you use a pot or baking dish that is specifically labeled as air fryer safe. It should be able to withstand the high temperatures and circulate heat evenly.
Remember to keep your air fryer clean, by regularly emptying the drip tray to avoid any smoking!

Variation of This air fryer turkey stew Recipe

Here are some creative modifications to this air fryer turkey stew recipe:

Seasonal Twist: In the fall, add butternut squash or pumpkin for a seasonal twist.
Optional Version: For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the stew.
Creative Modifications: Try adding a can of diced tomatoes for extra acidity and flavor. You can also stir in a dollop of pesto or a spoonful of Dijon mustard at the end for a unique flavor boost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put raw meat in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook raw meat in an air fryer. Ensure the meat reaches a safe internal temperature using a meat thermometer. Always follow food safety guidelines to prevent foodborne illness.

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

Cooking stew in an air fryer generally takes less time than traditional methods. Expect a cooking time of around 30-45 minutes, depending on the air fryer model and ingredients.

What are the benefits of cooking stew in an air fryer?

Cooking stew in an air fryer offers several advantages, including faster cooking times, less oil usage, and easier cleanup. The air fryer also helps to create a more even cooking temperature throughout the stew.

What temperature should I air fry my turkey stew?

Air fry your turkey stew at 375°F (190°C) for optimal results. This temperature allows the stew to cook evenly and develop a rich flavor while preventing burning.

Conclusion

This air fryer turkey stew is truly a game changer for busy weeknights. It's comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for using up leftover turkey or creating a quick and satisfying meal, I encourage you to give this recipe a try! Feel free to leave a comment below with any questions or share your own variations. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your air fryer, and let's make some delicious air fryer turkey stew together!