Air Fryer Beef Stew with Peppers

Introduction

This Air Fryer Beef Stew with Peppers is a delicious, hearty meal packed with tender beef, colorful bell peppers, and a rich, flavorful broth. Unlike traditional slow-cooked stews, this version is made in the air fryer, significantly cutting down on cooking time while still delivering deep, comforting flavors. The air fryer ensures the beef develops a slightly crispy exterior while staying juicy inside, and the peppers retain their vibrant color and a bit of crunch.

Ingredients

For the beef marinade:

1 lb (450g) beef stew meat (chuck or sirloin, cut into bite-sized pieces)

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

½ tsp onion powder

½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

½ tsp black pepper

For the vegetables and sauce:

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

1 small onion, sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup beef broth

1 tbsp tomato paste

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

½ tsp dried thyme

½ tsp dried oregano

1 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp water)

Instructions

 Marinate the Beef

In a bowl, mix the beef with olive oil, soy sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).

 Cook the Beef in the Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.

Place the marinated beef in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Air fry for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

 Cook the Vegetables

Remove the beef from the air fryer and set it aside.

Add the sliced bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic to the air fryer basket.

Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

 Make the Sauce

In a small saucepan, heat the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and oregano over medium heat.

Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly reduced.

Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 2 minutes until thickened.

Combine and Finish

Add the cooked beef and vegetables to the saucepan with the sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly.

Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Serve hot with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Total Cooking Time:

Marinating: 20 minutes (optional)

Cooking the beef: 10 minutes

Cooking the vegetables: 5 minutes

Preparing the sauce & combining: 10 minutes

Total Active Cooking Time: ~25 minutes

This Air Fryer Beef Stew with Peppers is a quick, easy, and flavorful alternative to traditional beef stew. The air fryer gives the beef a nice sear, while the sauce ties everything together beautifully. Enjoy!