Can I make Air Fryer Paleo Spiced Beef and Sweet Potato Stew ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients and seasoning ahead, but air fry close to serving for the best texture.

How do I keep this recipe from turning soggy?

Cook in a single layer, leave space for airflow, and avoid adding too much oil or sauce before the food has crisped.

Can I adjust the seasoning?

Yes. Keep the same cooking method and adjust salt, spice, herbs, citrus, or sauce to match your taste.

How do I know the s (700g) beef chuck is done?

Use the visual cues in the instructions first: the outside should be browned or crisp and the center should be hot and tender. For meat or seafood, confirm doneness with a food thermometer.

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Beef

Air Fryer Paleo Spiced Beef and Sweet Potato Stew

Name: Air Fryer Paleo Spiced Beef and Sweet Potato Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Paleo
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs (700g) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 cup beef bone broth (or paleo-friendly broth); 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, no added sugar; 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil, divided; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 2 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for mild heat); Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

By Airfryfeast Test KitchenReviewed by Airfryfeast Editorial TeamPublished Apr 18, 2026 · Updated Jun 18, 2026

Paleo 60 mins air-fryer-friendlypaleohealthyhigh-proteingluten-freeeasyone-potfreezer-friendlycomfort-foodmeal-prepweeknight-dinnerfamily-friendlyv2

Savor a wholesome Air Fryer Paleo Spiced Beef and Sweet Potato Stew featuring tender beef cubes and naturally sweet potatoes simmered in fragrant spices. This easy, one-pot paleo beef stew is gluten-free, freezer-friendly, perfect for healthy meal prep, and delivers comforting high-protein nourishment in under an hour.

Prep 15 min

Cook 45 min

Total 60 min

Servings 4

Difficulty easy

Cuisine Paleo

Ingredients

Servings 4

1.5 lbs (700g) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cup beef bone broth (or paleo-friendly broth)
1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, no added sugar
2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil, divided
1 tbsp tomato paste
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for mild heat)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Ingredients for Air Fryer Paleo Spiced Beef and Sweet Potato Stew

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C) for 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine beef cubes with 1 tablespoon olive or avocado oil, smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, thyme, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Toss to evenly coat.
Add diced onion, minced garlic, and red bell pepper to the spiced beef mixture. Gently mix together.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil or line it with a perforated parchment liner for easy cleanup.
Place the beef and vegetable mixture evenly into the basket. Cook for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway to ensure even cooking and browning.
Meanwhile, toss sweet potato cubes with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.
After 15 minutes, remove the basket and layer the sweet potatoes evenly over the beef mixture.
Pour beef bone broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste gently over the ingredients. Stir lightly to combine, avoiding broth spills outside the basket.
Return the basket to the air fryer and cook at 370°F (188°C) for 25–30 minutes, stirring or shaking gently every 10 minutes to prevent sticking and promote even cooking. The stew is done when beef is tender and sweet potatoes are soft.
Check seasoning and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro. Pair with steamed greens or a simple paleo salad.
To store, let stew cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Air Fryer Paleo Spiced Beef and Sweet Potato Stew cooking in the air fryer

Tips

Air Fryer Model Notes

Cook Air Fryer Paleo Spiced Beef and Sweet Potato Stew in a single layer when possible. Basket models may need batches; oven-style models may need a tray rotation halfway through for even browning.

Crispiness Control

Pat the s beef chuck dry, avoid crowding, and use only a light coat of oil or sauce before cooking. Add wet sauces near the end when you want the outside to stay crisp.

Doneness Cues

Look for browned edges, a hot center, and the texture described in the instructions. For meat or seafood, confirm doneness with a thermometer instead of relying only on color.

Reheat In The Air Fryer

Reheat leftovers at 325 F to 350 F in a single layer until hot and crisp again. Add fresh herbs, citrus, or sauce after reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Air Fryer Paleo Spiced Beef and Sweet Potato Stew ahead of time?: You can prep the ingredients and seasoning ahead, but air fry close to serving for the best texture.
How do I keep this recipe from turning soggy?: Cook in a single layer, leave space for airflow, and avoid adding too much oil or sauce before the food has crisped.
Can I adjust the seasoning?: Yes. Keep the same cooking method and adjust salt, spice, herbs, citrus, or sauce to match your taste.
How do I know the s (700g) beef chuck is done?: Use the visual cues in the instructions first: the outside should be browned or crisp and the center should be hot and tender. For meat or seafood, confirm doneness with a food thermometer.

Ingredient Replacements

If you need to swap ingredients for availability, taste, or dietary reasons, here are paleo, gluten-free, and healthy substitutions that keep the recipe balanced and flavorful:

Beef Chuck: Substitute with lamb shoulder or bison cubes for paleo-approved red meat alternatives. Turkey thigh chunks offer a leaner, mild-flavored option though texture may vary slightly.
Sweet Potatoes: Butternut squash or pumpkin cubes work well for a lower-carb paleo-friendly sweet substitute.
Beef Bone Broth: Use chicken bone broth or homemade vegetable broth to keep the stew nourishing and flavorful.
Diced Tomatoes (no added sugar): Fresh diced tomatoes or canned fire-roasted tomatoes without added sugars maintain vibrant natural flavors.
Olive or Avocado Oil: Coconut oil or ghee are excellent paleo fats that work interchangeably for cooking.
Tomato Paste: Substitute tomato puree or roasted red pepper puree, adjusting quantity to taste.
Spices: If smoked paprika is unavailable, use regular paprika or chipotle powder for similar smoky warmth. Ground ginger can replace cinnamon for a different warm spice profile.
Fresh Herbs (Parsley or Cilantro): Fresh basil or thyme make tasty garnishes complementing the stew's herbaceous notes.

These substitutions ensure your stew remains wholesome, delicious, and compatible with paleo, gluten-free, and healthy lifestyles while adapting to your pantry and preferences.

Storage

Store leftover Air Fryer Paleo Spiced Beef and Sweet Potato Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cool the food before sealing so excess steam does not soften the texture.

Freeze only if the main ingredient and coating are freezer-friendly. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat in the air fryer at 325 F to 350 F in a single layer until hot and crisp again. Add fresh herbs, citrus, or sauce after reheating for the best flavor.

Read related air fryer guides and cooking tips.

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Air Fryer Paleo Spiced Beef and Sweet Potato Stew

Recipe Details

Ingredients

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