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Air Fryer Tomato and Red Wine Stew – Cozy, Flavor-Packed Comfort Food

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for finishing
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional but adds sweetness)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 can (14–15 oz) crushed tomatoes (or 2 cups chopped ripe tomatoes)
  • 3/4 cup dry red wine (such as Cabernet, Merlot, or Pinot Noir)
  • 1 cup low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth, plus more as needed
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for subtle smokiness)
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar or honey (optional, to balance acidity)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup diced potatoes or canned white beans (drained), for body
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • Crusty bread, polenta, or rice, for serving

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Use an oven-safe dish or a deep air fryer-safe pan that fits in your basket. Lightly oil the dish.
  2. Sauté base vegetables: Toss the onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper with 1 tablespoon olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking once, until edges start to brown.
  3. Add garlic and tomato paste: Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste. Air fry for 2–3 minutes to lightly caramelize the paste. This step boosts umami.
  4. Deglaze with red wine: Carefully pour in the red wine. Stir to loosen browned bits. Air fry for 3–4 minutes to reduce slightly and cook off alcohol flavors.
  5. Build the stew: Add crushed tomatoes, broth, thyme, bay leaf, smoked paprika (if using), and potatoes or white beans. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and several grinds of pepper. Stir well.
  6. Simmer in the air fryer: Air fry at 360°F (182°C) for 15 minutes. Stir halfway to ensure even heating. If the stew thickens too quickly, add a splash more broth.
  7. Taste and balance: Check seasoning. If the tomatoes taste sharp, stir in the sugar or honey. Add salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Finish with olive oil: Remove the bay leaf. Stir in 1 tablespoon olive oil for a velvety finish. Let the stew rest 5 minutes to settle.
  9. Serve: Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley, and serve with crusty bread, over creamy polenta, or alongside rice.