1. Marinate the beef: Combine 1 lb of chuck roast pieces with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp thyme in a bowl. Ensure each piece is well-coated. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavor.

2. Prep the vegetables: Peel and slice 2 medium carrots and 2 medium potatoes. Chop 1 onion and mince 2 cloves of garlic. This prep work is crucial for preparing vegetables for air frying.

3. Preheat your air fryer to 320°F. This air fryer cooking temperature is optimal for cooking stew meat evenly without drying it out.

4. Place the marinated beef in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Beef stew meat cooking times are crucial for achieving perfect doneness.

5. Add the prepared vegetables and 4 cups of beef broth to the basket. Stir in 1 tbsp of tomato paste for richness. Continue cooking for another 20 minutes at 320°F. The stew will simmer in the air fryer, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

6. After cooking, let the stew rest for about 5 minutes. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is succulent.