Introduction
Transform humble steak and shrimp into a restaurant-worthy meal with these incredibly easy air fryer kabobs! Forget hours of grilling – this recipe delivers juicy, flavorful perfection in a fraction of the time, with minimal cleanup. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this surprisingly simple yet elegant dish!
Why This Works
This recipe shines because it’s a beautiful balance of flavors and textures. The air fryer creates perfectly cooked steak and shrimp, with a delightful char, without the fuss of traditional grilling. The marinade infuses both proteins with incredible depth, while the vibrant vegetables add a fresh, contrasting crunch. It’s impressive, delicious, and ready in under 30 minutes!
Key Ingredients
🥩 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
🍤 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
🫑 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
🧅 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
🍋 1/4 cup lemon juice
🌿 2 tablespoons olive oil
🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
🧂 1 teaspoon salt
🌶️ 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
🌿 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
1️⃣ Marinate: In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano. Add the steak and shrimp, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor).
2️⃣ Assemble: Thread the marinated steak, shrimp, bell pepper, and red onion onto skewers. Leave a little space between each piece for even cooking.
3️⃣ Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the kabobs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded.
4️⃣ Cook: Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the steak and shrimp are cooked through and the vegetables are tender-crisp. Internal temperature of steak should reach 145°F (63°C) and shrimp should be pink and opaque.
5️⃣ Serve: Remove from the air fryer and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
Handy Tips
- Substitute: Feel free to swap out the bell pepper and red onion for other vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms.
- Marinade Time: A longer marinade (up to 4 hours) will result in more flavorful steak and shrimp.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure the kabobs aren’t touching in the air fryer basket to allow for even cooking and browning.
Heat Control
The air fryer’s even heat distribution is key to success. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, so ensure proper spacing. Monitor the kabobs closely during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak to ensure it reaches a safe temperature.
Crunch Factor
The vegetables achieve a delightful crunch thanks to the air fryer’s ability to create a crispy exterior while maintaining tenderness inside. Overcooking will result in mushy vegetables, so keep a close eye on cooking time.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- Prep Ahead: Marinate the steak and shrimp the night before for extra flavor.
- Skewer Strategy: Use metal skewers for even cooking and easy cleanup. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent burning.
- Flavor Boost: Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving for extra brightness.
Storage Tips
Store leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or microwave.
Gift Packaging Ideas
These kabobs make a fantastic summer party appetizer! Arrange them on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation. For a more casual gathering, serve them directly from the air fryer basket.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Southwest: Add a pinch of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika to the marinade.
🌟 Mediterranean Twist: Incorporate Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and fresh oregano.
🌟 Teriyaki Glaze: Brush the kabobs with teriyaki sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
🌟 Garlic Herb Butter: Melt garlic herb butter and brush it on the kabobs after cooking.
Troubleshooting
- Dry Steak/Shrimp: If the steak or shrimp is dry, it was likely overcooked. Reduce cooking time next time.
- Mushy Vegetables: Overcooked vegetables indicate too much cooking time. Reduce the cooking time by a minute or two next time.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, but you may need to increase cooking time slightly. Thaw them completely before marinating.
- Can I make this on a grill? Yes, but adjust cooking time as needed. Grill over medium-high heat, turning occasionally.
- How can I scale the recipe? Easily double or triple the recipe to feed a larger crowd. Just make sure to maintain spacing in the air fryer.
- Gluten-Free/Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Steak and Shrimp Kabobs are a game-changer! They’re quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Experiment with different marinades and vegetables to create your own signature kabob masterpiece. Enjoy!
Air Fryer Steak & Shrimp Kabob Bliss
A delightful and easy-to-make dish featuring succulent steak and shrimp skewered and cooked to perfection in an air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add the steak cubes and shrimp to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 200u00b0C (400u00b0F).
- Thread the marinated steak, shrimp, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and onion onto the soaked wooden skewers, alternating between ingredients.
- Place the skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check that the steak is cooked to your desired doneness and the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
- Remove from the air fryer and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the kabobs with your favorite dipping sauce or over a bed of rice.
Tips
- For extra flavor, marinate the steak and shrimp overnight.
- Ensure the wooden skewers are soaked to prevent burning in the air fryer.