Air Fryer Beef Skewers: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Air fryer beef skewers are a quick and easy dish that can be used as an appetizer or a main course. They are perfect for a summer lunch or dinner, avoiding the heat of cooking outside. The prep is simple and the same whether you're making beef or chicken skewers, and they can be cooked in under 15 minutes. The key to a fantastic beef skewer is the marinade – the longer you can leave the meat to soak up the flavour, the better. You can also add vegetables to your skewers, such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, zucchini and even fruit like pineapple.

Choosing the right steak

When preparing your beef skewers, cut the steak into bite-sized or 1-inch pieces. If using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for at least 10 minutes before threading on the steak to prevent them from burning. You can also use metal skewers, which do not need to be soaked.

The cooking time for your beef skewers will depend on the desired doneness of your steak. For medium-rare, cook the skewers until a thermometer inserted into the steak reads 135°F. For medium, cook to 140°F, and for medium-well, cook to 145°F. The cooking time will also depend on your air fryer model, but generally, the skewers will take around 8 to 10 minutes to cook. Be sure to flip the skewers halfway through the cooking process.

Marinating the beef

Choosing the Right Cut of Beef:

Start by selecting the right cut of beef for your skewers. Common options include sirloin steak, beef chuck ribs, beef flank steak, or even ribeye and New York strip steaks. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, sirloin steak is a great choice as it's juicy and remains tender during cooking.

Preparing the Marinade:

The key to delicious beef skewers is in the marinade. In a medium-sized bowl, combine ingredients such as olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and soy sauce. You can also add some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Whisk the ingredients until they are well blended. If you want to get creative, you can even add sour cream and mix it with soy sauce for an extra tenderizing effect.

Cut your chosen cut of beef into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1-inch cubes. Place the beef cubes into the bowl of marinade and ensure they are well coated. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. For the best results, let the beef marinate for at least 30 minutes to overnight. The longer you can marinate the beef, the more tender and flavourful it will be.

Skewering the Beef:

Once the beef has finished marinating, it's time to assemble the skewers. If you are using wooden skewers, it's important to soak them in water for about 10 minutes before adding the beef. This will prevent them from burning during cooking. Thread the beef cubes onto the skewers, leaving a small amount of space between each piece to allow for even cooking.

Cooking the Beef Skewers:

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually around 400°F. Place the skewers inside the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Cook the beef skewers for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F; for medium, 140°F; and for medium-well, 145°F. Be sure to turn the skewers occasionally during cooking to ensure even cooking.

By following these steps and allowing adequate time for marinating, your air-fried beef skewers will be packed with flavour and have a juicy, tender texture.

Preparing the skewers

Choosing the Right Ingredients

Select your beef cut of choice—flank steak, sirloin steak, or chuck ribs are great options. You'll also need vegetables such as bell peppers and onions, cut into 1-inch chunks. If you want to add some spice, include minced garlic. For a more well-rounded flavour, you can also add some fruit like pineapple or apple.

Marinating the Beef

In a large bowl, prepare your marinade by combining olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and spices like chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. You can also add soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or teriyaki sauce for extra flavour. Mix well. Place the beef cubes in the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours for more tender and flavourful meat.

Assembling the Skewers

Soak wooden skewers in water for about 10 minutes to prevent them from burning. If using metal skewers, you can skip this step. Thread the beef cubes and vegetable chunks onto the skewers, alternating between them. Leave a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking.

Cooking the Beef Skewers

Preheat your air fryer to 390–400°F. Place the skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd them. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through the cooking process. The skewers are done when the beef reaches your desired doneness, which you can check with a meat thermometer. For medium-rare beef, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F; for medium, 140°F; and for medium-well, 145°F.

Cooking the skewers

Now that you have assembled your beef skewers, it's time to cook them to perfection! Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F. This is a common temperature setting across various recipes and ensures your beef cooks evenly.
• Prepare the skewers: Place the assembled skewers in a single layer on the air fryer basket or tray. If you're cooking a large batch, you may need to work in batches.
• Cooking time: Depending on your desired doneness, cook the skewers for 8 to 10 minutes. For a medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F; for medium, 140°F; and for medium-well, 145°F.
• Flip and baste: Halfway through the cooking process, flip your skewers to ensure even cooking. You can also baste them with your favourite marinade or sauce to add extra flavour and moisture.
• Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the beef. This is the most accurate way to determine if your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
• Rest and serve: Once your skewers are cooked to perfection, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy, tender bite.

• Soak wooden skewers: If you're using wooden skewers, don't forget to soak them in water for at least 10 minutes before assembling. This step is crucial to prevent the skewers from burning during the cooking process.
• Customise your skewers: Feel free to experiment with different types of beef and vegetables. You can also add fruits like pineapple or apples for a unique twist.
• Marinate for flavour: Marinating your beef skewers beforehand adds tons of flavour and keeps the meat juicy. Try marinating for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight, for the best results.
• Avoid overcrowding: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook the skewers in batches. Avoid overcrowding the basket or tray to ensure even cooking and proper air circulation.

Storing and reheating the skewers

Storing and reheating beef skewers is a simple process. Firstly, it is important to let the skewers cool to room temperature. Then, remove the meat and vegetables from the skewers if you are using wooden ones. Place the skewers or the meat and vegetables into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will last for up to 3 days.

To reheat the skewers, place them back into the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 350-400°F, or until heated through. If you are using a microwave to reheat, remove the meat and vegetables from the skewers first.

Frequently asked questions