Air Fryer Steak Kabobs: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Steak kabobs are a quick, easy, and healthy meal that can be cooked in an air fryer in under 15 minutes. The dish is versatile, allowing for a variety of steak cuts, vegetables, and seasonings to be used. The key to juicy and tender steak kabobs is to marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight, before cooking. Once marinated, the steak and veggies are skewered and placed in the air fryer, resulting in a delicious and convenient meal.

Choosing the right steak

Type of Steak

The type of steak you choose is a matter of personal preference. Various cuts of steak can be used for kabobs, including sirloin, filet mignon, ribeye, and New York strip. Sirloin steak is a popular choice due to its lean cut and beefy flavor. It has less fat, resulting in minimal shrinkage during cooking, and produces juicy and tender kabobs. However, other options like New York strip or tri-tip can also be considered.

Fattiness

For juicier and more flavorful kabobs, opt for darker and fattier cuts of meat. Lean meat tends to dry out quickly, which can be less desirable. Fattier cuts impart richness and moisture to the kabobs. However, too much fat can make the meat chewy and unpleasant, especially with high-heat cooking methods like air frying. Therefore, it is advisable to trim any excess fat and sinew before cubing the meat.

Size and Uniformity

Consistency in the size of your steak cubes is crucial for even cooking. Aim for cubes that are approximately 1 inch in size. This ensures that all pieces of steak on the skewer cook evenly and are done at the same time. Uniformity in size also gives your kabobs a neat and appealing appearance.

Marinade

The choice of marinade is essential for enhancing the flavor of your steak kabobs. Marinades can add juiciness and create endless flavor variations. Aim for a minimum of 30 minutes to an hour of marination, with overnight marination being ideal for maximum flavor penetration. Some popular marinade ingredients include soy sauce, sour cream, and various spices.

Skewer Type

The type of skewer you use can also impact your steak kabobs. Wooden skewers are a popular choice, but they need to be soaked in water for at least an hour to prevent burning during cooking. Metal skewers are another option and are known for their durability and ease of use.

Preparing the marinade

Firstly, decide on the ingredients for your marinade. A simple yet effective option is a combination of olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, cumin, salt and black pepper. You can also add other spices and herbs to enhance the flavour, such as rosemary or red pepper flakes. If you prefer a more tangy marinade, you can include ingredients like lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, or Worcestershire sauce. For an Asian-inspired twist, try using ginger, sesame oil, and soy sauce.

Once you have gathered your chosen ingredients, it's time to mix them together in a large bowl. Ensure you combine them well, so all the flavours meld together. You can adjust the quantities of each ingredient to suit your taste preferences. For instance, if you like your food spicy, add a little extra black pepper or include some chilli flakes.

Now, it's time to add the steak. Cut your steak into 1-inch cubes, ensuring they are all roughly the same size to allow for even cooking. Place the steak cubes into the bowl with the marinade and stir well, making sure all the meat is coated generously. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the steak to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best results, leave it for up to 12 or even 24 hours. The longer it sits, the more intense the flavour will be.

While the steak is marinating, you can prepare your vegetables. Cut up bell peppers and onions into bite-sized pieces, and consider adding other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or pearl onions. Drizzle them with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, or use any other seasonings you desire. If you're using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for about 10 minutes at this point to prevent them from burning.

Once your steak has finished marinating, you can start assembling your kabobs. Thread the meat and veggies onto your skewers, alternating as desired. You can also brush the skewers with any remaining marinade for extra flavour.

Now, your steak kabobs are ready to be cooked in your air fryer!

Preparing the vegetables

Once you've selected your vegetables, it's time to start chopping. Cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces, aiming for uniformity in size so that everything cooks evenly. You can cut them into 1-inch pieces or cubes, or simply chop them into smaller pieces if you prefer. If you're using wooden skewers, it's a good idea to soak them in water for about 10 minutes before assembling the kabobs.

After chopping, place the vegetables in a bowl and drizzle them with olive oil. Sprinkle some salt and freshly cracked black pepper over them, and toss to coat evenly. You can also add other seasonings of your choice to enhance the flavour.

Now that your vegetables are prepared, it's time to start assembling the kabobs. Grab your skewers and start threading the vegetables onto them. You can alternate between different vegetables or create a pattern, such as starting with a piece of pepper, followed by a slice of onion, and then adding the beef. Repeat this process until you reach the end of the skewer, leaving some space at the ends for easier handling.

Assembling the skewers

When you're ready to assemble the skewers, start by cutting your steak into bite-sized cubes. You can use any cut of steak you like, but sirloin is a popular choice as it stays juicy after marinating and air frying. Try to make sure all the steak pieces are roughly the same size so they cook evenly.

Next, chop up your vegetables. Bell peppers and onions are commonly used, but you can also add mushrooms, courgettes, or any other veggies you like. If you're using wooden skewers, it's a good idea to soak them in water for about 10 minutes before assembling the kabobs. This will prevent them from burning during cooking.

Now it's time to thread the ingredients onto the skewers. You can start with a piece of pepper, followed by a slice of onion, and then add the beef. Repeat this pattern until the skewer is full, leaving some space at the ends to make them easier to handle. If you're using metal skewers, you can simply start adding the ingredients without soaking the skewers first.

Finally, brush the skewers with any remaining marinade, or with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. This will add extra flavour and help create a delicious char during cooking.

Cooking the kabobs

Next, prepare your marinade. A simple marinade can be made by combining ingredients like olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Place the steak cubes in the marinade and let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight for maximum flavour. You can also marinate your vegetables by tossing them in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Now it's time to assemble the kabobs. If you're using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 10 minutes first to prevent burning. Then, thread the meat and vegetables onto the skewers, alternating as desired. You can also brush the skewers with any remaining marinade for extra flavour.

Finally, it's time to cook the kabobs. Preheat your air fryer to between 390 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the kabobs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one for even cooking. Cook for 8 to 12 minutes, flipping the kabobs halfway through. The kabobs are done when the steak is juicy and charred on the outside, and tender on the inside.

For food safety, use a meat thermometer to check that the steak has reached an internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit for medium and 155 degrees Fahrenheit for well-done.

Frequently asked questions