Beef Kabobs: Air Fryer Style

Air fryer beef kabobs are a quick, easy, and delicious meal that can be made with minimal effort. The beef is typically marinated for 30 minutes or more, and then cooked in the air fryer for around 10 minutes. The ingredients are simple and easy to find, and the dish can be paired with a simple salad or garlic yoghurt sauce. The best cuts of meat to use are sirloin, ribeye, and New York strip steaks, but cheaper cuts such as stew meat can also be used.

Choosing the right beef cut

Sirloin Steak

The sirloin steak is a popular choice for beef kabobs due to its juicy and delicious flavour. It cooks well in the air fryer, resulting in tender meat. Sirloin is a relatively lean cut, making it ideal for grilling or skewering. It also has a good balance of fat content, which adds flavour and moisture to the kabobs.

Ribeye, New York Strip, or Filet Mignon

These cuts are also excellent options for beef kabobs. They tend to be more marbled with fat, resulting in juicy and flavourful kabobs. These cuts may be a bit more expensive, but they will certainly elevate your dish.

Chuck Ribs, Stew Meat, or Ribs

If you're looking for a more economical option, chuck ribs, stew meat, or ribs are great choices. These cuts may have a bit more connective tissue, but when properly cooked, they can be incredibly tender and flavourful. Marinating these cuts beforehand can also help enhance their flavour and texture.

Flank Steak

Flank steak is another lean cut that works well for beef kabobs. It has a robust beefy flavour and is best when sliced thinly against the grain. Flank steak is also a good option if you want to showcase the flavours of the marinade.

Casserole Beef

Casserole beef, also known as stewing beef, is recommended by some sources for making beef kabobs. It is usually a less expensive cut of meat that is easy to find in supermarkets. Look for chunky pieces of beef that are suitable for skewering, rather than strips meant for stir-fries.

When choosing the right beef cut for your air fryer beef kabobs, consider factors such as flavour, fat content, tenderness, and cost. Remember that marinating the meat beforehand can also enhance the flavour and texture, especially for tougher cuts.

Marinating the beef

Firstly, select your beef cut of choice. Sirloin steak is a popular choice for kabobs due to its juicy flavour and texture. However, other cuts such as filet mignon, ribeye, New York strip, or even cheaper options like stew meat, can also be used. Cut the beef into bite-sized or 1-inch pieces, ensuring they are all roughly the same size so they cook evenly.

Next, prepare your marinade. A simple combination of olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, chilli powder, cumin, salt, and pepper can be used. Alternatively, you can opt for readymade marinades like Tony Chachere's Steakhouse Marinade, which features a blend of garlic, brown sugar, soy, citrus, and Creole seasoning. If you want to add a kick to your kabobs, you can also use seasonings like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, teriyaki sauce, garlic powder, steak seasoning, or red pepper flakes.

Once your marinade is ready, place the beef chunks into the marinade and ensure they are well coated. Cover the container and place it in the refrigerator. Marinate the beef for at least 30 minutes, but preferably longer—even overnight if possible. The longer the beef marinates, the more tender and flavourful it will become.

After the beef has marinated, you can begin assembling your kabobs by threading the beef and vegetables onto skewers.

Preparing the vegetables

After chopping, you can toss the vegetables in a bowl with some olive oil and season with salt and pepper, or you can add them directly to the skewers. If you're using wooden skewers, don't forget to soak them in water for at least 10 minutes before adding the vegetables and meat. This will prevent them from burning during cooking. Now, you're ready to start assembling your kabobs! Thread the vegetables onto the skewers, alternating with pieces of beef. You can also add some space between the pieces to ensure even cooking. Once your kabobs are assembled, they're ready to be cooked in your air fryer!

Skewering the beef and vegetables

First, if you are using wooden skewers, it is important to soak them in water for at least 10 minutes before using them. This will prevent them from burning during the cooking process. Metal skewers do not require soaking.

Next, you'll want to cut your beef and vegetables into uniform, bite-sized pieces. Aim for pieces that are around 1-inch in size, as this will ensure that everything cooks evenly. You can use any type of beef you prefer, such as sirloin steak, ribeye, or a cheaper cut like stew meat. For the vegetables, bell peppers and onions are a popular choice, but you can also add mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for extra flavour and colour.

Once your ingredients are prepared, it's time to start skewering! You can thread the beef and vegetables onto the skewers in any order you like, but be sure to add a few pieces of onion to each skewer, as this will add extra flavour to the kabobs. Leave a small amount of space between each piece of meat or vegetable to allow for even cooking.

Finally, before placing the kabobs in the air fryer, be sure to check that the skewers fit comfortably inside the basket with a little room to spare. You don't want them to be too long and end up touching the heating element.

Cooking the kabobs in the air fryer

Now that you've gathered and prepared all your ingredients, it's time to cook your beef kabobs in the air fryer! Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Prepare your air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F (around 180°C). You can also spray the air fryer basket with a non-stick spray, such as olive oil or avocado oil, to prevent sticking. However, this step is optional, especially if you're using wooden skewers that have been soaked beforehand.
• Assemble the kabobs: If you haven't already, thread the beef and vegetable pieces onto your skewers. Alternate between beef and vegetables for even cooking. Leave a small space between each piece to ensure thorough cooking.
• Place the kabobs in the air fryer: Arrange the skewers in a single layer at the bottom of the air fryer basket. If your air fryer is crowded, you may need to cook the kabobs in batches.
• Cook the kabobs: Cook the kabobs at 390-400°F for 8-12 minutes. For best results, flip the skewers halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking on both sides.
• Check for doneness: Depending on your desired level of doneness, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the beef. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F, and for medium-well, aim for 150°F.
• Serve immediately: Beef kabobs are best served hot off the grill! You can pair them with a variety of sides, dips, or sauces. Some popular options include garlic yoghurt sauce, herb salad, fries, or a simple side salad.

Your air-fried beef kabobs are now ready to be enjoyed! This cooking method ensures juicy and tender beef with a delicious char on the outside, all prepared with minimal effort and maximum flavour.

Frequently asked questions