Air-Fried Suya: A Quick, Crispy, And Healthy Treat

Suya is a popular street food in West Africa, especially in Nigeria. It is made by marinating beef in oil and a special spice blend, known as Yaji or Suya spice, and then grilling it on skewers. The spice blend typically includes paprika, cayenne pepper, curry powder, peanut powder, and ginger. Making Suya in an air fryer is a convenient and quick way to enjoy this delicious Nigerian delicacy without having to use an oven or outdoor grill.

Choosing the right cut of meat

Types of Beef Cuts

The type of beef cut you choose will depend on your personal preference and the desired texture of your Suya. Here are some common options:

• Sirloin Steak: This is a lean cut of beef that offers a chewy mouthfeel. It is a popular choice for Suya as it is easy to cut into uniform shapes.
• Skirt Steak: Skirt steak is another good option for Suya as it has a good balance of tenderness and flavour.
• Ribeye Steak: Ribeye is a tender, fatty, and beefy cut that works well for Suya. It is easy to cut into uniform pieces and provides a juicy texture.
• Flank Steak: Flank steak is lean and has connective tissue that gives a chewy texture. It is a good choice if you prefer a more substantial bite to your Suya.

Other Considerations

When choosing your meat, it is important to consider the fat content and tenderness. For Suya, it is best to avoid cuts that are too fatty as they can become greasy. You can also tenderize the meat before cooking if needed. Additionally, look for good quality meat that is fresh and has a bright colour.

Preparation and Marinating

Once you have selected your cut of meat, it is important to prepare and marinate it properly. Here are some key steps:

• Slice the meat into thin, uniform strips or pieces. You can ask your butcher to slice the meat for you, or you can partially freeze the meat before slicing to make it easier.
• Marinate the meat in a mixture of oil, spices, and seasonings. Common spices used in Suya include garlic, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and ginger.
• Leave the meat to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight, to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat fully.

Remember, the key to choosing the right cut of meat for Air Fryer Suya is to select a cut that is lean, tender, and easy to cut into uniform pieces. With the right cut of meat and proper preparation, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious and mouthwatering Suya!

Marinating the meat

Firstly, select your meat. While beef is the most traditional choice, you can also use other meats such as chicken, goat, mutton, or lamb. Cut the meat into bite-sized pieces or thin slices. It is important to choose a tender cut without too much connective tissue.

Next, prepare the spice mix. You can either buy pre-made suya spice mix or make your own by blending roasted peanuts, dried ginger, cayenne powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, turmeric, ground cloves, ground coriander seed, nutmeg, and Maggi seasoning. You can also add avocado oil to the spice mix to create a paste.

Now it's time to coat the meat with the spice mix. Place the meat in a bowl and toss it with the spice mix, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated. You can use your hands or a spoon to mix it thoroughly. Cover the bowl with cling film and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes. The longer you leave it, the more intense the flavour will be.

Once the meat has marinated, you can thread it onto skewers. If using wooden skewers, it is recommended to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.

Finally, brush the skewered meat with oil. This will help the spices stick to the meat and create a crispy, browned exterior when cooked. You can use avocado oil or any other cooking oil of your choice.

Your meat is now ready to be cooked in the air fryer! Remember to preheat the air fryer to around 190-200°C before placing the skewers inside.

Preparing the spice mix

Firstly, gather your ingredients. The exact measurements of each ingredient can be adjusted to suit your taste, but a typical Suya spice mix consists of paprika, cayenne pepper, curry powder, peanut powder, and ginger. You will also need a coffee grinder or high-speed blender to process the mix.

For a more detailed spice mix, you can use the following recipe: 1/4 cup roasted ground nuts (or roasted peanuts), 1/2 tsp dried ginger, 1/2 tsp cayenne powder, 1/8 tsp of onion powder, 1/8 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp turmeric, 1/8 tsp ground cloves, 1/8 tsp ground coriander seed, 1 tsp Maggi Seasoning, and 1/8 tsp nutmeg.

Once you have your ingredients, place them all into your coffee grinder or blender and process the mix until it reaches a fine powder consistency. This may take several minutes, depending on the power of your grinder or blender.

Your Suya spice mix is now ready to be used! Any leftover mix can be stored in an airtight jar and will last for months. The spice blend is very versatile and can be used on other meats such as goat, mutton, or chicken, as well as in non-traditional dishes like watermelon salad and prawn stir-fry.

Threading the meat onto skewers

When threading the meat, it is important to ensure that all the pieces are of a similar size so that they cook evenly. The meat should be cut into thin, bite-sized slices. You can use any cut of beef, but ribeye and sirloin are popular choices. If you are using wooden skewers, it is best to use thicker ones to prevent them from burning. Alternatively, you can use metal skewers.

Once the meat is cut into slices, it should be marinated in oil and the spice blend. The spice blend typically includes paprika, cayenne pepper, curry powder, peanut powder, and ginger. After marinating, the meat slices are threaded onto the skewers. It is important to leave a bit of space between each piece of meat to allow for even cooking.

Repeat this process until all the meat has been used. You can then brush the skewers with oil and dredge them in additional spice blend to ensure they are thoroughly coated.

Air-frying the suya

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 190-200°C. While the air fryer is heating up, prepare your spice blend. You can either make your own by blending nuts and various spices, or you can buy a pre-made suya spice mix.

Next, cut your chosen cut of beef into bite-sized pieces or thin slices. You can use ribeye, sirloin, or skirt steak, or opt for other meats such as chicken, goat, or mutton. Coat the meat with avocado or another cooking oil, then generously sprinkle the spice mix over the meat, ensuring each piece is well-coated.

Now you are ready to cook your suya! Place the meat in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. Set the air fryer for 12-15 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For extra flavour, sprinkle more spice mix on top of the meat halfway through the cooking process.

Your air-fried suya will be ready in no time! Serve it hot with a garnish of onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers, and perhaps a side of coleslaw, French fries, or plantains for a truly authentic Nigerian experience.

Frequently asked questions