Steak And Shrimp Kabobs In Air Fryer Recipe | Quick & Juicy

After a long day, I absolutely love how these air fryer steak and shrimp kabobs save dinner time without sacrificing flavor. I found that the air fryer locks in the juices perfectly, giving you tender steak and snappy shrimp that taste just like they came off an outdoor grill. It is honestly one of the easiest ways I have found to serve a fancy-feeling “surf and turf” meal right at home.

The best part for me is skipping the smoky backyard grill and still getting that delicious char right on my kitchen counter. For a festive dinner idea, I sometimes pair it with a Christmas Turkey Recipe to create a holiday-style meal at home.

Ingredients You Need

Here is everything you will need to create this mouthwatering dish. I recommend using high-quality proteins for the best texture and flavor. You can also enjoy similar vegetable-based sides, like Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai Recipe for a lighter, healthier addition to the meal.

1 Pound Boneless Sirloin Steak: I prefer sirloin for kabobs because it is lean and cooks quickly without drying out like tougher cuts might.
1 Pound Raw Jumbo Shrimp: Make sure these are peeled and deveined; I always check that they are completely thawed if I bought them frozen so they cook evenly.
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil: This helps the seasoning stick and adds a bit of healthy fat to keep the lean steak moist during the air frying process.
2 Tablespoons Steak Seasoning: I love using a blend with paprika and garlic, as the smoky sweetness pairs beautifully with both the beef and the seafood.

Note: This recipe makes 4 servings of delicious kabobs.

Variations to Try

You can easily customize this recipe to fit your dietary needs or flavor preferences.

Low Sodium: Swap the store-bought steak seasoning for a homemade blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper to control salt intake.
Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the oil mixture if you enjoy a bit of heat with your surf and turf.
Vegetable Add-ins: Thread pieces of bell pepper, red onion, or zucchini between the meat to add fiber and color to your skewers.
Garlic Butter: Instead of olive oil, brush the finished kabobs with melted garlic butter for a rich, restaurant-style finish.
Citrus Zest: Squeeze fresh lime or lemon juice over the shrimp before cooking to add a bright, zesty contrast to the savory steak.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 16 minutes

Equipment You Need

Air Fryer: This is the main tool used to circulate hot air around the food for even cooking.
Chef Knife: Essential for cutting the steak into uniform, bite-sized cubes.
Cutting Board: Provides a safe surface for trimming and slicing your meat.
Large Bowl: Used for tossing the meat and shrimp with the oil and seasonings.
Bamboo Skewers: Used to hold the meat and shrimp; ensure they fit inside your air fryer basket.
Tongs: Helpful for safely flipping the hot kabobs halfway through cooking.

How to Make Steak and Shrimp Kabobs in Air Fryer

Here is exactly how I prepare this meal to ensure everything comes out perfectly cooked and flavorful.

Prepare the Proteins

Start by taking your paper towels and thoroughly patting down both the steak and the shrimp to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial because dry meat browns much better than wet meat, giving you that nice texture. Once dry, cut your sirloin steak into even 1-inch cubes so that they cook at the same rate as the shrimp.

Season the Mix

Grab your large bowl and toss in the steak cubes, the raw shrimp, and your tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle the steak seasoning generously over the top and use your hands or a spoon to toss everything together until coated. You want to make sure every single piece has a nice coating of oil and spices for maximum flavor.

Assemble the Skewers

Take your bamboo skewers and alternate threading the steak and shrimp onto them, leaving a tiny bit of space between pieces. Do not overcrowd the skewer because the hot air needs to circulate around each piece to cook it properly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to trim the sticks to fit the basket.

Cook the Kabobs

Preheat your air fryer if your model requires it, then place the skewers in the basket in a single layer. Cook them at 400ºF (200ºC) for about 6 to 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The shrimp should be pink and opaque, and the steak should be cooked to your preferred level of doneness.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

I have made this recipe dozens of times, and I have learned a few tricks that make a huge difference in the final result.

Soak the Skewers: I always soak my wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading to prevent them from burning or catching fire.
Uniform Sizing: I make sure to cut my steak pieces roughly the same size as the shrimp so that one doesn’t overcook while the other is still raw.
Don’t Overcrowd: I cook in batches if necessary because if the basket is too full, the food steams instead of frying and won’t get crispy.
Let it Rest: I let the steak rest for a couple of minutes after taking it out of the air fryer to let the juices redistribute through the meat.
Check Temperature: I use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak reaches at least 145°F for medium-rare, ensuring food safety without guessing.

How to Serve Steak and Shrimp Kabobs

Presentation is key, and these kabobs look fantastic when plated correctly.

Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or parsley over the hot kabobs immediately before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
Over Grains: Serve the skewers over a bed of fluffy brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice to soak up any flavorful drippings.
With Salad: Pair them with a crisp green salad or a massaged kale salad with apples for a light, low-carb dinner option.
Dipping Sauces: Offer small bowls of garlic butter, chimichurri, or a yogurt-based dip on the side for extra flavor customization.
Lemon Wedges: Place lemon or lime wedges on the plate so guests can squeeze fresh juice over the seafood right before eating.

Nutritional Information

Here is a quick breakdown of the estimated nutrition per serving to help you track your macros.

Calories: ~450 calories
Protein: ~57g
Carbohydrates: ~3g
Fat: ~22g

Make Ahead and Storage

Planning ahead can make this quick meal even easier for your weekly schedule.

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, place the meat and shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 to 4 days. I try to eat seafood leftovers sooner rather than later to ensure the best taste and texture.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze the cooked meat for up to 3 months if stored in a heavy-duty freezer bag or sealed container. However, I personally find that the texture of the shrimp changes slightly upon thawing, so fresh is best.

Reheating Tips

To reheat, place the kabobs back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 to 5 minutes until warmed through. I avoid the microwave for this dish because it tends to make the steak rubbery and the shrimp tough.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are the main reasons why this recipe has become a regular staple in my kitchen rotation.

Incredibly Fast: I love that this entire meal comes together in under 20 minutes, making it faster than ordering takeout on a busy night.
High Protein: It is packed with lean protein from both the steak and shrimp, which keeps me feeling full and satisfied for hours.
Low Carb Friendly: This recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates and sugar, making it perfect for Keto, Paleo, or Whole30 dietary plans.
Minimal Cleanup: Since everything cooks in the air fryer basket, I don’t have to worry about scrubbing multiple pots and pans after dinner.
Versatile Flavors: You can easily change the flavor profile just by swapping the seasoning blend, so you never get bored of this meal.

Steak And Shrimp Kabobs In Air Fryer Recipe

Ash Tyrrell