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Air fryer steak and shrimp kabobs with juicy grilled beef, tender shrimp, and golden roasted vegetables
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Air Fryer Steak and Shrimp Kabobs – Fast, Flavorful Surf and Turf

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • Steak: Sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip, cut into 1- to 1.25-inch cubes
  • Shrimp: Large or extra-large, raw, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
  • Bell peppers: Any color, cut into 1.25-inch pieces
  • Red onion: Cut into 1.25-inch chunks
  • Zucchini: Sliced into thick half-moons or chunks (optional)
  • Olive oil
  • Soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
  • Fresh garlic: Minced
  • Lemon: Zest and juice
  • Honey or brown sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
  • Smoked paprika
  • Ground black pepper
  • Kosher salt
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak them)
  • Cooking spray (high-heat safe) or a light brush of oil for the basket

Instructions

  • Prep the skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20–30 minutes to prevent scorching.
  • Cut the steak and veggies: Cube steak into 1- to 1.25-inch pieces. Cut bell peppers and red onion into similar-sized chunks. Keep sizes consistent so everything cooks evenly.
  • Make the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2–1 teaspoon kosher salt. Add 1 teaspoon honey if you like a hint of sweetness. For heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  • Season separately: Toss the steak cubes with half the marinade. In a separate bowl, toss the shrimp with the remaining marinade. Do not marinate shrimp for long; 10–15 minutes is enough. The steak can marinate 15–30 minutes while you prep the air fryer and skewers.
  • Preheat the air fryer: Heat to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. Lightly oil or spray the basket to minimize sticking.
  • Assemble the kabobs: Thread steak, shrimp, peppers, onion, and zucchini in an alternating pattern. Tip: Place shrimp in a “C” shape and thread through both ends so they stay put. Avoid packing the pieces too tightly; a little space encourages browning.
  • Cook the first side: Arrange kabobs in a single layer in the basket. Air fry at 400°F for 4–5 minutes.
  • Flip and finish: Turn the kabobs and cook another 3–5 minutes. You’re aiming for medium steak (135°F/57°C) and just-opaque shrimp with pink outsides and no gray. Total time is usually 7–10 minutes, depending on your air fryer and chunk size.
  • Rest and garnish: Let kabobs rest 3 minutes. Squeeze with a little lemon, sprinkle chopped parsley, and finish with a pinch of flaky salt if you like.
  • Serve: Great with rice, couscous, a simple salad, or warm pita. Drizzle with extra olive oil or a quick garlic-yogurt sauce if you want a creamy element.