Cooking surf and turf at home always feels a little special, but I love finding ways to make it quick and easy. These steak and shrimp kabobs in the air fryer are one of my favorite ways to enjoy bold flavors without spending a long time in the kitchen. The air fryer cooks everything beautifully, giving the steak a juicy bite and the shrimp a tender, slightly crisp finish.
Whenever I make these kabobs, the combination of savory steak, juicy shrimp, and colorful vegetables makes the meal feel both satisfying and fresh. It’s the kind of recipe that works just as well for a casual weeknight dinner as it does for a small gathering with friends. Best of all, the air fryer makes the process simple while still delivering incredible flavor.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Steak:
Choose a tender cut of steak such as sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip. These cuts stay juicy and flavorful when cooked quickly in the air fryer. Cutting the steak into evenly sized cubes helps ensure it cooks evenly alongside the shrimp.
Shrimp:
Large or jumbo shrimp work best for kabobs. They cook quickly and hold their shape well when skewered. I prefer using peeled and deveined shrimp with the tails removed, which makes them easier to eat.
Bell Peppers:
Bell peppers add color, sweetness, and a slight crunch to the kabobs. Red, yellow, and green peppers all work well, and mixing colors makes the kabobs look vibrant and appetizing.
Red Onion:
Red onion brings a slightly sweet and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with steak and shrimp. When cooked in the air fryer, it becomes tender and slightly caramelized.
Olive Oil:
Olive oil helps the seasoning stick to the ingredients and prevents the kabobs from drying out during cooking. It also adds a light richness to the overall flavor.
Garlic:
Fresh minced garlic adds bold aroma and depth to the marinade. It enhances the flavor of both the steak and the shrimp.
Paprika:
Paprika gives the kabobs a warm smoky note and a beautiful color when cooked.
Salt and Black Pepper:
Simple but essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the steak, shrimp, and vegetables.
Lemon Juice:
A little lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the richness of the steak and shrimp.
Wooden or Metal Skewers:
Skewers hold all the ingredients together and make the kabobs easy to cook and serve. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water first to prevent burning.
Ingredients List
- 1 pound steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into cubes
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 small red onion, cut into large pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
How to Make Steak and Shrimp Kabobs in the Air Fryer
Prepare the Ingredients
Start by cutting the steak into evenly sized cubes, about 1 to 1½ inches. Chop the bell peppers and red onion into similar-sized pieces so everything cooks evenly. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick better.
Season the Steak and Shrimp
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Add the steak cubes and shrimp to the bowl and toss gently until everything is well coated with the seasoning mixture.
Assemble the Kabobs
Thread the steak, shrimp, bell peppers, and onion onto skewers, alternating the ingredients to create a balanced kabob. Try to leave a small gap between pieces so the hot air can circulate during cooking.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3–5 minutes. Preheating helps the kabobs cook evenly and develop a slightly crisp exterior.
Cook the Kabobs
Place the kabobs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8–10 minutes, turning the skewers halfway through cooking. The steak should reach your preferred doneness, and the shrimp should turn pink and opaque.
Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, remove the kabobs carefully from the air fryer. Let them rest for a minute before serving. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top adds a bright finishing touch.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Cut the steak and vegetables into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
- Use large shrimp so they don’t overcook before the steak is done.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes before using them.
- Turn the kabobs halfway through cooking for even browning.
- If you prefer medium-rare steak, reduce the cooking time slightly.
- Add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for extra flavor and variety.
- Marinate the steak and shrimp for 15–30 minutes if you want deeper flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure the shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning and assembling the kabobs.
What cut of steak works best for kabobs?
Sirloin is a great choice because it is tender and flavorful, but ribeye or New York strip also work well.
How do I keep the shrimp from overcooking?
Use large shrimp and keep the cooking time around 8–10 minutes. Shrimp cook quickly and should be removed as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
Can I make these kabobs without skewers?
Yes, you can cook the steak, shrimp, and vegetables directly in the air fryer basket. Just keep the pieces separated for even cooking.
What can I serve with steak and shrimp kabobs?
These kabobs pair well with rice, roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back their texture and flavor.