Picture this: succulent morsels of tender steak and buttery shrimp, threaded onto skewers and crisped to perfection with just a few minutes in the air fryer. These Steak & Shrimp Kabobs are ideal if you’re craving rich flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. Made with simple ingredients and ready in under 10 minutes, they’re perfect for meal prep, entertaining, or a special dinner after a long day.
I discovered this combo when I wanted surf-and-turf but didn’t want the fuss of separate cooking methods. Cutting the steak and shrimp into bite‑size pieces and air frying them together gave me flavorful results every time. Quick, balanced, and downright satisfying—it’s earned its place on my supper rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy marinade and cooking – A total time of 8–10 minutes
- Flavorful steak and shrimp combo – Steak seasoning and rich, glazed shrimp
- No grill needed – Just air fryer magic
- Portable and elegant – Perfect for guests or casual dinners
- Minimal cleanup—one bowl, one basket, one serving tray
Ingredients (Yields about 4 Servings)
- 1 lb (approx. 450 g) boneless sirloin steak, cut into 1″ cubes
- 1 lb jumbo raw shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp steak seasoning (store-bought or homemade blend)
Optional garnish: lemon wedges, chopped parsley, or a garlic butter drizzle
Equipment You’ll Need
- Chef’s knife and cutting board
- Large mixing bowl
- Bamboo or metal skewers
- Air fryer unit
- Paper towels or kitchen towel
- Oven mitts or tongs for handling hot skewers
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
1. Pat Steak and Shrimp Dry
Use a paper towel to remove excess moisture from the steak cubes and shrimp. Dry surfaces help them sear and crisp more effectively.
2. Season
In a large bowl, toss steak and shrimp with olive oil and steak seasoning until evenly coated. Let marinate for just a few minutes while you preheat the air fryer—or skip resting if short on time.
3. Thread the Kabobs
Alternating between steak and shrimp, thread pieces onto skewers—aim for 3 shrimp and 3–4 steak cubes per skewer. This ensures even cooking and balanced bites. Leave a little space so heat circulates.
4. Air Frying
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place kabobs in the air fryer basket in a single layer—do not overcrowd. Cook for 3 minutes on the first side. Then flip and cook for another 3 minutes, or until the steak is cooked to your preference (medium‑rare to medium is ideal) and shrimp are pink and slightly curled.
5. Rest & Serve
Remove kabobs carefully and let them rest a minute before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Serve while hot with your favorite sides.
Pro Tips & Flavor Boosters
- Don’t overcook: Shrimp cook fast—remove as soon as they turn opaque with just a curl.
- Marinate briefly: Longer than 30 minutes isn’t needed—seasoning sinks in quickly because shrimp and steak pieces are small.
- Customize seasoning: Use Cajun or garlic herb seasoning for a twist.
- Use metal skewers for faster heat transfer if your air fryer basket allows.
- Double batch? Cook in two rounds rather than overcrowding—they grill best with space around them.
What to Serve With
- Grilled corn or air-fried zucchini for a light veggie side
- Rice pilaf or garlic mashed potatoes
- Tzatziki sauce, cilantro yogurt, or garlic butter drizzle
- A crisp salad or slaw with bright lemon vinaigrette
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I soak wooden skewers in water?
Yes—soak bamboo skewers in water for 20 minutes before threading kabobs to prevent them from burning in the hot air fryer.
Q: Can I use flank steak or filet mignon?
Absolutely! Adjust cooking time slightly depending on thickness and doneness preference.
Q: Are steak seasoning blends necessary?
You can make your own—use equal parts salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a dash of cayenne.
Q: Does surf-and-turf work in a pan instead?
Yes—but you’ll need two pans to cook steak and shrimp separately to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Steak & Shrimp Kabobs pack big flavor in minimal time. They’re elegant yet easy, making them ideal whether you’re hosting dinner guests or looking for a satisfying meal after a long day. With tender steak, juicy shrimp, and savory seasoning, every bite feels special—and fast to the table.
Next time you’re craving a surf-and-turf night without breaking a sweat, pull out your air fryer and try these kabobs. They prove that gourmet doesn’t have to be complicated—and sometimes the best meals happen in just eight minutes.
The Goods
Steak And Shrimp Kabobs In Air Fryer
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Recipes
- 1 lb approx. 450 g boneless sirloin steak, cut into 1″ cubes
- 1 lb jumbo raw shrimp peeled & deveined
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp steak seasoning store-bought or homemade blend
Optional garnish: lemon wedges, chopped parsley, or a garlic butter drizzle
Instructions
Pat Steak and Shrimp Dry
- Use a paper towel to remove excess moisture from the steak cubes and shrimp. Dry surfaces help them sear and crisp more effectively.
Season
- In a large bowl, toss steak and shrimp with olive oil and steak seasoning until evenly coated. Let marinate for just a few minutes while you preheat the air fryer—or skip resting if short on time.
Thread the Kabobs
- Alternating between steak and shrimp, thread pieces onto skewers—aim for 3 shrimp and 3–4 steak cubes per skewer. This ensures even cooking and balanced bites. Leave a little space so heat circulates.
Air Frying
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place kabobs in the air fryer basket in a single layer—do not overcrowd. Cook for 3 minutes on the first side. Then flip and cook for another 3 minutes, or until the steak is cooked to your preference (medium‑rare to medium is ideal) and shrimp are pink and slightly curled.
Rest & Serve
- Remove kabobs carefully and let them rest a minute before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Serve while hot with your favorite sides
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