Air fryer beef kabobs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue. Here’s a simple recipe along with some notes to help you make the most of your air fryer beef kabobs.
Ingredients:
For the marinade:
- 1.5 pounds (680g) beef sirloin or beef tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions:
- Marinate the Beef:
- In a bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients: olive oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, salt, and dried oregano.
- Add the beef cubes to the marinade and toss to coat them evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Skewers:
- While the beef is marinating, soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning in the air fryer.
- Thread the marinated beef cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Air Fry the Kabobs:
- Place the beef skewers in the preheated air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching each other. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry the kabobs for about 10-12 minutes, turning them halfway through, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
- Serve:
- Once the beef kabobs are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Serve the beef kabobs hot with your favorite sides like rice, salad, or grilled vegetables.
Notes:
- Meat Selection: You can use beef sirloin, tenderloin, or other cuts suitable for skewers. Lean cuts work well for this recipe.
- Marinating Time: Marinating the beef for at least 30 minutes is recommended, but you can marinate it for longer, even overnight, for more flavor.
- Skewers: Soaking wooden skewers in water prevents them from burning. If you have metal skewers, you can use those instead.
- Spacing: Make sure to leave a little space between the beef cubes on the skewers to allow for even cooking.
- Temperature Control: Keep an eye on the cooking time and temperature as air fryers can vary. Adjust the time as needed to achieve your desired level of doneness.
- Sides: Consider serving the beef kabobs with various sauces, dips, or sides like tzatziki, hummus, or pita bread for a complete meal.
Enjoy your air fryer beef kabobs with your favorite sides and sauces for a tasty and satisfying meal!
Tips:
- Vegetable Additions: Add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms to the skewers for added flavor and nutrition. Just be mindful of the cooking time for the veggies, as they may cook faster than the beef.
- Baste with Marinade: While air frying, you can brush the kabobs with extra marinade for added flavor and moisture. Be sure to do this quickly to avoid losing too much heat from the air fryer.
- Uniform Cubes: Try to cut the beef into uniform-sized cubes to ensure even cooking. This way, you won’t end up with some pieces overcooked while others are undercooked.
- Prevent Overcrowding: If you’re making a large batch, cook the beef kabobs in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: Prepare various dipping sauces like chimichurri, teriyaki, or garlic aioli to serve alongside your kabobs. They can add an extra layer of flavor.
Variations:
- Chicken Kabobs: If you prefer chicken, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh meat instead of beef in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Seafood Kabobs: Consider making seafood kabobs with shrimp, scallops, or chunks of firm fish like salmon. Seafood cooks quickly, so reduce the cooking time accordingly.
- Vegetarian Kabobs: Make vegetable-only kabobs with a variety of colorful bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Marinate and cook them as you would with meat.
- Spice it Up: Experiment with different seasonings and spices in the marinade to create unique flavor profiles. You can add cayenne pepper for heat or herbs like rosemary or thyme for a Mediterranean twist.
- Teriyaki Style: Use a teriyaki marinade instead of the suggested marinade for a sweet and savory flavor profile. You can also add pineapple chunks to the skewers for a tropical twist.
- Tofu Kabobs: For a vegetarian or vegan option, marinate cubes of tofu and air fry them in the same way as meat or vegetable kabobs.
Remember that the air fryer is a versatile appliance, and you can get creative with your kabob recipes to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and flavors to create the perfect kabobs for your next meal!
