Beef kabobs are a classic, tasty way to enjoy flavorful, tender beef and vegetables. The combination of marinated meat threaded onto skewers and grilled is hard to beat. While traditionally made on the barbecue, beef kabobs can easily be cooked to perfection in an air fryer.
Air frying beef kabobs allows you to enjoy their great taste any time without having to fire up the grill. The circulating hot air in the air fryer cooks the beef and vegetables quickly while giving everything a nice char. With a few simple tips, you can make juicy, delicious kabobs in your air fryer.
Choosing the Right Beef for Kabobs
The first step is selecting good quality beef that will taste great and cook up tender Opt for well-marbled cuts that are naturally tender Here are some top choices
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Sirloin steak A lean yet flavorful cut that holds up well to grilling or air frying.
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Flank steak: Budget-friendly and flavorful. Benefits from marinating to help tenderize.
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Tenderloin: The most tender cut of beef; melts in your mouth when cooked properly.
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Cube steak: Pre-tenderized and perfect for kabobs. An affordable option.
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Tri-tip roast: Similar to sirloin; nicely marbled for tenderness and flavor.
Whichever cut you select, cut the beef into 1 to 1 1/2 inch cubes so the meat cooks quickly and evenly.
The Importance of Marinating
Marinating is a must for flavorful, tender beef kabobs. The marinade tenderizes the beef while infusing it with lots of flavor. A good marinade has 3 components:
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Acidic ingredient – Helps tenderize beef; options include vinegar, yogurt, citrus juice.
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Oil – Distributes flavors and keeps meat moist; olive, avocado, vegetable oil work well.
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Seasonings & herbs – Customize flavor; garlic, onion, paprika, cumin, oregano are popular.
Combine the ingredients to make your marinade and cover the beef cubes fully. Allow to marinate for at least 2-4 hours (can marinate longer for maximum flavor and tenderness). Overnight in the fridge is ideal.
Assembling the Kabob Skewers
Once marinated, thread beef cubes and your choice of veggies onto skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them for 30 minutes first to prevent burning. Alternate the ingredients for visual appeal and even cooking. Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes and zucchini make great additions.
Brush kabobs lightly with oil before air frying for optimal browning and to prevent sticking. This also helps adhere any seasonings or spices.
Air Frying Times and Temperatures
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Air fry beef kabobs for 9-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until desired doneness is reached. Use these guidelines:
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For medium doneness, cook to an internal temp of 145°F.
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For well done, cook to an internal temp of 160°F.
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Thicker cuts or larger cubes may need a couple extra minutes.
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Always use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
The high heat of the air fryer seals in juices and gives the beef and veggies a delicious caramelized char. Enjoy your tasty beef kabobs hot off the “grill” anytime!
Handy Tips for Air Frying Kabobs Like a Pro
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Don’t overcrowd air fryer basket – leave space around kabobs for air flow.
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Brush kabobs with glaze or sauce last 2-3 minutes only to avoid burning.
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If kabobs start to burn on the outside but inside is still underdone, tent with foil.
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Add sliced onions or peppers between meat for more tender, protected beef.
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Partially cook dense veggies first if needed for even cooking with beef.
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Use grill basket or skewers to easily remove kabobs from air fryer.
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Let kabobs rest 3-5 minutes before serving for juiciest results.
Fun Kabob Inspiration
The possibilities are endless when it comes to kabobs. Get creative with marinades, beef cuts, and vegetable additions. Here are just a few delicious ideas:
Jamaican Jerk Beef Kabobs – Flank steak, mango, red onion, pineapple, Jamaican jerk seasoning.
Greek Beef Kabobs – Sirloin, tomato, onion, bell pepper, Greek seasoning, tzatziki sauce.
Korean BBQ Beef Kabobs – Tenderloin, red onion, zucchini, Gochujang marinade, sesame seeds.
Southwestern Beef Kabobs – Cube steak, poblano, corn, cilantro-lime marinade, avocado crema.
Steakhouse Beef Kabobs – Sirloin, mushrooms, potato, rosemary-garlic oil, A1 steak sauce dip.
Surf & Turf Kabobs – Tenderloin, shrimp, pineapple, teriyaki marinade, white rice.
Safely Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Properly stored, leftover beef kabobs will keep for 3-4 days in the fridge. To reheat, place kabobs in a 400°F air fryer for 4-5 minutes until warmed through. Kabobs can also be frozen for longer storage. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
For food safety, reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F. Discard kabobs if they have been at room temperature more than 2 hours.
With a few simple tips, you can make incredibly delicious beef kabobs in the convenience of your air fryer. Choosing quality beef, marinating, and monitoring cook times delivers tender, juicy results. The air fryer’s super hot circulating air gives the kabobs that perfect char grilling provides.
From quick weeknight dinners to weekend entertaining, air fried beef kabobs are sure satisfy. So fire up your air fryer and enjoy this classic meal made easily and conveniently anytime.
Author: Paula Roy
Welcome to my kitchen! I love simple dishes prepared with passion and am always seeking to find new methods to make food as fun and flavourful as possible. If you enjoy this space be sure to check out my Rogers TV Ottawa cooking show, Paula Roys Favourite Foods, available on local cable, streaming and a dedicated playlist on Rogers TVs YouTube channel. View all posts by Paula Roy
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The other day, I’d planned to grill kebabs outdoors, but an impressively violent thunderstorm required a rethink, and I’m so glad I turned to my trusty air fryer instead. The only thing you need to check before proceeding to follow in my footsteps is that you have skewers that fit in your air fryer (6 inch / 15 cm ones should fit in most) and to soak the skewers (if wood) in water for at least 30 minutes before loading them up with meat and vegetables. Alternatively, you can skip the skewering and simply air fry the meat and vegetables loose in the basket(s). Note that you can easily cook the kebabs on a preheated grill or in the oven as well. As for a wine pairing for this meal, I’d suggest the Baron Philippe de Rothschild Merlot from the Pays d’Oc in the south of France. It’s a medium-bodied wine that offers great value for the price. Its appealing ruby red colour hints at its dark fruit flavours and I’ve found that whether you go with a mild or spicy marinade, it’s a good match.
Ingredients
Kebabs:
- 1 pound (454 g) sirloin or tri-tip steak
- 1 bell pepper
- 1/2 sweet or red onion
- 1 small zucchini
- 4 small button mushrooms
Marinade:
- 1/4 cup (60 mL) red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons (30 mL) Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon each salt, pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon each garlic powder, onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sriracha or other hot sauce (optional)
- 1/3 cup (90 mL) olive oil
Method
- Trim beef if needed and cut into 1 inch (2.5 cm) cubes. Place in a bowl or other non-reactive container just large enough to hold beef in a single layer.
- In a separate bowl (or a glass measure), combine all marinade ingredients and whisk until well blended. Drizzle 1/2 cup (125 mL) of the marinade over the beef and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate for 4 – 24 hours, stirring occasionally.
- 30 minutes before cooking kebabs, remove the beef from the fridge to warm slightly. Cut the vegetables into 1 inch pieces and place in a medium-sized bowl. Drizzle with remaining marinade and toss to coat evenly.
- Thread beef onto skewers (don’t pack the meat too tightly). Thread vegetables onto separate skewers. Preheat air fryer to 400F.
- Place skewers into the preheated air fryer and cook 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through until seared on the outside and tender on the inside. Vegetables should be tender and just beginning to char on the edges; meat should register 130F with an instant-read thermometer (for medium-rare).
- Serve kebabs over rice or with a robust salad.
Serves 2; recipe can easily be multiplied.
How to make steak kebobs in an air fryer
FAQ
How long does it take to cook beef kabobs in an air fryer?
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil on each kabob and place the skewers into the air fryer. Cook until desired internal temperature, turning once halfway during cooking (10-12 minutes for medium, 14-15 minutes for medium-well, 16-17 minutes for well-done).
How long do kebabs take in an air fryer?
COOK: thread the chicken, onion wedges and pepper chunks onto the skewers. Place into the air fryer in one layer (you may need to cook in batches) for 15-18 minutes, turning 2-3 times during cooking for an even, crispy finish. Ensure the chicken is piping hot throughout before serving.
How long does raw beef take in the air fryer?
… 5 minutes, air-fry at 200°C to really help the outside crisp up, then lower the temperature to 180°C or the roast setting on your air fryer for 40 minutes
How long to grill kabobs at 400?
Grilling Chicken Kabobs Preheat the grill to 350 to 400 degrees F setup for indirect heat. Grill the Kabobs over medium-high heat, covered. Turn each kabob a quarter turn every 2 minutes. Cook the kabobs for 10 to 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
How long to cook beef kebabs in air fryer?
Cooking times for beef kebabs in an air fryer can vary based on the size of the meat pieces and the desired doneness. Generally, for 1-inch cubes of beef, you should cook them at 400°F for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. It is important to shake or turn the kebabs halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning.
How long to cook kabobs in air fryer?
If you’re looking for a quick answer, the cooking time for kabobs in an air fryer typically ranges from 10 to 15 minutes at a temperature of 360°F (180°C). However, several factors such as the type of protein and its thickness can slightly alter the cooking time, which we’ll discuss in more detail later on.
How long do you cook beef skewers in an air fryer?
Thread the beef, pepper, and onion onto skewers. Place skewers into the preheated air fryer and air fryer 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through until charred on the outside and tender on the inside. Notes: Be sure to check your skewers fit into the air fryer, if not, simply place the meat and veggies into the air fryer as is.
How do you cook a rib skewer in an air fryer?
Place skewers into the preheated air fryer and air fryer 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through until charred on the outside and tender on the inside. Beef chuck ribs, or sirloin steak will work too. Stew meat as well. Sour cream. For shashlyk (meat kabobs), we use it frequently in Russia because it makes the meat incredibly tender.
How do you prepare kabobs for air frying?
Properly preparing the kabobs is crucial for achieving the desired results in the air fryer. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing your kabobs for air frying. Soak Wooden Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, it’s important to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the ingredients.
How do you cook beef in an air fryer?
When ready to cook, preheat the air fryer to 400F. Thread the beef, pepper, and onion onto skewers. Place skewers into the preheated air fryer and air fryer 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through until charred on the outside and tender on the inside.