These Cajun Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Steak Skewers are a tasty treat! Juicy steak is mixed with a spicy Cajun seasoning and topped with cheesy goodness, all cooked in a quick air fryer. Yum!
Skewers are just more fun to eat, right? Plus, I love how easy they are to whip up. Just season, skewer, and let the air fryer do all the work. Dinner’s ready before you know it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak or Sirloin: Both are great choices for skewers, but flank steak gives a nice tenderness. If you’re looking for alternatives, try skirt steak or even chicken breast for a lighter option.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key to the flavor. You can substitute with garlic powder in a pinch, though fresh has more flavor. Just use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for 4 cloves of fresh.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor. If you’re out, Pecorino Romano is an excellent alternative. Nutritional yeast works for a dairy-free option, offering a cheesy flavor.
Cajun Seasoning: This adds a spicy kick! If you don’t have it, you can mix paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder for a homemade blend. Adjust to your spice preference!
How Do I Ensure My Skewers Don’t Stick or Burn in the Air Fryer?
To avoid sticking or burning, preheat your air fryer properly and use enough oil in the marinade. Here are some steps to help:
- Use a generous amount of olive oil in the marinade to create a nice coating.
- Make sure to soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes. This keeps them from scorching in the heat.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Keep the skewers in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
Flipping them halfway through cooking also helps them cook evenly and avoids burnout on one side. Enjoy your perfectly cooked steak skewers!
How to Make Cajun Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Steak Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if wooden)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes for preparation, plus an additional 30 minutes of marinating time (up to 2 hours for more flavor). Cooking in the air fryer will take just 8-10 minutes. So, in total, you’re looking at around 45 minutes to have delicious steak skewers ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
Start by grabbing a large bowl. In it, combine the minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together well to form a nice paste. This will give your steak that amazing flavor!
2. Marinate the Steak:
Next, add your cubed steak to the bowl. Toss the steak pieces around in the marinade until they are all evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, letting it marinate for up to 2 hours will enhance the flavor even more!
3. Get Your Air Fryer Ready:
While the steak is marinating, it’s time to preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures that your steak cooks evenly and gets a nice crispy exterior.
4. Thread the Skewers:
Once the steak has marinated, take it out of the fridge. Thread the marinated steak cubes onto the skewers, making sure they’re spaced evenly apart. If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning during cooking!
5. Air Fry the Skewers:
Carefully place the skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Be sure not to overlap them to ensure they cook properly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to do this in batches.
6. Cook the Skewers:
Now, cook the skewers for about 8-10 minutes. Be sure to flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. You can check them to see when they’ve reached your preferred level of doneness!
7. Let Them Rest:
Once they’re done cooking, take the skewers out of the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making the steak even tastier.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Spriнkle the warm skewers with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce or side dish. Enjoy your Cajun Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Steak Skewers!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Steak for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak and sirloin are great choices, you can also use ribeye, tenderloin, or even chicken if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness and type of meat used. Thinner cuts may cook faster, so keep an eye on them!
What If I Don’t Have Cajun Seasoning?
No worries! You can make your own Cajun seasoning by combining equal parts paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. Adjust the spices to your liking! Alternatively, any seasoning blend that you enjoy will work.
How Do I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place skewers in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes or until heated through. This will help maintain that delicious texture!
Can I Make These Skewers Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the steak cubes up to 2 hours in advance. If you’d like to prep even earlier, you can marinate them and freeze the skewers. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking, and they’ll be ready to go!
