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Steak and Shrimp Kabobs in Air Fryer Recipe – Juicy Surf & Turf Skewers in Minutes

If you're craving a surf and turf combo that's quick, flavorful, and incredibly easy, these Steak and Shrimp Kabobs in the Air Fryer are your perfect dinner solution. With tender marinated steak cubes, juicy shrimp, and colorful veggies all air-fried to perfection, these kabobs are a game-changer for busy weeknights or BBQ-inspired gatherings. Ready in under 20 minutes, these kabobs are pork-free, alcohol-free, and give you all the grilled flavor without stepping outside! Perfect for a protein-packed meal that’s light, low-carb, and bursting with smoky spices.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🥩 Protein
  • 1 lb sirloin steak cut into 1½-inch cubes
  • 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
🥒 Fruits & Vegetables
  • 1 red bell pepper cut into chunks
  • 1 green bell pepper cut into chunks
  • 1 small red onion cut into wedges
  • 1 zucchini sliced into thick rounds (optional)
🍯 Marinade & Seasonings
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or oregano

✨ Kitchen Essentials You’ll Love

Quick picks I trust for better results, faster prep, and easier cleanup.

  • 🍳

    Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

    View ↗
  • ⚡

    Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric

    View ↗
  • 🔥

    CHEFMAN Digital Air Fryer XL 10L

    View ↗

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Equipment

  • Air fryer (basket or oven-style)
  • Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Tongs
  • Basting brush (optional)

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and Italian herbs.
  2. Divide the marinade into two bowls — one for steak, one for shrimp.
Step 2: Marinate Steak and Shrimp
  1. Add steak cubes into one bowl of marinade and toss to coat.
  2. Add shrimp into the other bowl and toss gently.
  3. Let both marinate while you prepare the vegetables (about 10–15 minutes).
Step 3: Assemble the Kabobs
  1. Thread steak cubes, shrimp, bell peppers, onions, and zucchini alternately onto skewers.
  2. For even cooking, keep similar-sized pieces together (steak and shrimp side by side but not overlapping).
Step 4: Air Fry the Kabobs
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
  2. Arrange kabobs in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if necessary).
  3. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until steak reaches desired doneness and shrimp are pink and opaque.
Step 5: Serve
  1. Remove kabobs from the air fryer and let rest for 2 minutes.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon if desired.
  3. Serve with rice, salad, or a garlic yogurt dipping sauce.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store leftover kabobs in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes or microwave until warmed through.
Freezing:
Best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze raw, marinated skewers (without veggies) for up to 1 month.
🥄 Variations
Spicy Cajun Kabobs: Add 1 tsp Cajun seasoning or chili flakes to the marinade.
Teriyaki Twist: Swap lemon juice for soy sauce and add a splash of honey for a sweet-savory glaze.
Herb Garlic Butter Drizzle: Toss kabobs with melted garlic butter after air frying.
No Veggies: Go all-protein with just steak and shrimp for a surf & turf focus.
Vegetarian Version: Substitute steak and shrimp with tofu cubes and mushrooms.
Low-Sodium: Reduce salt and use fresh herbs and lemon zest for bold flavors.
Mediterranean Style: Add cherry tomatoes and drizzle with a yogurt-tahini sauce.
Sweet & Savory: Include pineapple chunks between proteins for a tropical vibe.
Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Substitute: Use thin beef slices to wrap shrimp for a pork-free twist.
BBQ Glaze: Brush kabobs with BBQ sauce during the last 2 minutes of air frying.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before marinating.
What’s the best steak cut for kabobs?
Sirloin is perfect — tender yet affordable. Ribeye also works well.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers?
Yes, soak for 30 minutes to prevent burning in the air fryer.
Can I cook steak and shrimp on separate skewers?
Absolutely — it can help with timing if you like your steak medium-rare.
Is preheating the air fryer necessary?
It helps achieve an even cook and better sear, especially for steak.
How do I avoid rubbery shrimp?
Don’t overcook! Shrimp only needs 3–4 minutes per side.
Can I use metal skewers?
Yes, but ensure they fit in your air fryer basket.
Do I need oil spray for the air fryer basket?
Lightly spraying ensures easy release, especially with sticky marinades.
What sides go well with these kabobs?
Rice pilaf, Greek salad, or roasted veggies pair beautifully.
Can I prepare the kabobs ahead of time?
Yes, assemble skewers and refrigerate for up to 6 hours before cooking.
🏁 Conclusion
These Steak and Shrimp Kabobs in the Air Fryer deliver all the bold surf & turf flavors in a fraction of the time — no grill required. With juicy, tender bites of steak, succulent shrimp, and charred veggies, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or when you're craving a BBQ vibe indoors.
Plus, it’s completely pork-free, alcohol-free, and endlessly customizable to suit your taste buds.