These Cajun Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Steak Skewers are packed with flavor! Juicy steak pieces are seasoned with a spicy Cajun blend, then cooked to perfection in the air fryer with cheesy goodness.
Skewers are a fun way to enjoy steak, plus they cook really fast! I love serving them with a side of veggies or dipping sauce. It’s like having a barbecue right in my kitchen! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Steak: Flank or sirloin steak works best here due to their tenderness and flavor. If you’re looking for alternatives, tri-tip or ribeye are great choices too. For a leaner option, consider chicken breast or tofu for a vegetarian/vegan twist.
Olive Oil: This oil adds a rich flavor. If you don’t have it, avocado oil is a good substitute because it has a high smoke point and a mild flavor. You can even use melted butter for an extra layer of taste!
Cajun Seasoning: Store-bought is convenient, but you can make your own with paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and oregano. If you prefer less spice, simply reduce the amount or try Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan brings a nice saltiness. If you need a dairy-free version, nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Pecorino Romano is another great cheese option you can use.
How Do I Make Sure the Steak Is Perfectly Marinated?
Marinating the steak is key to achieving maximum flavor and tenderness. Here’s how to do it right:
- Combine olive oil, Cajun seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl to create a flavorful marinade.
- Add the steak and toss to coat it evenly, making sure every piece is covered in the marinade.
- Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but 2 hours will really enhance the taste.
Remember, longer marination can yield a juicier and tastier steak, but don’t exceed 24 hours, as this can affect the texture.
Cajun Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Steak Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak Skewers:
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 40 minutes total. You will need 30 minutes for marinating the steak (or up to 2 hours for more flavor), and about 10 minutes for cooking in the air fryer. It’s a quick and tasty dish that’s perfect for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Steak:
Start by preparing a marinade. In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, Cajun seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the cubed steak into the bowl and toss everything together until the steak is well coated. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have a little extra time, letting it marinate for 2 hours will enhance the flavor even more!
2. Preheat the Air Fryer:
While the steak is marinating, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This usually takes about 5 minutes. Preheating will ensure that your steak skewers cook evenly and get a nice sear.
3. Assemble the Skewers:
After marinating, it’s time to prepare the skewers. Thread the marinated steak cubes onto your skewers, making sure to space them evenly. If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for about 30 minutes beforehand to keep them from burning in the air fryer.
4. Cook the Skewers:
Place the skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning the skewers halfway through cooking. You can check for doneness: 130°F for medium-rare and 145°F for medium. Adjust the cooking time to reach your desired doneness!
5. Add Cheese:
With just 2 minutes left of cooking, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese generously over the skewers. Close the air fryer again and let the cheese melt slightly for that delicious cheesy touch!
6. Serve:
Once cooked, carefully remove the skewers from the air fryer. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve them immediately as a flavorful appetizer or main dish with your favorite dipping sauce or side. Enjoy every bite of your Cajun Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Steak Skewers!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Steak?
Absolutely! While flank steak or sirloin works great, you can also use ribeye or tenderloin for a more tender bite. Just make sure the pieces are cut into similar 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
What if I Don’t Have Cajun Seasoning?
No worries! You can easily make your own Cajun seasoning by mixing equal parts paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper, with a pinch of cayenne and thyme. Adjust to your spice preference!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer for a few minutes until warm, or heat them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. This helps maintain their texture!
Can I Make These Skewers Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the steak cubes the night before and skewer them right before cooking. Just store the marinated steak in the fridge, covered, until you’re ready to cook; this makes for a quick and easy meal!
