These Cajun Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Steak Skewers are juicy, flavorful bites packed with spice! The tasty combination of garlic and Parmesan really makes them sing.
I love how quick they are to make in the air fryer—just season, skewer, and let it do its thing! Perfect for a weekend cookout or a weeknight treat.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sirloin Steak: Sirloin is great for skewers as it’s tender and flavorful. If you’re looking for healthier options, consider using chicken breast or shrimp, which cook similarly in the air fryer.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor in this recipe. If you’re short on time, garlic powder can work as a substitute, though fresh is always a favorite for its stronger taste.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a lovely salty flavor. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast is a wonderful substitute for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Cajun Seasoning: If you want to adjust the spice level, you can either use less Cajun seasoning or make your own with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Adjust the amounts to suit your heat preference!
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my go-to for flavor, but other oils like avocado or vegetable oil can also work well.
How Do I Properly Marinate the Steak for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating meat is a key step that helps infuse flavors and tenderize. Here’s how to do it right:
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a large bowl, making sure they’re well mixed.
- Add the cubes of sirloin steak, ensuring they are all coated. You can use your hands for the best coverage!
- For the best flavor, let the steak marinate in the fridge for up to 2 hours. If short on time, 30 minutes at room temperature works too.
This resting time allows the flavors to seep into the meat, making every bite delicious!
How to Make Cajun Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Steak Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1 pound sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes before use)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 10-12 minutes for cooking. Plus, you can let the steak marinate for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor, or even up to 2 hours if you have the time. So overall, set aside about 1 hour for marinating and cooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, olive oil, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. This will be the flavor booster for your steak!
2. Marinate the Steak:
Add the cubed sirloin steak to the bowl and toss it around until every piece is coated with the marinade. Once coated, let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. For even more flavor, refrigerate it for up to 2 hours.
3. Prepare the Air Fryer:
While the steak is marinating, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This should take about 5 minutes. Preheating helps cook your skewers evenly and gives them a nice sear!
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Once the marinade time is up, take the marinated steak cubes and thread them onto the skewers. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece, as this helps them cook better.
5. Air Fry the Skewers:
Carefully place the skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If your air fryer is small, you might need to cook them in batches. Set the timer for 10-12 minutes and turn the skewers halfway through for even cooking. Keep an eye on them to check for your desired doneness!
6. Rest and Serve:
Once they’re cooked, remove the skewers from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This is important as it keeps the steak juicy! You can garnish with additional chopped parsley if you like. Now, enjoy your delicious Cajun Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Steak Skewers!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Steak for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin steak is used here for its tenderness and flavor, you can also try ribeye, flank, or even tenderloin. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut, so be sure to check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
What If I Can’t Find Cajun Seasoning?
No worries! You can create your own Cajun seasoning by mixing equal parts paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and cayenne pepper (adjust to taste). This homemade blend will give your skewers a similar spicy kick!
How Should I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover steak skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can quickly warm them in the air fryer at a low temperature (about 300°F) for 3-5 minutes to retain their flavor and texture.
Can I Make These Skewers Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can marinate the steak cubes up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep them in the refrigerator, and when you’re ready to cook, thread them onto the skewers and air fry as directed. This will enhance the flavors even more!
