These Cajun Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Steak Skewers are packed with flavor! Juicy pieces of steak are marinated in a zesty mix of Cajun spices, garlic, and parmesan, making them super tasty.
Just pop them in the air fryer, and you’ll have a delicious dinner in no time! They’re perfect for grilling season, or anytime you want a quick and easy meal. What’s not to love? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: This cut has great flavor and tenderness. If you can’t find flank steak, sirloin or ribeye work well too. Just make sure to cut them into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth to the flavor. If you’re in a hurry, you can use garlic powder instead; just use about 1/4 teaspoon per clove.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives a salty, nutty flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try nutritional yeast for a similar taste. Pecorino Romano is a good substitute if you want a stronger cheese flavor.
Cajun Seasoning: This is key for that spicy kick! You can make your own by mixing paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano. Adjust to your heat preference!
Olive Oil: Great for moisture and flavor. If you want something lighter, avocado oil works well too.
How to Marinate the Steak for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating is an essential step to ensure your steak is flavorful and tender. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Combine garlic, Parmesan, Cajun seasoning, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This creates a flavorful marinade that sticks well to the steak.
- Once mixed, add the cubed flank steak. Make sure each piece is coated evenly for the best flavor.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but if you can, aim for 2 hours. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply.
Letting it marinate longer brings out richer flavors, so don’t rush this step!
Cajun Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Steak Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1 pound flank steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before use)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and at least 30 minutes for marinating the steak, plus another 10 minutes for cooking. Overall, you can expect to spend about 1 hour if you let the steak marinate for a full 2 hours. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy delicious steak skewers from your air fryer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well until it’s nicely combined to form a flavorful marinade.
2. Marinate the Steak:
Add the cubed flank steak to the marinade, making sure all the pieces are well coated. Once coated, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Let the steak marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours if you want even more flavor).
3. Prepare the Air Fryer:
While the steak is marinating, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready for perfectly cooked skewers.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Once the steak is marinated, it’s time to thread the cubes onto the skewers. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece for even cooking. This will help get that delicious, crispy outer layer!
5. Cook the Skewers:
Place the skewers in the preheated air fryer basket, taking care not to overcrowd them. If you have a lot, you may need to cook them in batches. Cook the skewers for about 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. Keep an eye on them to reach your preferred level of doneness!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they are cooked to your liking, carefully remove the skewers from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This will help keep the juices locked in. Finally, garnish your tasty skewers with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your Cajun Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Steak Skewers!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Steak?
Absolutely! While flank steak works great, you can use sirloin, ribeye, or even filet mignon for a tender result. Just be mindful of cooking times as different cuts can vary in thickness and tenderness.
What If I Don’t Have Cajun Seasoning?
No problem! You can easily make your own by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, thyme, oregano, and salt. Adjust the spices based on your heat preference for the perfect flavor!
How Do I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, just until warmed through.
Can I Make These Skewers Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade and cube your steak a day ahead. Just marinate the steak in the fridge overnight for maximum flavor. Assemble the skewers right before cooking for the best texture!
