Air Fryer Beef Kebabs
Marinated steak and pepper skewers with charred edges.
Kit that makes this foolproof
A few inexpensive bits that get you crispier results with less mess.
A roomy air fryer
A larger basket means fewer batches and crispier results.
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Perforated liners
Less sticking and mess, without blocking the airflow.
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Silicone tongs
Turn and lift without scratching the non-stick basket.
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Before You Start
Skewers in the basket cook fast and char at the edges the way they would over coals. A short soy, garlic and honey marinade seasons the beef and helps it caramelise, so you get a grill dinner on a weeknight without lighting anything.
Instructions
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1
Whisk the soy, oil, honey, garlic, paprika and salt in a bowl. Add the beef cubes and turn to coat. Marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 8 hours in the fridge.
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2
If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes and check they fit your basket. Snap them shorter if not.
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3
Thread the beef, peppers and onion alternately, leaving a small gap between pieces so hot air can reach every side.
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4
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C / 400°F. Lay the skewers in a single layer, brushing on any leftover marinade.
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5
Air fry for 8 to 12 minutes, turning halfway, until the edges char and the beef is done to your liking. Aim for 55°C / 130°F for medium rare.
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6
Rest the skewers for 3 minutes before serving with rice, flatbread or a yogurt dip.
♨️ Air fryer notes
- Cook at 200°C / 400°F and preheat for 2 to 3 minutes for the crispiest result.
- Keep everything in a single layer with space around each piece. Overcrowding steams food instead of crisping it, so cook in batches if your basket is small.
- Shake or turn halfway, and check a few minutes early, since air fryers cook faster than ovens and every model runs slightly differently.
💡 Cook's tips
- Pat the beef dry after marinating. Wet meat steams grey instead of catching colour.
- Cut every cube to roughly the same size so nothing is raw while the rest overcooks.
🔀 Make it your own
- Use chicken thigh instead and cook for 12 to 14 minutes.
- Go Greek with lemon, oregano and a pinch of cinnamon in place of the soy and honey.
📦 Storing & reheating
Fridge for 3 days, airtight. Reheat at 180°C for 3 minutes, which keeps the beef from going tough.
❓ Frequently asked
What cut of beef is best for air fryer kebabs?
Tender quick-cooking cuts like sirloin, rump or ribeye. Stewing cuts such as chuck need long slow cooking and turn chewy in the basket.
Can I use wooden skewers in an air fryer?
Yes, but soak them for 20 minutes first so they do not scorch, and make sure they sit flat in the basket without touching the element.
Adapting your own recipe? Use the oven to air fryer converter for temp and time, or the recipe scaler to halve or double this.
