If you love bold flavors and juicy, tender steak, these Cajun Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Steak Skewers are about to be your new favorite meal. They’re smoky, garlicky, buttery, and perfectly seasoned with a kick of Cajun spice. The best part? They cook in the air fryer in just minutes, giving you restaurant-quality steak without the hassle of grilling.
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Picture this: perfectly seared bites of steak coated in a buttery garlic parmesan sauce, with just the right amount of Cajun heat. Whether you’re making them for a quick weeknight dinner, a summer BBQ alternative, or a fun appetizer, these skewers are guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love Cajun Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Steak Skewers
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes, making them perfect for busy nights.
Packed with Flavor: A mouthwatering mix of Cajun spice, garlic, butter, and parmesan.
Air Fryer Magic: No need for a grill—just pop them in the air fryer for a juicy, tender result.
Customizable: Adjust the spice level, swap out proteins, or add veggies for variety.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit at parties, gatherings, or family dinners.
Ingredients in Cajun Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Steak Skewers
These simple ingredients come together to create a flavor-packed dish:
Steak: Ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon work best for juicy, tender bites.
Cajun Seasoning: The perfect blend of spice and smokiness to enhance the meat.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses every bite with rich, aromatic flavor.
Butter: Creates a luscious, flavorful coating for the steak.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that takes these skewers over the top.
Olive Oil: Helps lock in moisture and crisp up the edges.
Fresh Parsley: A fresh, vibrant garnish to balance the bold flavors.
Wooden or Metal Skewers: Essential for threading the steak into bite-sized, easy-to-eat pieces.
(Note: The full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to ensure a perfect sear.
Prepare the Steak: Cut the steak into bite-sized cubes and toss with olive oil and Cajun seasoning. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
Assemble the Skewers: Thread the steak onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
Cook in the Air Fryer: Place the skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the steak reaches your desired doneness.
Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter: While the steak cooks, melt butter in a small pan. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and mix in the parmesan cheese.
Coat the Steak: Once the skewers are done, brush or drizzle the garlic parmesan butter over the hot steak.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or side dish.
How to Serve Cajun Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Steak Skewers
These skewers are incredibly versatile! Here are some serving ideas:
- With Dipping Sauces: Serve with ranch, garlic aioli, or a spicy Cajun mayo.
- Over Rice or Pasta: Let the buttery juices soak into a bed of fluffy rice or creamy pasta.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Pair with air-fried zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers.
- As a Party Appetizer: Serve on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
Additional Tips
- Let the Steak Rest: Allow the steak to sit for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juices.
- Use Metal Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Adjust the Spice: Add more Cajun seasoning for extra heat or reduce it for a milder flavor.
- Try Different Meats: Swap steak for chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for variety.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use a different cut of steak?
A1: Yes! Sirloin, ribeye, and filet mignon work best, but flank steak can also be used if cut against the grain.
Q2: Can I make these skewers ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! Marinate the steak and assemble the skewers in advance, then cook them fresh.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q4: Can I freeze these skewers?
A4: Yes! Freeze raw, marinated steak cubes for up to 2 months, then thaw and cook when ready.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat them?
A5: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes to keep them juicy.
Q6: Can I make this dish keto-friendly?
A6: Yes! These skewers are naturally low-carb. Just pair them with a keto-friendly side.
Q7: Do I need to flip the skewers while cooking?
A7: Yes, flipping them halfway ensures even browning.
Q8: Can I cook these in the oven instead?
A8: Yes! Bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 10–12 minutes, flipping once.
Q9: How do I prevent the steak from drying out?
A9: Avoid overcooking! Use a meat thermometer and aim for medium-rare to medium doneness.
Q10: Can I add veggies to the skewers?
A10: Absolutely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions work great.
Final Thoughts
These Cajun Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Steak Skewers are everything you want in a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal. With their perfect balance of spice, garlic butter richness, and cheesy goodness, they’ll quickly become a go-to favorite. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a party snack, these skewers are guaranteed to impress. Enjoy!
Print
Cajun Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Steak Skewers
- Yield: 4 large skewers 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cajun Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Steak Skewers are tender, juicy, and packed with bold flavors! Marinated in a homemade Cajun seasoning, then basted with a rich garlic parmesan butter sauce, these skewers cook perfectly in the air fryer for a quick and delicious meal. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or gatherings!
Ingredients
Steak Skewers
- 2 lbs steak (ribeye, New York strip, tri-tip, or sirloin)
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp prepared Cajun seasoning (see below)
Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce
- 8 tbsp (1 stick) butter
- 8–10 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup parmesan, grated
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1–2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced
- 1 tsp prepared Cajun seasoning
Homemade Cajun Seasoning
- 1 tbsp mild paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 3/4 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper
Instructions
Marinate the Steak
- Cut the steak into 2-inch pieces and place them in a bowl or zip-top bag.
- Add olive oil and enough Cajun seasoning to fully coat the steak.
- Let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Prepare Garlic Parmesan Butter
- Melt butter in a pan over low heat or microwave.
- Stir in garlic, Cajun seasoning, and grated parmesan, mixing until smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley and hot sauce.
Cook the Skewers
- Thread marinated steak pieces onto skewers, packing them closely together.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (if required).
- Baste both sides of the skewers with garlic parmesan butter.
- Place skewers in the air fryer basket in batches, cooking for 8-10 minutes, flipping once.
- Brush with additional butter sauce while cooking for extra flavor.
- Remove from air fryer and baste one final time before serving.
Notes
- Use metal skewers for easier handling and even cooking.
- Adjust cooking time based on steak doneness preference: Medium-Rare (135°F), Medium (145°F), or Medium-Well (150°F+).
- Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 115mg