If you’re looking to add a little sizzle to your dinner routine, Cajun Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Steak Skewers are about to become your new weeknight obsession. Picture juicy, tender steak bites coated in bold Cajun spices and kissed with garlic, all air fried to a perfect char, then tumbled in a shower of Parmesan cheese. These skewers are brimming with flavor, impossibly easy to pull together, and just the thing to wow your family or friends whether it’s a casual Tuesday or a backyard gathering. The best part? Your air fryer does all the heavy lifting, delivering steakhouse taste in a fraction of the time and with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the short ingredient list fool you! Every item here packs a punch, working together to give Cajun Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Steak Skewers their signature taste and irresistible texture. Each one brings its own magic, from smoky depth to creamy richness and a pop of color.
- Sirloin steak (1½ pounds, cut into 1-inch cubes): This steak is lean, tender, and perfect for skewering; you can also use ribeye or strip steak for a richer bite.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the spices stick to the steak while adding a subtle fruitiness and ensuring juicy results.
- Cajun seasoning (1 tablespoon): The bold, spicy backbone of the dish — adjust the amount for more or less kick.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Delivers a deep garlic flavor that mingles perfectly with the Parmesan.
- Smoked paprika (½ teaspoon): Brings a gentle smokiness and gorgeous color to every bite.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Just enough to enhance the natural beefy flavor of the steak.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds warmth and a subtle bite to balance the Cajun spices.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (⅓ cup): The creamy, nutty finish that makes these skewers truly addictive.
- Chopped fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, optional): For a fresh, herby pop and a splash of color right before serving.
- Metal or soaked wooden skewers: Essential for threading the steak cubes and ensuring even cooking in the air fryer.
How to Make Cajun Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Steak Skewers
Step 1: Season the Steak
Start by placing your cubed sirloin steak in a big mixing bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over the steak, then sprinkle on the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Get in there with your hands or a spatula and toss everything together until every piece is beautifully coated with that bold, fragrant spice mix. If you have a little extra time, let the steak marinate in the seasoning for 30 minutes for flavor that really sinks in.
Step 2: Thread the Skewers
Take your metal or pre-soaked wooden skewers and carefully thread the seasoned steak cubes onto them, leaving a tiny bit of space between each piece. This helps the hot air circulate around the meat, giving you that perfect charred edge and juicy center. Repeat until all your steak is skewered and ready to go.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Fire up your air fryer to 400°F and let it preheat for about 3 minutes. This ensures the steak skewers hit a hot surface right away, creating those coveted crispy edges and sealing in all that juicy goodness.
Step 4: Air Fry the Skewers
Arrange the skewers in a single layer in your air fryer basket. You might need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer — don’t overcrowd them! Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through, until the steak is done to your liking. Whether you prefer a blushing medium-rare or a little more well-done, these Cajun Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Steak Skewers come out perfectly every time.
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan & Rest
Once the skewers are sizzling and cooked, pull them out and immediately shower them with grated Parmesan cheese. The residual heat will melt the cheese into a savory crust. Let the skewers rest for 2 minutes before serving — this little pause locks in all the juices for maximum flavor.
How to Serve Cajun Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Steak Skewers
Garnishes
For that final flourish, sprinkle your Cajun Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Steak Skewers with a handful of fresh chopped parsley. The green brings brightness and a burst of freshness, making the whole platter look as good as it tastes. A squeeze of lemon over the top can also lift the flavors and balance the richness.
Side Dishes
These skewers are absolute stars alongside classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, buttery corn on the cob, or a crisp garden salad. For a true Southern spin, pair them with Cajun rice, sweet potato fries, or roasted vegetables. The bold flavors of the steak play beautifully with just about any side you love.
Creative Ways to Present
Skewers are always a showstopper at the table! Try serving them family-style on a big platter with extra Parmesan sprinkled on top. Or, for a fun twist, slide the steak cubes off the skewers and tuck them into warm pita bread with greens and a drizzle of ranch or garlic sauce. However you present them, Cajun Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Steak Skewers are a conversation starter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Cajun Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Steak Skewers, let them cool completely before sliding the steak cubes off the skewers. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll stay juicy and flavorful, perfect for quick lunches or salads later in the week.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked steak cubes. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze quickly, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the steak cubes back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes, or until warmed through. This brings back their crispy edges and juicy centers without drying them out. A quick sprinkle of fresh Parmesan after reheating brings the magic right back.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for these skewers?
Absolutely! While sirloin is a great balance of tenderness and flavor, ribeye or strip steak work beautifully and offer even more richness. Just be sure to trim excess fat and cut the steak into even-sized cubes for best results.
What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
You can mix your own with a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Adjust the heat by adding more or less cayenne to suit your preference.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers before air frying?
Yes, if you’re using wooden skewers, it’s best to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning or smoking in the high heat of the air fryer.
How do I make these skewers less spicy?
Simply reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning, or choose a mild version. You can also leave out some of the black pepper and add a little extra Parmesan for a creamier, mellower finish.
Can I prep these ahead for a party?
Definitely! Thread the steak onto skewers and keep them covered in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready to cook, just pop them in the air fryer for a fresh, sizzling batch of Cajun Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Steak Skewers.
Final Thoughts
These Cajun Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Steak Skewers are a flavor-packed, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as simple to make as it is impressive to serve. Whether you’re hosting friends or just shaking up a weeknight dinner, give this recipe a try and let it bring a little Cajun excitement to your table!
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Cajun Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Steak Skewers Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cajun Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Steak Skewers are a quick and flavorful way to enjoy tender, juicy sirloin steak with a spicy Cajun kick and a cheesy Parmesan finish. Perfect for a delicious main course with minimal prep and cook time using an air fryer.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 1½ pounds sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Toppings and Garnish
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Additional
- Metal or soaked wooden skewers
Instructions
- Season the Steak: In a large bowl, toss the cubed sirloin steak with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until the steak pieces are evenly coated with the spices and oil.
- Thread the Skewers: Thread the seasoned steak cubes onto metal or soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking on all sides.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 3 minutes to get it ready for cooking.
- Cook the Skewers: Place the skewers in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning the skewers halfway through cooking to ensure the steak cooks evenly to your preferred doneness.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Once cooked, carefully remove the skewers from the air fryer and immediately sprinkle each skewer generously with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the steak skewers rest for about 2 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving to add a fresh burst of flavor and color.
Notes
- For an even richer flavor, marinate the steak cubes in the seasoning mix for 30 minutes before cooking.
- You can substitute sirloin with ribeye or strip steak for a more tender and flavorful result.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning if you prefer your skewers more or less spicy.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before use to prevent burning in the air fryer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
