This air fryer surf and turf puts juicy sirloin and jumbo shrimp on the same skewer, tossed in a bright lime, garlic, and cilantro marinade and cooked at 400°F in about 10 minutes. It’s a steakhouse-style dinner with weeknight effort, and it costs a fraction of ordering out.
I make these steak and shrimp kabobs for date nights, birthdays, and Father’s Day, but honestly they’re easy enough for a Tuesday. Everything cooks at once in a single layer, the shrimp stays snappy, and the steak gets a real sear from the circulating heat. If you’d rather go classic with lobster, I cover that swap below.
If you love steak and seafood in the air fryer, you’ll also want my Air Fryer Lobster Tails With Lemon Garlic Butter and Air Fryer Hawaiian Shrimp Kabobs.
Why This Recipe Works
- One skewer, two proteins, one cook time. Cutting the sirloin into 1-inch cubes means it finishes in the same 8–10 minutes as jumbo shrimp, so nothing is overdone.
- Ten minutes of actual cooking. Prep is 10 minutes, the marinade does its work in the fridge, and the air fryer handles the rest.
- A marinade that flavors both. Lime juice, garlic, and cilantro brighten the shrimp and cut through the richness of the steak.
- Minimal cleanup. No grill, no cast-iron pan, no splatter.
- Scales up or down. Two skewers for a date night or twelve for a crowd; just cook in batches.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Surf and Turf
- Sirloin steak: Cut into 1-inch cubes. Sirloin is affordable, lean, and holds up on a skewer. Ribeye or filet also work.
- Jumbo shrimp: Peeled and deveined, tails on or off. Jumbo (21–25 count) cooks in the same time as the steak cubes; smaller shrimp will overcook.
- Olive oil: The base of the marinade; helps the surface brown.
- Limes: Fresh lime juice, not bottled. It tenderizes the steak slightly and brightens the shrimp.
- Minced garlic: Fresh or jarred both work.
- Kosher salt: Adjust to taste.
- Fresh cilantro: Swap in parsley if you’re not a cilantro fan.
- Butter: Melted, for brushing at the end. Optional, but it’s what makes it taste like a steakhouse.
You’ll also need wooden or metal skewers. If wooden, soak them in cold water for 30 minutes so they don’t scorch.
How to Make Air Fryer Surf and Turf
Step 1: Make the marinade. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, kosher salt, and cilantro.
Step 2: Marinate the steak and shrimp. Add the steak cubes and shrimp, toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes. Don’t go past 30 minutes: the lime juice will start to turn the shrimp mushy.
Step 3: Thread the skewers. Alternate steak and shrimp on each skewer, leaving a little space between pieces so hot air can circulate. Trim the skewers if they don’t fit your basket.
Step Four: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
Step Five: Place the assembled kebabs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Air fry surf and turf at air fryer temperature of 400 degrees F (200°C) and set the cook time for 8-10 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time, until the steak is cooked to your desired doneness and the shrimp are pink and opaque.
Step Six: Brush the kebabs with the melted butter mixture for added flavor. Remove the kebabs from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.
Air Fryer Surf and Turf Recipe Tips
- Use Skewers for Even Cooking: Threading the steak and shrimp onto skewers ensures that they cook evenly and allows for better air circulation in the air fryer.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Marinate the steak and shrimp for at least 20-30 minutes to infuse them with flavor before cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For the best results, cook the skewers in a single layer. If needed, air fry in batches to avoid overcrowding, ensuring each piece gets crispy and evenly cooked.
- Adjust Cooking Time for Desired Doneness: Keep an eye on the steak’s doneness. For rare to medium-rare steak, cook for around 6-8 minutes, and for medium to well-done, cook for closer to 10 minutes.
- Brush with Butter for Extra Flavor: Brushing the kebabs with melted butter halfway through cooking will add richness and a nice gloss to the finished dish.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the surf and turf to rest for a couple of minutes after cooking to lock in the juices and enhance the flavor.
- Customize Your Marinade: Feel free to experiment with different marinades, such as adding a splash of soy sauce or a dash of hot sauce, to give the dish your personal touch.
Storing
- Storing: To store leftover Air Fryer Surf and Turf, place the kebabs in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 2-3 days. Make sure the food is fully cooled before storing to prevent condensation.
- Freezing: If you want to freeze your Air Fryer Surf and Turf, wrap the kebabs tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the kebabs back in the air fryer basket at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-4 minutes, checking that the steak is heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, but the texture may not be as crispy.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Surf and Turf
When serving Air Fryer Surf and Turf, consider pairing it with a variety of sides to enhance the flavors and create a well-rounded meal. Roasted vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts complement the savory steak and sweet shrimp, while a light salad with a citrus dressing can add a refreshing contrast.
For a heartier option, creamy mashed potatoes or a buttery risotto would make the perfect side. A tangy dipping sauce, like garlic butter or chimichurri, can also elevate the dish, adding an extra burst of flavor to each bite.
Air Fryer Surf and Turf Recipe Faqs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but be sure to thaw them before marinating to ensure even cooking. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture.
What type of steak is best for surf and turf? Tender cuts such as filet mignon, ribeye, or sirloin work well for surf and turf. They cook quickly and provide a nice contrast to the shrimp.
Can I make this recipe without skewers? Yes, if you don’t have skewers, you can cook the steak and shrimp separately in the air fryer basket. Just make sure to arrange them in a single layer for even cooking.
How do I know when the steak is cooked to my desired doneness? Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, cook to 130°F (54°C), for medium 140°F (60°C), and for well-done 160°F (71°C).
Can I use other seafood in place of shrimp? Yes, you can substitute shrimp with scallops, lobster, or even fish fillets, adjusting the cooking time accordingly for different seafood types.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- AIR FRYER HONEY GARLIC SHRIMP
- EASY AIR FRYER GARLIC AND LEMON SHRIMP
- AIR FRYER SPICY NEW ORLEANS SHRIMP
- AIR FRYER FROZEN SHRIMP
- EASY AIR FRYER, OLD BAY GRILLED SHRIMP SKEWERS
- AIR FRYER GARLIC HERB SHRIMP
- AIR FRYER FROZEN TEMPURA SHRIMP
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Air Fryer Surf and Turf (Steak and Shrimp Kabobs)
Description
Ingredients
Marinade
- ½ cup olive oil
- 4 limes, juiced
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, diced
Kabobs
- 1 pound sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 pound jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for brushing)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, garlic, salt, and cilantro.
- Add the steak cubes and shrimp, toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes.
- Thread the steak and shrimp onto skewers, alternating pieces and leaving a little space between each.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Place the skewers in a single layer in the basket. Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the steak reaches your preferred doneness (130°F medium-rare, 140°F medium). Cook in batches if needed.
- Brush with melted butter, rest for 2–3 minutes, garnish with cilantro and lime, and serve.
Equipment
- Wooden skewers, soaked in cold water for 30 minutes (or metal skewers)
- Instant-read thermometer
Notes
- Don’t marinate longer than 30 minutes; the lime juice will make the shrimp mushy.
- For lobster surf and turf, cook lobster tails separately at 380°F for 5–7 minutes.
- Nutrition below does not include the optional butter.
Nutrition
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