Air Fryer Teriyaki Steak Kabobs are one of my family’s favorite meals. Made in the Air Fryer, the meat is tender, juicy, and absolutely delicious.
This was a requested recipe from my two kids, who really love the teriyaki beef sticks we get at our local Chinese restaurants.
They are easy to make, and with the Air Fryer, you get the perfect level of sear on the meat, and then the sauce is truly amazing! If you love Chinese food, you will absolutely love these!
If you are looking for some other Easy Air Fryer Steak Recipes, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER RIB EYE STEAK, AIR FRYER STEAK FAJITAS, AIR FRYER TRI-TIP STEAK RECIPE, and HOW TO COOK GROUND BEEF IN THE AIR FRYER.
Air Fryer Teriyaki Steak Kabobs
Air Fryer Teriyaki Steak Kabobs are a delightful way to enjoy a classic grilled favorite with a twist.
The air fryer perfectly cooks these kabobs, giving the steak a slightly caramelized exterior while keeping it juicy inside.
Cooking in the air fryer is not only quicker than traditional grilling but also reduces the cleanup work. Serve these savory and sweet kabobs over a bed of rice or with a side of green salad for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Teriyaki Steak Kabobs
Here are the simple ingredients you will need to make air-fried teriyaki steak kabobs.
Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a hint of sweetness to the marinade, helping to caramelize the beef during cooking for a deliciously sticky and charred exterior.
- Soy Sauce: Soy sauce imparts a rich umami flavor to the beef, deepening the overall savoriness of the kebabs.
- Pineapple Juice: Helps tenderize the steak with their natural enzymes, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Garlic Powder or Minced Garlic: Adds a sharp, aromatic depth that complements the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce.
- Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil is essential in the marinade to help keep the beef moist and prevent sticking, ensuring it cooks evenly without burning.
- Steak (such as sirloin or ribeye): Choose a tender cut like sirloin or ribeye for the best results, as these cuts are flavorful and cook well under the high heat of an air fryer without becoming tough.
How To Make Air Fryer Teriyaki Steak Kabobs
Here are the step-by-step directions to make Air-Fried Teriyaki Steak Kabobs.
In a large mixing bowl, add the brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, water, garlic powder, and vegetable oil. Mix, well until the brown sugar dissolves.
Submerge the steak into the marinade, cover and refrigerate overnight. Place the steak on the skewers. Place the skewers into the air fryer.
Mine were thick-cut, so I did 7 minutes on each side at 400 degrees F. (air fryer setting) (I did not preheat the air fryer) Check your meat, if you want it cooked more, add more time.
Pro Tips Air Fryer Beef Teriyaki
- Select the Right Cut of Beef: Choose tender cuts like sirloin or flank steak for the best results. These cuts are lean yet flavorful and work well for quick cooking in the air fryer.
- Slice Beef Thinly and Evenly: For uniform cooking and optimal flavor absorption, slice the beef into thin, even strips. This ensures that each piece cooks at the same rate and maximizes surface area for the teriyaki glaze.
- Marinate for Flavor Depth: Allow the beef to marinate in the teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes, though a few hours or overnight is ideal. Marination not only infuses the beef with flavor but also tenderizes it.
- Homemade Teriyaki Sauce: Consider making your own teriyaki sauce with soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, and a touch of ginger and garlic for a fresher, more personalized flavor. Adjust the sweetness or saltiness to your taste.
- Do Not Overcrowd the Basket: Cook the beef in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of frying, which might prevent the beef from getting that desirable crispy edge.
- Add Vegetables for a Balanced Meal: Add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or broccoli to the air fryer during the last few minutes of cooking. This turns your beef teriyaki into a complete meal, all made in one appliance.
- Glaze at the End: To prevent burning, brush on additional teriyaki sauce towards the end of cooking. This adds an extra layer of shiny, sticky glaze that greatly enhances the final presentation and flavor.
- Garnish Before Serving: Garnish your beef teriyaki with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a touch of texture and a pop of color right before serving.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the beef sit for a few minutes after cooking. This brief rest period allows juices to redistribute, ensuring that each bite is juicy and flavorful.
Faqs Air-Fried Teriyaki Steak Kabobs
What type of steak is best for kabobs in the air fryer? Sirloin or ribeye are excellent choices for steak kabobs due to their tenderness and flavor. These cuts cook quickly and remain juicy, making them ideal for air frying.
How long should I marinate the steak for the kabobs? Marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes to infuse it with flavor, though marinating for a few hours or even overnight will enhance the taste and tenderness even more.
Can I use frozen vegetables for the kabobs? Yes, you can use frozen vegetables, but thaw them first and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture from causing the steak to steam rather than fry.
What temperature should I set my air fryer to cook steak kabobs? Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for the best results. This high temperature ensures that the steak and vegetables get nicely charred edges while remaining juicy inside.
How do I prevent the skewers from burning in the air fryer? If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the ingredients. This will help prevent them from burning during the cooking process.
Can I make these kabobs with chicken or seafood instead? Absolutely! You can easily substitute the steak with chicken or seafood like shrimp. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken and seafood may cook at different rates.
What sides go well with teriyaki steak kabobs? Serve teriyaki steak kabobs with sides like steamed rice, a green salad, or grilled vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
How can I ensure my kabobs cook evenly? Cut the steak and vegetables into uniform sizes and space them evenly on the skewers. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow for good air circulation.
What can I do with leftover kabobs? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through to restore some of the original texture.
How do I make my teriyaki sauce less sweet or less salty? Adjust the sweetness by reducing the sugar or honey and the saltiness by using low-sodium soy sauce or diluting the sauce with a little water or pineapple juice for balance.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- AIR FRYER SCRAMBLED EGGS
- AIR FRYER CHEESE FRIES
- EASY AIR FRYER PASTA CHIPS
- AIR FRYER SOUTHERN STYLE CHICKEN TENDERS
- AIR FRYER BAKED SWEET POTATOES
- EASY AIR FRYER BRUSSELS SPROUTS AND BACON
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Air Fryer Teriyaki Steak Kabobs
Description
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 pounds top round steak, cut up
Instructions
- Add the brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, water, garlic powder, and vegetable oil in a large mixing bowl. Mix well until the brown sugar dissolves.
- Place the steak into the marinade, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
- Place the steak on the skewers.
- Place the skewers into the air fryer.
- Mine were thick-cut, so I did 7 minutes on each side at 400 degrees F. (air fryer setting)(I did not preheat the air fryer)
- Check your meat. If you want it cooked more, add more time.
- Plate, serve, and enjoy!
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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