Air Fryer Steak & Shrimp Magic

Air Fryer Steak & Shrimp Magic

Air fryer petite sirloin steaks and shrimp are quickly cooked with garlic and butter for a flavorful, flavorful weeknight meal.

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Prep Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 3

Course: Main Course

Calories: 650

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 6 oz petite sirloin steaks
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 12 medium shrimp (peeled, deveined, tail removed, raw)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp fresh chives (chopped)

Method

 

1. Set the steaks on a plate and allow them to warm up a bit out of the fridge, about 20 minutes. Sprinkle the steaks evenly on both sides with 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper.
2. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F for about 5 minutes.
3. Place the steaks in the air fryer basket and cook for 6 minutes. Flip the steaks over and cook for an additional 6 minutes. Check the internal temperature of the steaks. Remove the steaks once the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F – which is about a medium cook.
4. While the steak is cooking in the air fryer, prepare the shrimp cream sauce.
5. Melt the butter in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes, until the shrimp starts to turn pink, stirring the shrimp often. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute, until the garlic is fragrant.
6. Add the wine and cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt and the chives and remove from heat.
7. Serve the steaks topped with the shrimp cream sauce.

Notes

– Ensure steaks are at room temperature before air frying for even cooking.
– Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow for proper circulation and searing.
– Adjust cooking time based on steak thickness and desired doneness.
– For a richer sauce, use a good quality dry white wine.

Allergens: Milk, Shellfish, Soybeans, Wheat.

Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.

The technique that makes it

What makes this recipe work is the precise combination of air frying for the steak and a quick pan-sear finish for the shrimp, creating perfectly cooked components that complement each other. Air frying the petite sirloin steaks at a high temperature (400°F or 200°C) is crucial for achieving a desirable sear on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. The circulating hot air mimics the effect of a convection oven, rapidly cooking the surface and developing a flavorful crust through the Maillard reaction. It’s important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook the steaks in a single layer to ensure even heat distribution. For the shrimp, a rapid sauté in garlic-infused butter with a deglaze of white wine and a touch of cream creates a luxurious sauce that coats the shrimp beautifully. This method ensures the shrimp cook quickly, remaining plump and avoiding the rubbery texture that can result from overcooking.

Troubleshooting

• Steak is tough or dry: This often happens from overcooking. Ensure you use an instant-read thermometer to check for your desired doneness (130-135°F for medium-rare). Also, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking and steaming rather than searing.
• Shrimp are rubbery: Shrimp cook very quickly. If they become rubbery, it’s a sign of overcooking. Add them to the pan only after the butter and garlic have sizzled and the wine has begun to reduce. Cook for just 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
• Sauce is too thin: If the white wine and cream sauce is thinner than desired, allow it to simmer gently for an extra minute or two after adding the cream, stirring constantly. The reduction will thicken the sauce naturally.
• Steak not seared enough: Ensure your air fryer is preheated to 400°F (200°C) before adding the steaks. Pat the steaks completely dry before seasoning, as moisture inhibits searing.

Substitutions

• Steak Cut: While petite sirloin is recommended for its tenderness and quick cooking time, you could substitute with flat iron steak or even flank steak. Adjust cooking time slightly based on thickness, but be mindful that flank steak can be tougher if overcooked.
• Shrimp Size: If medium shrimp are unavailable, larger or smaller shrimp can be used. Adjust the cooking time accordingly; smaller shrimp will cook faster, and larger ones might need an extra minute.
• White Wine: For a non-alcoholic option, you can substitute the dry white wine with chicken broth or even a splash of white wine vinegar mixed with water for a similar acidic note. The flavor profile will be slightly different.
• Heavy Cream: Coconut cream or a dairy-free milk alternative thickened with a cornstarch slurry can be used as a substitute for heavy cream, though this will alter the richness and flavor of the sauce.

Pro tips

• Ensure steaks are at room temperature before air frying for even cooking.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow for proper circulation and searing.
• Adjust cooking time based on steak thickness and desired doneness.
• For a richer sauce, use a good quality dry white wine.

Improve your home cooking with this impressive yet simple air fryer steak and shrimp dish. Enjoy the perfect balance of savory and creamy flavors.

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