Tired of the same old dinner ideas? Switch things up with these air fryer ground beef and bacon kebabs. With the perfect blend of smoky bacon and well-seasoned ground beef, each bite is packed with flavor. These kebabs are simple to make, making them a great option whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting friends. Let’s jump into how to make these tasty kebabs.

Air Fryer Ground Beef Kebabs Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (preferably 80/20 for juicier kebabs)
• 4 strips of bacon, chopped into small pieces
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried parsley)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp chili powder (optional for a slight kick)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Wooden or metal skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if wooden)

Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped bacon, onion, garlic, parsley, paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed but be careful not to overmix as it can make the kebabs tough.
3. Shape the kebabs: Divide the mixture into 6-8 equal portions. Shape each portion around a skewer, pressing firmly to ensure the meat mixture holds its shape. Make sure each kebab is about 4-5 inches in length.
4. Arrange in the air fryer: Place the kebabs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch for even cooking.
5. Cook: Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The bacon will add a smoky, crispy layer while the ground beef stays juicy. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
6. Serve: Remove the kebabs from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce, fresh salad, or warm pita bread.

Loving these ground beef kebabs? Pin the image below to your Pinterest board and share the deliciousness!

Tips for Perfect Kebabs

• Avoid overmixing: It’s crucial to mix just enough to combine the ingredients. Overmixing can lead to dry, dense kebabs.
• Use cold ingredients: Chilling the meat mixture for 10 minutes before shaping can help it hold together better during cooking.
• Soak wooden skewers: If using wooden skewers, soaking them for at least 30 minutes prevents them from burning.

Recipe Variations

• Cheesy Kebabs: Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar to the mixture for a cheesy surprise.
• Spicy Kebabs: Incorporate red chili flakes or finely diced jalapeños for extra heat.
• Mediterranean Kebabs: Mix in crumbled feta, chopped olives, and a touch of oregano.
• Herb Kebabs: Replace parsley with a combination of fresh dill, cilantro, or mint for a unique flavor.
• Sweet and Savory: Add a drizzle of honey or a teaspoon of brown sugar to balance the smoky bacon with a hint of sweetness.
• Vegetable Combo: Skewer chunks of bell pepper, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes alongside the meat for added texture and flavor.

I’ve always loved the bold flavors of blackened shrimp, so I set out to create a blackened shrimp recipe that’s both delicious and easy to make. I started by marinating the shrimp in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice to keep them tender and flavorful.

Then, I crafted a special spice blend with paprika, cayenne, and herbs to give that perfect smoky kick. To top it all off, I whipped up a creamy remoulade sauce that complements the spicy shrimp perfectly. This blackened shrimp recipe not only tastes amazing but also looks impressive on any plate, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and entertaining guests.

Blackened Shrimp Recipe

Ingredients

For the Shrimp Marinade

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Blackening Seasoning

• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Remoulade Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon capers, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon pickles, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
• Lemon wedges
• Chopped green onions

Instructions

1. Marinate the Shrimp

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl, tossing to ensure they are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the shrimp.

2. Prepare the Blackening Seasoning

1. Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, combine paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
2. Set Aside: Stir the seasoning blend until well mixed and set aside.

3. Make the Remoulade Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, chopped capers, chopped pickles, and minced garlic.
2. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the flavors as needed.
3. Refrigerate: Cover and refrigerate the sauce until ready to use.

4. Cook the Shrimp

1. Preheat the Skillet: Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat until it’s smoking hot. This is crucial for achieving that perfect blackened crust.
2. Season the Shrimp: Remove the shrimp from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels. Generously coat each shrimp with the blackening seasoning on both sides.
3. Sear the Shrimp: Add a small amount of olive oil to the hot skillet. Place the seasoned shrimp in the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are opaque and have a crispy, blackened exterior.
4. Remove and Rest: Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate and let them rest for a minute.

5. Serve

1. Plate the Shrimp: Arrange the blackened shrimp on a serving platter or individual plates.
2. Add the Sauce: Drizzle the creamy remoulade sauce over the shrimp or serve it on the side for dipping.
3. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro, and add lemon wedges and chopped green onions for an extra burst of flavor and color.
4. Enjoy: Serve immediately while the shrimp are hot and juicy.

Enjoyed this blackened shrimp? Pin the image below to your Pinterest board to keep the recipe handy and share the deliciousness with others!

Tips for the Perfect Blackened Shrimp

• High Heat is Key: Ensure your skillet is very hot before adding the shrimp to achieve that signature blackened crust without overcooking the shrimp.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the shrimp in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and ensure even cooking.
• Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the seasoning blend to suit your spice preference.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest shrimp possible for the best flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

• With Grains: Serve the blackened shrimp over cilantro-lime rice, quinoa, or creamy polenta for a hearty meal.
• Tacos: Use the shrimp as a filling for soft tacos, topped with avocado slices, shredded lettuce, and a squeeze of lime.
• Salad: Add the shrimp to a fresh green salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette for a lighter option.
• Appetizer: Serve the shrimp as an appetizer with toothpicks and extra remoulade sauce for dipping.

Imagine a warm, creamy block of feta cheese, beautifully baked with juicy cherry tomatoes, savory olives, and fragrant herbs. This baked feta with olives, basil, and rosemary is a dish that brings Mediterranean flavors straight to your table.

Whether you’re preparing for a cozy night in or hosting friends, this easy-to-make appetizer is a surefire hit. The combination of marinated vegetables and melted feta creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making every bite irresistible.

Serve it with slices of crusty French baguette and watch it disappear in no time. Ready to make this delicious dish? Let’s get started!

Baked Feta with Olives and Basil Marinade Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 block (8 oz) feta cheese, sliced in half horizontally
• 1 cup mixed olives, pitted
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried basil)
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Lemon zest from 1 lemon
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary leaves, chopped (for garnish)
• French bread or crackers, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade:
   • In a bowl, combine the olives, cherry tomatoes, red onion, minced garlic, basil, olive oil, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and lemon zest.
   • Mix well to ensure all ingredients are coated with the olive oil and spices.
   • Let the mixture marinate for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
2. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Prepare the Feta:
   • Slice the block of feta cheese in half horizontally so you have two thinner blocks.
4. Layer the Ingredients:
   • In a medium-sized baking dish, place one half of the feta cheese.
   • Spread half of the marinated mixture over the feta.
   • Place the second half of the feta cheese on top of the first layer.
   • Spread the remaining marinated mixture on top of the second layer of feta.
5. Bake the Dish:
   • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
   • Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the feta is golden and slightly melted, and the tomatoes are soft and blistered.
6. Serve:
   • Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly.
   • Garnish with freshly chopped rosemary and parsley.
   • Serve warm with crusty bread or crackers for dipping.

If this baked feta with olives has won you over, why not spread the love? Pin the image below to your Pinterest board and let your friends enjoy it too. Happy cooking and sharing!

Video Recipe

Tips and Variations

Tips

1. Marinate Longer: For an even more intense flavor, let the marinated mixture sit for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
2. Serve Warm: This dish is best enjoyed warm, straight out of the oven. If it cools down, you can reheat it in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
3. Parchment Paper: Lining the baking dish with parchment paper makes for easier cleanup and prevents sticking.
4. Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh basil and rosemary on hand, they provide a more vibrant flavor compared to dried herbs.

Variations

1. Add Capers: For an extra briny flavor, mix in a tablespoon of capers with the olives and tomatoes.
2. Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Substitute fresh cherry tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes for a richer taste.
3. Different Cheeses: Try using other types of cheese like goat cheese or halloumi for a different twist on this dish.
4. Spicy Kick: If you like it spicy, add a few slices of fresh jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the marinated mixture.
5. Vegetables: Add sliced bell peppers or zucchini for additional texture and flavor.

Enjoy experimenting with these tips and variations to make the dish your own!