Surf and Turf in Air Fryer – Best 2-in-1 Gourmet Recipe!

Name: Air Fryer Surf and Turf
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 ribeye steaks (about 1-inch thick); 1 tsp salt (or to taste); 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; 8 oz large shrimp (peeled and deveined); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh); 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp paprika; chopped parsley (for garnish); 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened); 1 clove garlic (minced); fresh rosemary (finely chopped); fresh thyme (finely chopped)

Introduction: A Personal Journey Into Flavor Fusion

I still remember the night I decided to ditch the stovetop and gamble with my air fryer. Tired from a long day, I craved something indulgent a meal that screamed luxury without screaming for hours of prep. Surf and turf has always held a special place in my heart the harmony of a buttery shrimp bite right after a juicy piece of steak is unmatched. But I wondered, could I recreate this iconic dish using nothing but my air fryer?

Surf and Turf in Air Fryer plated with steak and shrimp — Surf and Turf in Air Fryer served hot with lemon and herb butter

What came next changed my dinner game forever. I didn’t just nail the texture and taste I found a way to bring steakhouse flavor to my tiny kitchen with no mess. If you’re anything like me a flavor-hunter with little time — you’re going to love this surf and turf air fryer recipe. And yes, it delivers that mouthwatering richness of land and sea on a single plate.

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Looking for inspiration? Try this list of air fryer steak recipes for meal prep to expand your air-fried mastery.

Table of Contents

Why Choose Surf and Turf in Air Fryer?

Convenience Meets Gourmet

Making surf and turf in the air fryer takes luxury and makes it effortless. You get steak with a seared crust and shrimp that’s plump and juicy all without flipping pans or dealing with smoke.

Budget-Friendly Indulgence

You don’t need to spend hundreds at a restaurant. With the right seasoning and technique, your air fryer can whip up surf and turf that tastes five-star.

Perfect for Special Dinners

Impress your guests or treat yourself to a fancy night in. This surf and turf air fryer recipe is a showstopper without the stress.

Air Fryer Surf and Turf

Juicy steak and garlicky shrimp, cooked to perfection in the air fryer for a luxurious yet easy dinner. Brings steakhouse flavor to your kitchen in under 30 minutes.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 18

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 2 plates

Calories 520 kcal

Equipment

Air Fryer
Tongs
Mixing Bowl
Meat Thermometer

Ingredients

Steak

2 ribeye steaks about 1-inch thick
1 tsp salt or to taste
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika

Shrimp

8 oz large shrimp peeled and deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice fresh
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp paprika
chopped parsley for garnish

Optional Herb Butter

2 tbsp unsalted butter softened
1 clove garlic minced
fresh rosemary finely chopped
fresh thyme finely chopped

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Season steaks with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika on both sides.
Place steaks in the air fryer basket and cook for 8–12 minutes depending on thickness and desired doneness, flipping halfway through. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy (130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium).
Remove steaks from the air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes.
While steak rests, toss shrimp with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, and parsley.
Air fry shrimp at 370°F (188°C) for 5–6 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Prepare herb butter by mixing softened butter with garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
Serve steak topped with herb butter and shrimp garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.

Notes

For the best texture, cook steak and shrimp separately. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket for even cooking. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Keyword Air Fryer, Steak and Shrimp, Surf and Turf

Ingredients for the Perfect Air Fryer Surf and Turf

Steak Selection

Ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon
At least 1-inch thick
Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika

Shrimp Prep

Jumbo or large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Tossed in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, and parsley

Bonus Add-ons

Herb butter (mix softened butter with garlic, rosemary, and thyme)
Air fryer mushrooms or asparagus as sidekicks

Check out these juicy air fryer steak bites for another bold variation of turf dishes.

Step-by-Step: Cooking Surf and Turf in Air Fryer

1. Preheat Your Air Fryer

Set it at 400°F (200°C). A hot air fryer gives the steak that perfect sear while keeping it moist.

2. Cook the Steak First

Place steak in the air fryer basket. Cook 8–12 minutes depending on thickness and desired doneness, flipping halfway.

Quick Tip: Use a meat thermometer. 130°F for medium rare, 140°F for medium.

3. Let Steak Rest

Remove steak and let it sit for 5 minutes. This locks in the juices while you move on to the shrimp.

4. Cook the Shrimp

Air fry shrimp at 370°F for 5–6 minutes. Flip halfway for even cooking. Avoid overcooking or they’ll turn rubbery.

5. Combine and Serve

Place steak and shrimp on a platter. Top steak with herb butter, sprinkle parsley over shrimp, and serve with lemon wedges.

If you’re looking for a standalone, juicy steak dinner before diving into the surf and turf combo, don’t miss our complete air fryer steak recipe guide it breaks down every technique to achieve restaurant-level flavor at home.

Best Seasoning Tips for Air Fryer Steak and Shrimp

Dry Rubs Work Best

Air fryers don’t do well with sauces mid-cook. Stick to dry rubs garlic powder, paprika, cayenne for a kick.

Marinades Before, Not During

Let steak or shrimp marinate for 15–30 minutes before cooking. Drain excess to prevent sogginess.

Finish With Butter or Sauce After Cooking

Top with garlic herb butter or a drizzle of lemon-garlic olive oil just before serving.

Side Dish Ideas to Pair with Surf and Turf in Air Fryer

Garlic Butter Mushrooms

Creamy, earthy, and quick in the air fryer they make a perfect pairing with both shrimp and steak.

Don’t miss our flavorful garlic butter mushrooms recipe it elevates your surf and turf game instantly.

Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes

Air-fried red potatoes or fries give the crunchy texture your soft shrimp and juicy steak need.

Grilled Veggies or Asparagus

Roast asparagus or green beans right in the same basket for a quick, healthy touch.

Air Fryer Surf and Turf Cooking Tips

Timing is Everything

Always cook the steak first, then shrimp. Never overcrowd the basket air circulation is key.

Use Foil or Parchment

Place shrimp on foil to prevent falling through grates. Same for thin-cut steaks.

Keep It Hot Until Serving

If you’re batching, keep steak warm in foil while shrimp cooks. Reheat steak quickly with this tip: Discover how to reheat steak in the air fryer without drying it out.

Surf and Turf Leftovers: Storage & Reuse Tips

Storing Leftovers

Store in airtight containers in the fridge up to 3 days
Don’t freeze shrimp after cooking it loses texture

Reheating in Air Fryer

Shrimp: 350°F for 3–4 mins
Steak: 375°F for 4–5 mins (wrap in foil to retain juices)

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Surf and Turf in Air Fryer

Overcrowding: leads to uneven cooking.
Over-seasoning: air fryers intensify flavors. Go lighter.
Skipping rest time for steak: you’ll lose all the juices.

Conclusion: A Luxurious Meal Made Easy

Surf and turf in the air fryer delivers steakhouse-style luxury in less than 30 minutes and you don’t even need a grill. Whether you’re treating yourself, planning a romantic night in, or just exploring bold flavors, this combo of juicy steak and garlicky shrimp is the perfect balance of richness and simplicity.

Don’t miss our other ideas for air fryer steak lovers and explore more tasty dishes that transform your everyday cooking.