Display omitted •A SiC/TiB2 based hybrid coating layer was successfully deposited on the surface of TiC–SKD11 composite by simple air spray process.•The anti-oxidation ability was found to be much better than that of the uncoated TiC–SKD11 composite, as well as better than those of SUS431 and 17-4PH.•The formation of SiO2 and TiO2 layer with the aid of B2O3 by phase transition of SiC/TiB2 based hybrid coating is the origin of the improved anti-oxidation ability of the TiC–SKD11 composite. Oxidation resistance of TiC–SKD11 composite has been improved through SiC/TiB2 based hybrid coating by a simple air spray process and subsequent transition to dense and stable phases in oxidation environment. As a result of the oxidation test at 700 °C for up to 50 h, the coated TiC–SKD11 composite exhibited excellent oxidation resistance characteristics compared with the uncoated TiC–SKD11 composite, and also compared to SUS431 and 17-4PH. The formation of a thermally stable, volume-expanded SiO2 and TiO2 coating layer with the aid of B2O3 by phase transition of TiB2/SiC based hybrid coating under oxidation atmosphere is the origin of the improved anti-oxidation ability of the TiC–SKD11 composite.