Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers: 5 Fit Flavors to Savor

Name: Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers: 5 Fit Flavors to Savor
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste; Skewers

By:

Christina R. Jones

June 27, 2025

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Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of biting into perfectly cooked shrimp skewers, especially when they’re made in an air fryer! I remember hosting a summer barbecue and being amazed at how quickly these Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers came together. Just toss your shrimp with some olive oil, garlic, and spices, thread them onto skewers, and let the air fryer work its magic. It’s that easy!

This dish is perfect for a light meal or as an appetizer for your next get-together. I love how the air fryer keeps the shrimp juicy while giving them that delightful slightly crispy finish. Plus, they’re low in fat and packed with protein, making them a guilt-free indulgence. You’ll want to make these again and again, trust me!

Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers - detail 1

Ingredients List

To whip up these delicious Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed is perfect!)
2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin adds a nice flavor)
2 cloves garlic, minced (don’t skimp on this; it adds a punch!)
1 teaspoon paprika (for that lovely smokiness)
1 teaspoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed really brightens up the dish)
Salt and pepper to taste (season it just how you like!)
Skewers (wooden or metal; if using wooden, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning)

Having everything prepped and ready to go makes the cooking process so much smoother, so take a moment to gather these ingredients before diving in!

How to Prepare Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making these scrumptious Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers. I promise it’s a breeze, and I’ll walk you through it step by step!

Preheat the Air Fryer

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures that your shrimp cook evenly and get that beautiful, slightly crispy texture. Just set the temperature and give it about 5 minutes to warm up while you prepare the shrimp mixture.

Prepare the Shrimp Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine your shrimp with the olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. I love to use my hands here—get in there and toss everything together until the shrimp are evenly coated. Trust me, the aroma of garlic and spices mixing with the shrimp will have your mouth watering in no time!

Assemble the Skewers

Once your shrimp are nicely coated, it’s time to thread them onto your skewers. If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for about 30 minutes beforehand to prevent them from burning. This little step makes a world of difference! Slide the shrimp onto the skewers, leaving a bit of space between each one for even cooking. You can usually fit about 4-5 shrimp per skewer, depending on their size.

Cooking the Skewers

Now, carefully place your assembled skewers in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when the shrimp turn a lovely pink color and are opaque throughout. Keep an eye on them because they cook quickly, and you want them perfectly tender!

Serving the Skewers

Once those beauties are out of the air fryer, serve them immediately while they’re still warm. They make an excellent appetizer or light meal on their own, but don’t hesitate to pair them with a dipping sauce like cocktail sauce or a zesty garlic aioli for an extra flavor kick. Trust me, these Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers won’t last long on the table!

Tips for Success

To make sure your Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers turn out absolutely perfect, I’ve got some handy tips that’ll help you nail it every time!

Season to Your Taste: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning. Everyone has different preferences, so feel free to add more garlic, a pinch of cayenne for heat, or even some fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of flavor!
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Give those shrimp some space! If they’re packed too tightly, they won’t cook evenly. If you have a lot to make, cook them in batches to ensure that perfect texture.
Experiment with Marinades: Feel free to play around with different marinades. A splash of soy sauce or a bit of honey can add a delightful twist to the shrimp. Just remember to keep the marinade light so it doesn’t overpower the shrimp.
Serve with Dipping Sauce: A good dipping sauce can elevate your skewers! Try a simple garlic aioli, a tangy cocktail sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo. They add an extra layer of flavor that’s hard to resist!
Watch the Cooking Time: Shrimp cook quickly, so keep a close eye on them. Pull them out as soon as they turn pink and opaque, or they can become tough. It’s better to check a minute early than to risk overcooking!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to impress your friends and family with these delicious Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers! Enjoy the cooking adventure!

Nutritional Information

When you’re enjoying these fabulous Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers, you might be curious about what you’re actually putting into your body. Here’s a typical breakdown of the nutritional values per skewer:

Calories: 150
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 150mg
Sodium: 300mg
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 25g

Keep in mind that this is an estimate based on common ingredient brands, so the actual values may vary slightly depending on what you use. But no matter the numbers, you can feel great about indulging in these delicious skewers—they’re a healthy choice packed with protein!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making the perfect Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries that might help you out:

What type of shrimp should I use? Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp both work great! Just make sure they’re peeled and deveined. I personally love using large shrimp for these skewers because they hold up well and provide a satisfying bite.
How do I know when the shrimp are done cooking? The shrimp will turn a lovely pink and opaque when they’re cooked through, usually around 8-10 minutes in the air fryer. Keep an eye on them, as shrimp can overcook quickly and become rubbery!
Can I marinate the shrimp ahead of time? Absolutely! Marinating adds fantastic flavor. You can prep the shrimp with the olive oil, garlic, and spices a few hours in advance or even overnight. Just keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
What can I serve with these shrimp skewers? These Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers are delicious on their own, but they pair beautifully with a refreshing salad, some grilled veggies, or even over a bed of rice or quinoa. Don’t forget dipping sauces like garlic aioli or a zesty cocktail sauce—they’re a hit!
Can I use other proteins or vegetables? For sure! You can switch it up with chicken, beef, or even veggies like bell peppers and zucchini. Just remember to adjust the cooking times accordingly, especially for chicken, which usually takes a bit longer.

Hopefully, these answers help clear up any questions you have about making your Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: In just 25 minutes, you can have delicious shrimp skewers ready to serve—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings!
Flavor Packed: The combination of garlic, paprika, and lemon juice creates a mouthwatering flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Healthy Choice: With only 150 calories per skewer and packed with protein, these skewers are a guilt-free option that fits well into a balanced diet.
Versatile: You can easily customize the seasonings or add veggies to the skewers, making it easy to cater to different tastes and preferences.
Minimal Cleanup: Cooking in the air fryer means less mess and fewer dishes to wash, allowing you to enjoy more time with family and friends!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you happen to have any leftovers from these scrumptious Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers (which is rare in my house!), storing them properly is key to keeping them delicious for later. Here’s how I do it:

First, let the skewers cool down to room temperature. Once they’re cool, you can either leave them on the skewers or remove the shrimp and place them in an airtight container. If you’re keeping them on the skewers, just wrap the container tightly with plastic wrap. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days.

When it’s time to enjoy those tasty leftovers, reheating is simple! I recommend using the air fryer again for the best results. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the skewers inside. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, just until they’re heated through. This method helps keep the shrimp juicy and prevents them from drying out.

If you don’t have an air fryer handy, you can also reheat them in the oven. Just preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and arrange the skewers on a baking sheet. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to retain moisture, and heat for about 5-7 minutes.

Remember, shrimp are best enjoyed fresh, so I highly recommend eating them right away when possible. But with these storage and reheating tips, you can still savor every last bite!