Hey there! I’m super excited to share my favorite way to cook shrimp skewers in an air fryer. After testing countless recipes and methods I’ve figured out the perfect technique that’ll give you restaurant-quality results right at home. Let’s dive in!
Why Choose Air Fryer for Shrimp Skewers?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here’s why I absolutely love using my air fryer for shrimp skewers:
- Quick Cooking: Takes just 8-10 minutes total
- Healthier Option: Uses minimal oil
- Even Cooking: Hot air circulation ensures uniform results
- Less Mess: No oil splatter to clean up
- Perfect Texture: Crispy outside, juicy inside
What You’ll Need
Essential Equipment:
- Air fryer
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
- Mixing bowl
- Paper towels
Basic Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp (16-20 count)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preparing Your Shrimp
First things first, let’s get those shrimp ready:
- If using frozen shrimp: Thaw completely in cold water (15-20 minutes)
- Clean and devein: Remove shells (leave tails on if desired)
- Pat dry: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture
2. Marinade Magic
Here’s my go-to marinade recipe that never fails:
Simple Marinade Recipe:- 3 tablespoons olive oil- 2 tablespoons lemon juice- 2-3 minced garlic cloves- 1 teaspoon paprika- 1/2 teaspoon salt- 1/4 teaspoon black pepperMix everything in a bowl and let shrimp marinate for 15-30 minutes (but not longer – we don’t want mushy shrimp!).
3. Skewering Tips
When threading shrimp onto skewers
- Wooden skewers: Soak in water for 30 minutes first
- Metal skewers: No prep needed
- Thread 4-6 shrimp per skewer
- Leave small gaps between each shrimp
- Thread through both tail and head end
4. Air Frying Instructions
Now for the main event
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C)
- Arrange skewers in a single layer
- Cook for 4-5 minutes
- Flip skewers
- Cook additional 4-5 minutes
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
I’ve learned these tricks the hard way, so you don’t have to:
- Don’t overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed
- Check early: Shrimp cook fast – start checking at 7 minutes
- Look for signs: Done when pink and slightly curled
- Temperature check: Internal temp should reach 120°F (49°C)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
We’ve all been there! Here’s what not to do:
- Overcooking (leads to rubber-like texture)
- Skipping the preheating step
- Stacking skewers on top of each other
- Using too much oil
Delicious Variations
Want to mix things up? Try these flavor combos:
-
Spicy Cajun:
- Cajun seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Cayenne pepper
-
Asian-Inspired:
- Soy sauce
- Ginger
- Sesame oil
-
Mediterranean:
- Oregano
- Lemon zest
- Garlic
Serving Suggestions
Make it a complete meal with these sidekicks:
- Fresh salad
- Grilled vegetables
- Rice or quinoa
- Dipping sauces (cocktail sauce, garlic aioli)
Storage Tips
Got leftovers? Here’s what to do:
- Refrigerate: Up to 3 days in airtight container
- Reheat: 2-3 minutes in air fryer at 350°F
- Freeze: Not recommended (affects texture)
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp without thawing?
A: Nope! Always thaw first for even cooking.
Q: How do I know when shrimp are done?
A: They’ll be pink, opaque, and curved like a ‘C’ (not an ‘O’ – that means overcooked!).
Q: Can I add veggies to my skewers?
A: Totally! Just pick quick-cooking ones like cherry tomatoes or pre-cook dense veggies.
My Final Thoughts
After making these countless times, I can tell ya that air fryer shrimp skewers are a total game-changer. They’re quick, healthy, and honestly, sometimes even better than restaurant versions!
The key is really in not overthinking it – just follow these steps, and you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make perfect shrimp skewers every single time. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll never go back to traditional grilling!
Now, go fire up that air fryer and get cooking! And hey, if you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Happy cooking!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this guide in more detail?
Why We Enjoy These Air Fryer Shrimp Kebabs
Food on skewers always just makes it more fun to eat! We load ours with skewers with juicy shrimp, sweet bell peppers, tangy pineapple, and aromatic onions.
- Cooking it in the Air Fryer makes it so easy and fast
- All the ingredients bring their own flavors, so no need for fancy seasonings
- If you don’t want to mess with skewers, you can still throw everything in the Air Fryer basket and let them cook all together
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This shrimp kebab recipe uses simple ingredients. Here are the essential that you’ll need for the skewers:
- Shrimp: We used fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp. You can find them also frozen, however, you’ll need to defrost them in the fridge the night before
- Red Bell Pepper: You can use any color of bell peppers, but we like the sweetness of red bell peppers
- Red Onions: You can use any kind of onions that you have on hand, but we like using red onions because it adds color to the dish
- Pineapple: It’s best to use fresh pineapple for this recipe because canned pineapple will be too mushy when cooked
Here Are The Steps To Make Air Fryer Shrimp Kebabs
- Cut up the pineapple, red onions, and bell peppers into one-inch cubes.
- Assemble the ingredients on the skewers, alternating each ingredient on the skewers.
- Coat with olive oil or cooking spray and sprinkle on the seasonings.
- Place the skewers in the Air Fryer Basket and cook for 8 to 10 minutes at 360F.
Reference the recipe card below for detailed instructions.
