Air-Fryer Shrimp Skewers: Quick, Easy, Delicious

Shrimp skewers are a delicious and easy dish to make in an air fryer. They are a great option for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat. The air fryer ensures that the shrimp are perfectly cooked on all sides, resulting in juicy and succulent shrimp with a slightly crispy exterior. The cooking time will depend on the size of your shrimp and the temperature of your air fryer, but on average, it should take about 5-10 minutes to cook shrimp skewers in an air fryer. You can also add vegetables to the skewers, such as bell peppers, red onions, and even pineapple chunks, for extra flavor.

Shrimp skewer marinade ideas

Shrimp skewers are a versatile dish that can be made in an air fryer or on a grill, and there are many marinade options to choose from. Here are some ideas for shrimp skewer marinades:

Lemon and Herb Marinade

This marinade is perfect for those who want a light and refreshing dish. The lemon adds a zesty tang, while the herbs provide a fresh and flavorful kick. To make this marinade, combine olive oil, lemon juice, and your choice of fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, or oregano. You can also add some Italian seasoning for an extra punch of flavor. Whisk these ingredients together in a large bowl, and then coat the shrimp evenly before skewering and cooking.

Mediterranean Marinade

For a taste of the Mediterranean, try a marinade with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs. The olive oil will help distribute the flavors evenly and protect the garlic from burning, resulting in a plump and juicy shrimp. You can grill these shrimp skewers indoors or outdoors, or even broil them in the oven.

Lemon-Pepper Marinade

This marinade is perfect for those who want a zesty and spicy kick to their shrimp skewers. Combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon pepper, paprika, and garlic powder in a bowl. Add the shrimp and toss until coated, then cook in the air fryer until pink and firm. For an extra spicy twist, add some Cajun seasoning to the shrimp before cooking.

Cilantro-Lime Marinade

This marinade is perfect for those who want a zesty and flavorful dish. The cilantro and lime combine to create a fresh and tangy taste that pairs perfectly with the shrimp. Cook the shrimp in the air fryer and serve with extra lime slices and chopped cilantro for a healthy and delicious appetizer or main course.

When making shrimp skewers, it is recommended to use medium to large shrimp, and to peel and devein them before marinating. You can leave the tails on for a more flavorful dish and a better presentation. Soak wooden skewers in water before using to prevent them from burning. Finally, remember to cook the shrimp skewers in a single layer in the air fryer or grill to ensure even cooking.

How to prepare shrimp for skewering

Preparing shrimp for skewering is a simple process, but there are a few steps to follow to ensure the best results. Here is a guide on how to prepare shrimp for skewering:

Firstly, decide whether you want to peel the shrimp or keep the shells on. Peeling the shrimp before cooking allows for a quicker marinade and makes the shrimp easier to eat. However, some people believe that leaving the shell on helps the shrimp retain moisture during cooking. If you choose to peel the shrimp, make sure to do so carefully to avoid damaging the flesh.

Next, you need to devein the shrimp. This step is important to remove the vein, which can be unpleasant to eat. Use a small knife or a specialised deveining tool to make a shallow slit down the back of the shrimp, then use your fingers or the tool to remove the vein. Rinse the shrimp under cold water to wash away any remaining debris.

After peeling and deveining, you can choose to soak the shrimp in salt water for about 15 minutes. This step is optional but helps keep the shrimp moist during cooking and prevents them from drying out.

Before skewering, it is recommended to pat the shrimp dry with paper towels, especially if you have soaked them in salt water. This allows the shrimp to better absorb the marinade.

Now you are ready to skewer the shrimp. You can use either metal or wooden skewers. If using wooden skewers, it is important to soak them in water for at least 20 minutes beforehand to prevent them from burning during cooking. Thread the shrimp onto the skewers, piercing through the body and tail, making sure not to crowd them too closely together. Leave a little space between each shrimp to allow heat to circulate and ensure even cooking.

Finally, brush the shrimp with your chosen marinade or cooking spray/oil. You can also add vegetables to your shrimp skewers, such as bell peppers, red onions, or pineapple chunks, for extra flavour and colour.

Air fryer settings for shrimp skewers

Preparing shrimp skewers in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or a main course. The air fryer's convection method of cooking ensures that the shrimp are cooked evenly, resulting in a juicy and succulent texture.

Air Fryer Settings

Before cooking, ensure that your shrimp are peeled and deveined. You can use fresh or thawed shrimp, as frozen shrimp may not have the best texture. If using wooden skewers, soak them in warm water for 10-30 minutes to prevent burning.

When preparing the shrimp, you can marinate them in your choice of seasonings and sauces. A simple blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper can be used, or you can experiment with other herbs and spices. You can also add a pop of freshness by squeezing some lemon juice over the shrimp just before serving.

After seasoning the shrimp, pierce them through the body and tail with the skewers. Place the skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. If your skewers are longer than the basket, you may need to cut them down to size.

Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (205 degrees Celsius). The cooking time will depend on the size of your shrimp. For jumbo shrimp, cook for about 8 minutes. Medium to large-sized shrimp will take 1-2 minutes less, and smaller shrimp will take even less time.

Halfway through the cooking time, flip the shrimp to ensure even cooking. The shrimp are done when they turn pink and firm. For added flavour, you can baste the shrimp with the remaining marinade towards the end of the cooking process.

Once the shrimp are cooked to your desired level of doneness, transfer them to a plate and serve immediately. You can garnish with lemon slices, chopped cilantro (coriander), and extra lime slices or juice if desired.

How long to cook shrimp skewers

Shrimp skewers are a quick and easy meal to make in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the size of the shrimp and the temperature of the air fryer. For jumbo shrimp, it should take around 8 minutes to cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are using smaller shrimp, reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes. If your air fryer doesn't go up to 400 degrees, you can still cook the shrimp at a lower temperature; it will just take a little longer.

If you are using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in warm water for 10-30 minutes before adding the shrimp to prevent them from burning. You can also use metal skewers, which often come with air fryer accessory kits. When preparing the shrimp, make sure they are peeled and deveined before marinating and cooking. You can marinate the shrimp for up to 30 minutes, but not much longer, as the acid in ingredients like lemon juice will start to cook the shrimp.

When cooking, place the shrimp skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. If your skewers are long, you may need to cut them down to fit. Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to flip the shrimp halfway through the cooking time. For a crispy texture, cook the shrimp at 380–400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8–9 minutes, or until cooked through. If you don't have an air fryer, you can also grill or broil the shrimp skewers. To grill, set the grill to medium heat and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side. To broil, preheat the broiler and place the shrimp skewers on a sheet pan in a single layer, cooking for 2–3 minutes on each side.

What to serve with shrimp skewers

Shrimp skewers are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to make a delicious and satisfying meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve with shrimp skewers:

Salads

A fresh and crunchy salad is a perfect side dish to pair with shrimp skewers. You can go for a classic like a tricolour slaw with a lime-mayonnaise dressing or a broccoli and cauliflower slaw with almonds and a tangy dressing. If you're looking for something a little different, try a zucchini noodle salad with a spicy honey jalapeño lime vinaigrette, an arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan, or a broccoli and kale Caesar salad. For a summer twist, toss sweet peaches and cherry tomatoes in a cilantro-lime vinaigrette.

Grilled Vegetables

Grilled vegetables are a great option to serve with shrimp skewers, especially in the spring and summer when there is an abundance of fresh produce. Zucchini, eggplant, asparagus, and green beans are all delicious options. You can also try grilling corn on the cob, or making mixed vegetable kebabs with a balsamic and garlic glaze.

Starchy Sides

For a heartier option, consider a starchy side dish. Grilled sweet potatoes with a spicy honey-lime vinaigrette or garlic herb-roasted potatoes are delicious and filling options.

Seafood

If you want to create a seafood feast, add some scallops or fish to your shrimp skewers. This is a great way to add variety and flavour to your meal.

Carbs

For a more substantial side, consider serving your shrimp skewers with some carbs. Grilled shrimp tacos or a grilled shrimp bowl are delicious options. You could also serve them with a side of couscous salad or cauliflower rice.

Frequently asked questions