Air Fryer Shrimp (Quick and Easy)

Love shrimp but want to eat something a little bit different?

Serve up these perfectly seasoned zesty Cilantro Lime Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers instead.

Not only are they the ultimate crowd pleaser and absolutely amazing, they are also super healthy, yet you’d never know it since they are full of great flavour.

Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers really are everything that is great about snacking, or game day food. They are easy to make and easy to eat. Seriously folks, what is more fun than eating food served on a stick?!

But you don’t even need to use the skewers at all. Follow this recipe and then just add the loose shrimp directly into the air fryer to cook. I did this the other night when I was in desperate need of a quick and easy supper.

I served them along with my Instant Pot Broccoli and the family looooooooved every bite. #easydinnerideas

PS sea food addict? Then try these Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp, delicious Shrimp Po Boy Sandwich and best ever 10 minute blackened shrimp.

Why Make This Recipe

• It is a great side dish, appetizer and main course with another side.
• It is the perfect shrimp recipe for game day along with the usual chips, dip and takeout pizzas (#bedifferent).
• Food on the table in under 15 minutes.
• Simple and quick and made with pantry staples.
• Versatile meal that you can change up for different flavors every time.

Ingredient Notes

• Shrimp – this recipe calls for uncooked shrimp, peeled and deveined. You can use fresh shrimp or frozen shrimp that has been thawed (see info further below).
• Garlic – use minced garlic or garlic powder.
• Spices – flavor comes from a combination of paprika, ground cumin, salt and ground black pepper.
• Citrus – fresh lemon juice completes this.
• Garnish – use fresh herbs like cilantro for garnish.

How To Cook Shrimp In Air Fryer

Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

1. Soak 6 wooden skewers in water for 15-20 mins before needed.
2. Preheat air fryer to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
3. Mix lemon Juice, minced garlic, paprika, cumin and the best ever salt in a bowl. Add and toss shrimp and stir to evenly coat.
4. Thread deveined shrimp onto the skewers.
5. Place skewers in air fryer basket and make sure they are not touching.
6. Air fry for 5-8 minutes, flip shrimp halfway through the cook time. Since air fryer temperatures can vary, start with less time and then add more as needed.
7. Transfer shrimp to a plate with chopped cilantro (coriander) and extra lime slices.

Flavourful shrimp skewers ready to cook up in the air fryer….

Grill Method for Making Cilantro Lime Shrimp Skewers

Don’t have an air fryer? No problem! Cooking shrimp skewers using your grill or barbecue is easy. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat the grill or barbecue to medium.
2. Oil the grill plate with olive oil etc (make sure use an oil approved for your dietary considerations).
3. Place shrimp on a griddle on the hot barbecue or grill.
4. Cook for 2-3 mins on each side until they are cooked through.
5. Transfer to a plate before serving.

Recipe Notes For Air Fried Shrimp Skewers

• You can vary the spices and herbs to suit your taste. If following a particular eating program, make sure the spices and seasonings are compliant and program-approved.
• Pat shrimp dry with paper towels so they take in the marinade better.
• This marinade also works well on fish, chicken and pork.
• Make sure the skewers will fit inside your air fryer. You can buy smaller skewers, but if you already have longer skewers on hand do what I did and cut them down to fit in the air fryer basket (I cut mine to 6.5 inches).

Plus……..

• Do a quick baste with the marinade just before adding the skewers to the air fryer.
• Make sure they are peeled before marinating so that the marinade goes in.
• Don’t overcrowd and cook food in a single layer on the air fryer so that it cooks evenly and the air circulates well. Cook in batches if needed.
• Air fryer temperatures can vary depending on the make and model, so it is important to always check your food for doneness and adjust the cook time as needed.

Chef’s Tip: Remember that cooking time depends on the size of your shrimp, so start out with less time if you are unsure and then increase accordingly. 

Air fryer temperatures can vary depending on the make and model, so it is important to always check your food for doneness and adjust the cook time as needed.

Delicious Variations

The great thing about this recipe is that it is super versatile. You can easily change up the flavour by using different spices and seasonings.

• Make these Mexican – making these Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers with Mexican flavour is soooo tasty. Use a combination of chilli powder, cumin, and chipotle to season them before adding to the air fryer.
• Make them Cajun – turn them into spicy Cajun Shrimp Skewers by adding some creole seasoning to the mix. You can also go for more of a classic flavour profile and swap out the paprika and cumin for Old Bay Seasoning. Delicious!
• Feel free to use other seasoning – like Italian Seasoning instead, lemon pepper seasonong

Storage

• Store – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. 
• Freeze – It is best to freeze the uncooked shrimp for up to three months.
• Reheat – for a minute or two in the air fryer.

How Long To Cook Shrimp In Air Fryer?

Shellfish cook quickly so keep an eye on them so they don’t over cook. Cooking time depends on the size of the shellfish, with jumbo shrimp and large shrimp needing a little more cook time and smaller shrimp needing less time. Start with 5-8 minutes checking at the lower time and continuing checking till done.

If shrimps taste rubbery, it means they have been overcooked. Cooked shrimp tend to have a C shape, whilst overcooked ones tend to have an O shape.

Can You Make Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers With Frozen Shrimp?

Yes, you can make these air fryer shrimp skewers using frozen shrimp. Just make sure to fully defrost the shrimp before adding to the skewers and cooking.

To defrost your shrimp, simply follow one of these two methods:

Overnight Defrost Option:

• Add frozen seafood to a bowl.
• Cover the bowl and put in your refrigerator for 8 hours, or overnight.
• Remove from fridge and drain any water from the shrimp before using.

Quick Defrost Option:

• Place the frozen cooked shrimp in a colander or large bowl.
• Run cold tap water over the shrimp, mixing the shrimp every few mins to ensure they thaw evening.
• Depending on the size, the shrimp will be thawed in 10 -15 mins. Strain the water completely.
• 

Weight Watchers Points

There are 0 (that’s right zero!) Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving.

Serving Suggestions

This goes great with a simple spinach salad or cauliflower rice or Air Fryer Cauliflower, if keeping it low carb. Alternatively you can serve it with Crispy Air Fryer Baked Potatoes mashed potatoes like these Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes, Instant Pot Mexican Rice. (if not following Whole 30 or Keto plans) or Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries.

If you want you can serve these up as Shrimp Tacos and and Shrimp Salads instead.

More Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Pork Chops.
• Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp.
• Air Fryer Whole Chicken.
• Air Fryer Salmon.
• Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings.
• Crispy Bacon In Air Fryer.
• Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts.
• Air Fryer Onions.
• Air Fryer Steak.

Thank you for reading my Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers recipe post. And please come visit again as I continue dreaming up recipes, traditional African recipes, African fusion recipes, Sierra Leone recipes, travel plans and much more for you. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry, UK food blog.

Get the Cilantro Lime Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe