Cilantro Lime Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers

The biggest game day of them all (at least for my American friends) is fast approaching. Which means it is time for the ultimate game day spread. This year, don’t just settle for the usual chips, dip and takeout pizzas (#bedifferent).

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

Not only are they the ultimate crowd pleaser 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 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

Ready to learn how to make these Cilantro Lime Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers? Then gather up your ingredients and I will show you….

How To Make Cilantro Lime Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers

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 minutess, turning skewers 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 and serve 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! Cook these shrimp skewers using your grill or barbecue. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat the grill or barbecue to medium.
2. Oil the grill plate (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 and serve.

Tips for Making Air Fryer 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.
• 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.
• 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!

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 shrimp 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 in Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers

There are 0 (that’s right zero!) Freestyle Points in a serving of Cilantro Lime Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers.

What To Serve With Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers

• Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Wings.
• Instant Pot Mexican Rice. (if not following Whole 30 or Keto plans)
• Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries.

More Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Salmon.
• Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Parmesan.
• Air Fryer Steak with Herb Lemon Butter.

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.

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