How to Cook Shrimp Skewers in an Air Fryer: Your Easy Guide

Ever wondered how to whip up juicy, perfectly cooked shrimp skewers without all the fuss? The air fryer is your secret weapon! It’s fast, convenient, and delivers fantastic results every time. Forget the grill or oven – with your air fryer, you’ll have delicious shrimp skewers ready in minutes, making weeknight meals or appetizers a breeze. Let’s dive into how you can master how to cook shrimp skewers in an air fryer.

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers

• Super Fast: Shrimp cook incredibly quickly in the air fryer, often in under 15 minutes!
• Effortless Cleanup: Minimal dishes mean less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your meal.
• Perfect Texture: The air fryer circulates hot air, giving your shrimp a lovely, slightly crispy exterior and a tender, juicy inside. No rubbery shrimp here!
• Healthy & Delicious: A great way to prepare a lean protein with minimal added oil.

Gather Your Simple Ingredients

You don’t need a pantry full of exotic items for amazing air fryer shrimp skewers. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Shrimp: About 1 pound of large (21/25 count) or jumbo (16/20 count) shrimp. Make sure they are peeled, deveined, and thawed if frozen. Tails on or off is up to you!
• Oil: 1 tablespoon of olive oil, avocado oil, or any other high-smoke-point oil. This helps the seasonings stick and prevents sticking.
• Seasonings:
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika adds a lovely depth!)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Skewers: 6-8 metal or wooden skewers. If using wooden, you don’t need to soak them for this short cooking time!

Your Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to make some magic? Follow these simple steps for perfect air fryer shrimp skewers:

1. Prepare Your Shrimp: If your shrimp are frozen, make sure to thaw them thoroughly first. Gently pat the thawed shrimp dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for getting that nice sear and preventing steaming.
2. Season Them Up: In a medium bowl, toss the dried shrimp with the olive oil until they’re lightly coated. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss again until all the shrimp are evenly seasoned.
3. Skewer Time: Carefully thread 4-5 shrimp onto each skewer. Try not to cram them too tightly; leave a little space between each shrimp for even cooking.
4. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Turn on your air fryer and preheat it to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures consistent cooking and helps achieve that lovely crispy texture.
5. Cook in Batches: Place the shrimp skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd the basket – cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and steamy, rather than crispy, shrimp.
6. Air Fry Away: Cook for 8-12 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through the cooking time (around the 4-6 minute mark). The exact time will depend on the size of your shrimp and your specific air fryer model.
7. Check for Doneness: Shrimp are cooked when they turn opaque and pink and curl into a ‘C’ shape. Be careful not to overcook them, or they’ll become tough and rubbery.
8. Serve Immediately: Transfer the cooked shrimp skewers to a serving platter and enjoy them hot!

Top Tips for the Best Results

• Don’t Overcrowd: This is probably the most important tip! Leave space between your skewers and shrimp for optimal air circulation.
• Pat Dry: Dry shrimp get crispy, wet shrimp steam. Always pat your shrimp dry.
• Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook very quickly. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they’re done. Pull them out to avoid rubbery texture.
• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Just like an oven, a preheated air fryer helps ensure even cooking and a better sear.
• Metal vs. Wooden Skewers: Metal skewers are reusable and conduct heat well. If using wooden, you don’t need to soak them for the short air frying time!

Flavorful Variations to Try

Want to mix things up? Here are some delicious ideas for your shrimp skewers:

• Lemon Garlic: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a tablespoon of minced garlic to your seasoning mix.
• Cajun Spice: Swap out the basic seasonings for 1-2 teaspoons of your favorite Cajun seasoning blend.
• Teriyaki Glaze: Brush the cooked shrimp with a store-bought or homemade teriyaki glaze during the last minute of cooking, or serve on the side.
• Spicy Sriracha: Add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to your oil and seasoning mix for a kick.

What to Serve with Your Shrimp Skewers

These versatile shrimp skewers pair wonderfully with so many sides:

• Rice: White rice, brown rice, or even a flavorful lemon herb rice.
• Salad: A crisp green salad, coleslaw, or a vibrant corn and avocado salad.
• Veggies: Roasted asparagus, air fryer broccoli, grilled zucchini, or a simple side of steamed green beans.
• Pasta: Toss them with a light pasta dish or serve alongside angel hair pasta with a lemon butter sauce.
• Dipping Sauces: Cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, sweet chili sauce, or a creamy garlic aioli.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (it’s rare!), here’s how to handle them:

• Storage: Store cooked shrimp skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Reheating: For best results, gently reheat them in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until just warmed through. Be careful not to overcook, as they can quickly become tough. You can also microwave them, but the air fryer maintains a better texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers

Let’s clear up some common questions you might have:

Do you need to soak wooden skewers for air fryer shrimp?

No, you generally don’t need to soak wooden skewers for this recipe. The cooking time for shrimp in the air fryer is quite short (8-12 minutes), so the skewers won’t have enough time to burn or char significantly.

Can you put frozen shrimp skewers in the air fryer?

It’s best to thaw your shrimp before air frying for the most even and best results. Frozen shrimp will release a lot of water, which can steam rather than crisp your shrimp, and the seasoning won’t adhere as well. If you absolutely must use frozen, add about 5-7 minutes to the cooking time and toss them halfway to break up any ice, but thawed is highly recommended.

Can you air fry peeled shrimp?

Absolutely! The recipe specifically calls for peeled and deveined shrimp. This makes them easier to eat and ensures the seasonings penetrate nicely. Tails on or off is a matter of personal preference.

How do you cook raw shrimp in an air fryer?

This entire guide focuses on cooking raw shrimp in the air fryer! The steps outlined above—seasoning, skewering, air frying at 375°F (190°C) for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway—are exactly how you cook raw shrimp to perfection in your air fryer.

What temperature do you air fry shrimp skewers at?

The ideal temperature for air frying shrimp skewers is 375°F (190°C). This temperature gets them cooked through and beautifully golden without overcooking the delicate shrimp.

Time to Get Cooking!

There you have it! Cooking succulent, perfectly seasoned shrimp skewers in your air fryer is incredibly simple and quick. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this method delivers fantastic results every time. So go ahead, grab your shrimp, fire up your air fryer, and enjoy a delicious meal!