Easy Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers Quick Healthy Recipe

There’s a specific kind of quiet that settles over our Minneapolis home in the late afternoon, just before the storm of evening activities begins. It’s the time I often find myself standing in the kitchen, staring into the fridge, with the low hum of the appliance as my only companion. I’m thinking about dinner, of course, but it’s more than that. I’m searching for a meal that feels like a small celebration but doesn’t demand hours of my time. Something special enough to make my kids’ eyes light up, yet simple enough to leave room for homework help and bedtime stories. It’s on these evenings that I find myself reaching for one of my most trusted culinary secrets: these glorious Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers.

Have you ever wondered if it’s truly possible to get that smoky, charred flavor of grilled skewers without firing up the barbecue? For years, I believed that wonderfully succulent shrimp, threaded onto a stick, was a pleasure reserved for summer cookouts. But the truth is, your countertop air fryer holds the key to unlocking that same deliciousness in under 15 minutes, any day of the year. This recipe for air fryer shrimp skewers has become a fixture in our home. It bridges the gap between a weeknight rush and a desire for something that tastes thoughtful and vibrant. They are born from a need for speed but deliver a flavor that feels slow cooked and cherished. They taste like sunshine and sea salt, a tiny vacation on a plate, even on the busiest of Tuesdays.

The magic begins with a simple marinade, a quick toss of garlic, lemon, herbs, and a touch of paprika that kisses the shrimp with color and warmth. Threading them onto skewers is a task my kids love to help with, their small fingers carefully arranging the shrimp in a row. It’s a moment of connection amidst the daily hustle. Then, the air fryer does its work, circulating hot air to cook the shrimp to tender, juicy perfection with those lovely, slightly crisp edges. It’s a method that feels both modern and timeless, a testament to how our kitchens evolve, but our love for good, honest food remains the same.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers

The first time I made these, my husband, Jonah, came into the kitchen, drawn by the smell of garlic and lemon. He took one bite and said it tasted like something we’d eat at a seaside cafe. That’s the heart of this recipe. It has an effortless elegance that elevates a simple meal into something memorable. These skewers are more than just food; they’re a solution, a small joy, and a reliable favorite you’ll turn to again and again. They have a permanent spot in my recipe tin for so many reasons.

• Incredibly Quick and Easy: This is the definition of a fast meal. From prep to plate, you’re looking at about 15 minutes. It’s my go to recipe for those nights when time is short but you still want to serve something wholesome and delicious. It’s one of the quick air fryer shrimp skewers I can rely on.
• Perfectly Juicy Every Time: The biggest fear with cooking shrimp is that they’ll become rubbery and dry. The air fryer is a genius at preventing this. The high, consistent heat cooks the shrimp so quickly that they stay plump and incredibly moist inside while getting a beautiful, light char on the outside. This method is the secret to how to prevent shrimp from sticking to air fryer basket and drying out.
• Endlessly Customizable: This recipe is a beautiful canvas. Don’t have fresh parsley? Use dill or cilantro. Want a bit of heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for spicy air fryer shrimp skewers. You can play with so many flavor profiles, from a Cajun air fryer shrimp skewers seasoning to a sweet and savory teriyaki air fryer shrimp skewers glaze.
• Healthy and Light: Shrimp is a wonderful source of lean protein, and the air fryer uses minimal oil, making this a genuinely healthy air fryer shrimp skewers recipe. It’s light, satisfying, and fits into so many healthy eating plans without ever feeling like you’re missing out on flavor. It feels indulgent without any of the heaviness.
• Family Friendly and Fun: There’s something universally appealing about food on a stick. My kids, who can be picky eaters, adore these. They’re a fantastic appetizer for gatherings (air fryer appetiser shrimp skewers) or a simple main course. Letting the kids help skewer the shrimp makes them even more invested in the meal. It’s a simple way to bring everyone to the table, both in the making and the eating.
• Great for Meal Prep: These skewers are a dream for anyone who likes to plan ahead. You can marinate the shrimp in the morning or even the night before. When it’s time to eat, just thread them and pop them in the air fryer. This makes them perfect for meal prep air fryer shrimp skewers.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers

This ingredient list is all about simple, fresh flavors that come together to create something truly special. These are staples I almost always have in my kitchen, which is another reason this recipe feels so effortless.

• 1 lb large shrimp (21 25 count), peeled and deveined, tails on or off
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak them in water for 20 minutes)

Substitutions:

• Shrimp: You can use jumbo shrimp skewers air fryer style, just add another minute or two to the cooking time. You can also make this with frozen shrimp skewers air fryer style; just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them very dry first.
• Herbs: Feel free to swap parsley for cilantro, dill, or chives.
• Spices: If you don’t have smoked paprika, sweet paprika works too. For a different flavor profile, try a pinch of Cajun seasoning or Old Bay.

How to Make Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers

Creating these skewers is a simple, rhythmic process. It starts with a little prep and ends with a beautiful dish. I love the smell of the garlic and lemon as they hit the bowl; it’s the first promise of the deliciousness to come. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a perfect meal in minutes.

Step by Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, this is your first and most important step. Place them in a shallow dish, cover them with water, and let them soak for at least 20 minutes. This simple trick prevents them from burning in the high heat of the air fryer. If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip this step entirely.
2. Make the Marinade: While the skewers are soaking, grab a medium sized bowl. This is where the flavor magic happens. Add the olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried oregano, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Give it a good whisk until everything is beautifully combined. It should smell bright and zesty.
3. Marinate the Shrimp: Make sure your shrimp are peeled, deveined, and patted completely dry with a paper towel. This is key for getting a good sear. Add the dry shrimp to the bowl with the marinade. Gently toss them until every single shrimp is coated in that gorgeous, fragrant mixture. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors. You don’t need to marinate them for long; shrimp are like little sponges.
4. Skewer the Shrimp: Now for the fun part. Take your soaked wooden skewers or metal skewers and thread the shrimp onto them. I usually fit about 4 to 5 shrimp per skewer. Pierce each shrimp through the thickest part and then again near the tail to create a nice, secure “C” shape. This helps them cook evenly.
5. Preheat the Air Fryer: Turn your air fryer on to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes. This ensures the shrimp start cooking the moment they go in, which is crucial for a quick, even cook.
6. Cook the Shrimp Skewers: Arrange the skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be careful not to overcrowd them; you want the hot air to circulate freely. You may need to cook them in two batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Set the air fryer shrimp skewers cooking time for 6 to 8 minutes.
7. Flip for Even Cooking: About halfway through the cooking time, around the 4 minute mark, open the air fryer and use tongs to flip the skewers over. This ensures both sides get that lovely pink color and slightly crispy texture.
8. Check for Doneness: The shrimp are done when they are opaque, pink, and curled into a C shape. The air fryer shrimp skewers internal temp should be 145°F (63°C), but you can usually tell by sight. Be careful not to overcook them!
9. Garnish and Serve: Once they’re cooked, immediately transfer the skewers to a serving platter. Sprinkle them with fresh, chopped parsley. The warmth of the shrimp will release the parsley’s fresh, green aroma. Serve them right away while they are hot and juicy.

Pro Tips & Variations

Over the years, I’ve made this recipe dozens of times, and I’ve learned a few little things that take it from great to absolutely perfect. Think of these as friendly notes from my kitchen to yours.

• Don’t Skip Soaking Wooden Skewers: I know it feels like an extra step, but I can’t stress this enough. Soaking them is the answer to can you put wooden skewers in an air fryer safely. It prevents them from charring or, worse, catching fire. A little patience here goes a long way.
• Pat the Shrimp Completely Dry: Before you add the shrimp to the marinade, use a paper towel to pat them as dry as possible. Water is the enemy of a good sear. Dry shrimp will brown better and absorb the marinade more effectively, while wet shrimp will just steam.
• Single Layer is Key: For crispy, perfectly cooked shrimp, you need to give them space. Don’t be tempted to pile the skewers into your air fryer basket. Cook in batches if you have to. This allows the hot air to circulate and cook the shrimp evenly, rather than steaming them.
• Add Vegetables for a Full Meal: Make these into a complete meal on a stick by adding vegetables! Thread chunks of bell peppers, red onion, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes between the shrimp. This not only adds color and nutrition but also makes it a one-and-done meal. You may need to add a minute or two to the cooking time. For another delicious and easy air fryer dinner, you might love these Easy Air Fryer Steak Fajitas.

Variations:

• Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers: For a touch of sweetness, add 1 tablespoon of honey to the marinade. The honey will caramelize beautifully in the air fryer.
• Lemon Pepper Shrimp Skewers: Swap the paprika and oregano for 1 teaspoon of lemon pepper seasoning for a classic, zesty flavor.
• Cajun Shrimp Skewers: Use 1 tablespoon of your favorite Cajun seasoning blend in place of the paprika and oregano for a bold, Southern inspired kick.
• Gluten Free Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers: This recipe is naturally gluten free! Just be sure to double check that all your spices and seasonings are certified gluten free if you have a severe allergy.

Serving Suggestions

These air fryer shrimp skewers are so versatile they feel right at home alongside a variety of dishes. I love thinking about what to serve with air fryer shrimp skewers because the possibilities are endless. Here’s how we often enjoy them in our house:

• With Coconut Rice and Mango Salsa: This is my absolute favorite pairing. The sweet, creamy coconut rice is a perfect balance to the savory garlic and lemon shrimp. A scoop of fresh mango salsa on the side adds a bright, tropical note that makes the whole meal feel like a mini vacation.
• Over a Fresh Arugula Salad: For a light and healthy lunch or dinner, serve the shrimp skewers over a bed of fresh arugula tossed with a simple lemon vinaigrette, cherry tomatoes, and shaved Parmesan cheese. The peppery arugula is a wonderful contrast to the rich shrimp.
• With Roasted Asparagus and Orzo: Keep it simple and elegant. While the shrimp are in the air fryer, you can quickly roast some asparagus spears in the oven. Serve everything with a simple, lemon and herb tossed orzo for a sophisticated yet easy meal.
• As an Appetizer with a Dipping Sauce: These skewers are fantastic party food. Serve them on a platter with a simple garlic aioli or a sweet chili sauce for dipping. They will disappear in minutes! For another great air fryer appetizer idea, these Air Fryer Beef Wellington Bites are always a huge hit.

Storage & Reheating

While these shrimp skewers are definitely best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer, leftovers are still a wonderful treat.

Storage: Let the shrimp cool completely, then slide them off the skewers and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating: The trick to reheating shrimp is to do it gently to avoid making them rubbery. You can pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for just 2 to 3 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, a quick sauté in a lightly oiled pan over low heat also works well. I would avoid the microwave if possible, as it can overcook them very quickly.

FAQ about Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers

Here are answers to a few questions I often get about making shrimp skewers in the air fryer. I hope they help you feel even more confident in the kitchen!

How long to cook air fryer shrimp skewers at 375?
For large shrimp (21 25 count), the perfect air fryer shrimp skewers cooking time is typically 6 to 8 minutes at 375°F (190°C), flipping them halfway through. The key is to watch them closely. They’re done as soon as they turn pink and opaque.

Can you put wooden skewers in an air fryer?
Yes, absolutely! The key is to soak them in water for at least 20 minutes before using them. This prevents them from burning or charring under the air fryer’s intense heat, ensuring your skewers are safe and your food is perfect.

How do I cook frozen shrimp skewers in the air fryer?
It’s best to air fry shrimp skewers from frozen only after they have been fully thawed. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or place them in a colander under cold running water. Once thawed, pat them completely dry before marinating and cooking as the recipe directs. Cooking them directly from frozen can result in uneven cooking and a watery texture.

What is the best marinade for air fryer shrimp skewers?
The best marinade for air fryer shrimp skewers depends on your taste, but a simple combination of fat (like olive oil), acid (like lemon juice), and aromatics (like garlic and herbs) is a fantastic starting point. This recipe’s garlic lemon marinade is a classic for a reason. It’s light, bright, and lets the sweet flavor of the shrimp shine through.

Final Thoughts on Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers

There is a quiet satisfaction that comes from placing a beautiful, delicious meal on the table, especially one that came together in a flurry of after school activity. This air fryer shrimp skewer recipe is one of those meals for me. It’s a small victory, a moment of grace in a busy day. It proves that you don’t need a lot of time to create something that feels special and nourishing for the people you love. If you’re a fan of simple yet elegant seafood dishes, I think you’ll also adore this classic Air Fryer Salmon recipe.

I hope you give these skewers a try and that they bring a little bit of ease and a lot of flavor to your kitchen. There’s nothing I love more than seeing my recipes come to life in your homes.

If you make these easy air fryer shrimp skewers, please leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out! And if you love them as much as we do, I would be so grateful if you would save this recipe to your favorite Pinterest board to share with others. Your support means the world and helps our little food community grow. Happy cooking

Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers

These Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers are a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy perfectly cooked shrimp with a smoky flavor that rivals grilled skewers. They’re ideal for busy weeknights and perfect for entertaining.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 minutes mins

Total Time 23 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 185 kcal

Equipment

• Air Fryer,
• Mixing bowl
• Skewers

Ingredients

  

Shrimp

• 1 lb large shrimp (21 25 count) peeled, deveined, tails on or off

Marinade

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 lemon zest and juice
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Skewers

• wooden or metal skewers if using wooden, soak in water for 20 minutes

Instructions

 

• If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes before use.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried oregano, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
• Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and add to the marinade. Toss until evenly coated and let sit for 10 minutes.
• Thread shrimp onto skewers, about 4-5 per skewer. Pierce through the thickest part and near the tail to ensure even cooking.
• Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes.
• Place skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
• Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through at around 4 minutes.
• Shrimp are done when they turn opaque and pink and curl into a C shape. Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
• Transfer skewers to a serving platter and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

This recipe is naturally gluten-free! For variations, try adding vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to make a full meal on a stick. You can also add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for spicy air fryer shrimp skewers or a touch of honey for sweetness.

Keyword Air Fryer, Healthy, Quick Dinner, Seafood, Shrimp