How to Cook Delicious Shrimp Skewers in an Air Fryer

Shrimp skewers cooked in an air fryer are a quick, easy and healthy way to enjoy tender juicy shrimp with a crisp golden exterior. The circulating hot air gently cooks the shrimp while browning the outside to perfection. With just a few simple steps, you can make restaurant-quality shrimp skewers from the comfort of your own home.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make foolproof shrimp skewers in your air fryer, from start to finish

Selecting the Best Shrimp

The key to great tasting shrimp skewers is starting with high quality, fresh shrimp When buying shrimp, look for shells that are shiny, firm and translucent The shrimp should have a mild, briny scent without any fishy odor. Opt for larger shrimp in the 16-20 count range, as they hold up better on skewers. Many prefer to leave the tails on for presentation and ease of skewering.

Prepping the Shrimp

Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry. Using a paring knife, make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp to expose the vein. Gently remove the vein with the tip of the knife. The vein can impart a gritty texture if left in place. Repeat with remaining shrimp.

Seasoning the Shrimp

Shrimp have a mild, sweet flavor that pairs well with almost any seasonings. Consider marinating the shrimp in a flavorful mixture for 30 minutes up to overnight. Try a Mediterranean marinade with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and oregano. Or go bold with a Cajun blend using paprika, cayenne, onions and peppers.

Assembling the Skewers

• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes first to prevent burning.
• Skewer shrimp tightly, but leave a little space between each for airflow.
• Alternate directions of shrimp as you skewer for visual appeal.
• Double skewer if using large shrimp to prevent spinning.
• Alternate with veggies like peppers, onions or pineapple if desired.

Oiling the Shrimp

• Lightly coat shrimp with oil using brush or spray.
• Helps promote browning and prevent sticking.
• Olive oil or avocado oil work well.

Cooking the Shrimp Skewers

• Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
• Cook 4-6 minutes, flip and cook 4-6 more minutes.
• Work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Arrange skewers in single layer.
• Flipping halfway ensures even cooking.

Checking Doneness

• Look for opaque, pink shrimp with touch of browned exterior.
• Should feel firm to the touch when gently pressed.
• Use a meat thermometer if unsure – target 145°F.
• Do not overcook or shrimp will be rubbery.

Finishing Touches

• Squeeze fresh lemon or lime juice over skewers when done.
• Garnish with chopped parsley, cilantro or green onion.
• Serve with creamy dipping sauces like ranch, sriracha mayo or chimichurri.

Cleanup Made Easy

• Soak air fryer basket in hot soapy water to remove any residue.
• Hand wash skewers or place in dishwasher basket.

Shrimp Skewers Air Fryer Recipe

Now that you’re armed with the key techniques, try out this simple and flavorful shrimp skewer recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled, deveined with tails on
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. If using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes.
2. Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.
3. Thread 4-5 shrimp tightly onto each skewer, alternating directions.
4. Place skewers in a single layer in air fryer basket.
5. Brush lightly with olive oil.
6. Cook at 400F for 4 minutes. Flip skewers.
7. Cook 4-5 minutes more until opaque.
8. Remove skewers and squeeze lime juice over shrimp.
9. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

More Delicious Variations

The possibilities are endless when it comes to flavoring shrimp skewers in the air fryer. Consider these tasty ideas:

• Italian – brush with lemon garlic butter after cooking.

• Thai – marinate in coconut milk, ginger and red curry paste.

• Mexican – sprinkle with chili powder, cumin and fresh lime.

• BBQ Shrimp – coat with barbecue sauce in last 2 minutes of cooking.

• Teriyaki Shrimp – brush with teriyaki glaze before air frying.

• Honey Sriracha Shrimp – drizzle with spicy honey in final minutes.

So grab some fresh shrimp and wooden skewers and unleash your inner chef! With the right techniques, your air fryer can deliver restaurant-worthy shrimp skewers any night of the week.