Some nights, I need dinner to be quick, easy, and preferably something that doesn’t leave me with a sink full of dishes. That’s exactly why I love air-fried food, especially air-fried shrimp. It’s fast, delicious, and—best of all—cooked in the air fryer, which means no messy stovetop splatter. If you’re looking for air fryer ideas or wondering how to air fry shrimp, you’re in the right place.
This is one of my go-to air fry shrimp recipes because it comes together in minutes, tastes amazing, and feels a little fancier than my usual “chicken nuggets and whatever’s in the fridge” routine. Whether you’re searching for easy air fryer shrimp, shrimp skewer recipes, or just something new to try in your food air fryer, these spicy shrimp skewers are the answer.
I love that I can toss everything together, pop it in the air fryer, and have dinner on the table before my kids can even start fighting over who gets the blue plate. If you need a shrimp easy recipe, especially one that works as a quick weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer, this one is for you.
So, let’s get into it—because once you try shrimp in the air fryer, you’ll never go back to standing over a hot pan again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to make these easy shrimp skewers. It’s a short list, I promise.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined (because ain’t nobody got time to peel shrimp at the dinner table)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika if that’s what you have)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning (or whatever seasoning mix you love)
- Juice of ½ a lemon
- Wooden or metal skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 15 minutes before you start. Trust me, I have definitely skipped this step before, and let’s just say… crispy burnt skewers are not the vibe.
How to Make Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers
1. Prep the Shrimp
First, make sure your shrimp is cleaned and patted dry with a paper towel. If they’re still wet, the seasoning won’t stick as well. (Learned that the hard way.)
Throw the shrimp in a bowl and add the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Give it all a good toss so the shrimp is nicely coated.
2. Thread the Skewers
Take your shrimp and slide them onto the skewers. I usually do about 5–6 shrimp per skewer—enough to fill it but not so packed that they’re squished together.
If you’ve got little hands helping, this is a fun step for kids! Just maybe keep an eye on them so they don’t turn your shrimp into a kabob sculpture.
3. Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat setting, just turn it on and let it run for a couple of minutes before adding the skewers.
Lay the skewers in the basket in a single layer (don’t stack ‘em). Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque when they’re done.
4. Finish with Lemon
As soon as you pull them out, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top. It brightens everything up and makes them taste so good.
FAQ: Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! But you’ll want to thaw them first and pat them dry before seasoning. If you try to cook them frozen, they’ll end up watery and won’t get that nice, slightly crispy texture.
Do I have to flip the skewers while cooking?
Technically, no—but I highly recommend it. Flipping halfway through helps the shrimp cook evenly and gives you that perfect golden color on both sides.
How do I know when the shrimp is done?
Shrimp cooks fast. It should be pink, opaque, and slightly curled when ready. If the shrimp are in a loose “C” shape, they’re perfect. If they’ve curled into tight little “O’s,” they’re overcooked (still edible, just a little chewy).
Can I use this recipe for the oven instead of an air fryer?
Yep! Preheat your oven to 425°F and bake the shrimp skewers on a lined baking sheet for about 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes—just enough to warm them up without overcooking.
Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers Recipe Card
Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled & deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
Soak Skewers (if using wooden ones)
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 15 minutes to prevent burning.
Season the Shrimp
- Pat shrimp dry and toss with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Thread onto Skewers
- Slide shrimp onto skewers, leaving a little space between each one.
Air Fry
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Place skewers in a single layer and cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Add Lemon & Serve
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Spicy version: Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- No skewers? Just toss the shrimp in the air fryer basket and shake halfway through cooking.
- Oven version: Bake at 425°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping once.
- Serving ideas: Serve with rice, in tacos, on a salad, or with roasted veggies.
Alright, that’s it—Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers done in no time with barely any mess. And let me tell you, when dinner is this easy, I feel like I’ve won the day. Whether you’re new to air frying shrimp or already obsessed with air fryer seafood, this is one of those air fry shrimp recipes you’ll keep coming back to.
I love that this recipe is so versatile. Looking for easy air fryer shrimp for meal prep? Done. Need a quick shrimp easy recipe for a busy weeknight? Got you. Want to throw these into tacos or serve them over rice? Go for it. However you serve them, this is one of those shrimp in the air fryer recipes that works every time.
If you’re on the hunt for more air fryer ideas, this one is a great place to start. Once you see how easy it is to make air fryer shrimp, you’ll probably start air frying everything. I mean, that’s what happened to me. First, it was shrimp, then chicken, then vegetables—now my food air fryer practically lives on my counter.
So, if you’ve ever wondered how to air fry shrimp or needed a quick shrimp skewer recipe, I hope this one makes dinner just a little easier for you. And if your kids dip their spicy shrimp in ketchup like mine do… well, we just smile and look away.
