Looking for a quick and tasty dish? You’ll love these Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers! This simple recipe brings bold flavors to your table without the fuss. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can impress family and friends in no time. Let’s dive into how to make this delightful meal! You’ll be ready to cook shrimp skewers that are juicy, buttery, and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients
Shrimp
For these skewers, you need 1 pound of large shrimp. Make sure they are peeled and deveined. Fresh shrimp works best, but you can also use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them before cooking.
Garlic Butter Marinade
The garlic butter marinade gives the shrimp a rich flavor. Here’s what you need:
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
– 4 cloves garlic (minced)
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
– 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Mix these ingredients in a bowl. The melted butter and garlic create a lovely base. The parsley and lemon juice add freshness.
Seasoning and Garnishes
To make the shrimp even tastier, include these seasonings:
– 1 teaspoon paprika for a hint of smokiness
– ½ teaspoon salt to bring out all the flavors
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper for a little kick
After cooking, you can garnish with extra parsley. This adds color and a fresh taste to the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing Skewers
To start, you need skewers. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. This step stops them from burning in the air fryer. Metal skewers do not need soaking. They are ready to use right away.
Marinating Shrimp
Next, it’s time to marinate the shrimp. In a bowl, mix together:
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 teaspoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Stir well to combine. Once mixed, add the shrimp. Toss them until they are fully coated in the marinade. Let the shrimp sit for 15-20 minutes. This waiting time helps the flavors blend into the shrimp.
Cooking in the Air Fryer
Now, it’s time to cook. First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. While it heats up, thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers. Leave a little space between each shrimp. This space helps them cook evenly.
When the air fryer is ready, place the skewers in the basket. Make sure they do not touch each other. Cook the shrimp for 6-8 minutes. Flip the skewers halfway through cooking. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque when done.
Once cooked, take them out and drizzle any leftover garlic butter marinade over the top. You can also sprinkle some extra parsley for a nice touch. Enjoy your delicious air fryer garlic butter shrimp skewers!
Tips & Tricks
Choosing the Best Shrimp
When picking shrimp, go for large, fresh shrimp. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a slight ocean scent. Avoid shrimp that smell strong or have a slimy texture. Fresh shrimp will taste best in your skewers. If you can’t find fresh shrimp, frozen shrimp works too. Just thaw them well before cooking.
Ensuring Even Cooking
To cook shrimp evenly, leave space between them on the skewers. This airflow helps them cook nicely. If they touch, they may not cook right. Flip the skewers halfway through the cooking time. This lets both sides get that perfect pink color.
Enhancing Flavor
To make your shrimp sing with flavor, let them marinate long enough. Fifteen to twenty minutes is great. Use fresh garlic for a strong taste. You can also add a dash of lemon zest for extra brightness. If you like heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes in the marinade. This will give your skewers a spicy kick.

Variations
Adding Vegetables
You can easily add vegetables to your shrimp skewers. Bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes work great. Just cut them into similar sizes as the shrimp. This way, they cook evenly. Toss the veggies in the garlic butter marinade too. It adds more flavor and color to your dish. Plus, it makes it healthier!
Alternative Marinade Options
If you want to change the flavor, try different marinades. A citrus marinade with orange or lime juice gives a fresh twist. You could also use soy sauce and ginger for an Asian flair. Combine these ingredients with melted butter for a rich taste. Feel free to mix and match until you find your favorite!
Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers
For those who love heat, make spicy garlic butter shrimp skewers. Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade. Start with a small amount, then taste it. You can always add more heat later. This gives a nice kick that pairs well with the garlic butter. Enjoy the spicy flavor that makes your taste buds dance!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover shrimp skewers in a sealed container. Make sure they cool down first. Place them in the fridge for up to three days. If they are not covered, they may dry out. To keep them fresh, use airtight containers.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat shrimp skewers in the air fryer for the best results. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Cook for 3-5 minutes. This warms them up without making them tough. You can also use a microwave, but they may lose some flavor.
Freezing Shrimp Skewers
You can freeze shrimp skewers for later use. Wrap each skewer in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. They can last for up to two months in the freezer. When ready to use, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just remember to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. This step helps them cook evenly.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?
Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. They should also curl up slightly. If you want to be exact, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 120°F.
What can I serve with garlic butter shrimp skewers?
Garlic butter shrimp skewers pair well with many sides. Here are some ideas:
– Rice
– Quinoa
– Steamed vegetables
– Salad
– Garlic bread
These options will enhance your meal and add variety.
This blog post covered how to make shrimp skewers. You learned about the key ingredients, from the shrimp to the garlic butter marinade. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing, marinating, and cooking in an air fryer. You also discovered tips for choosing the best shrimp and ensuring they cook evenly.
Whether you add veggies or explore spicy flavors, these shrimp skewers will impress. Proper storage and reheating tips ensure your leftovers stay tasty. Now you’re ready to make delicious shrimp skewers at home! Enjoy your cooking!


