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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 2 teaspoons lemon zest - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Skewers (wooden or metal) If you don’t have fresh lemon juice, you can use bottled lemon juice. It works well but may not taste as bright. For olive oil, canola or avocado oil is a good swap. If you want a twist, try lime juice instead of lemon juice. For those who don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika can work too. It won’t have the same smoky flavor, but it will still taste great. If you need a gluten-free option, check that your seasonings are gluten-free. Garnishing makes your dish pop. Fresh parsley adds color and flavor. You can also use lemon wedges for a zesty touch. A sprinkle of chili flakes on top gives a nice kick. If you want a creamier bite, serve with a yogurt dip or a drizzle of tahini. These extras can elevate your dish and impress your guests. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. This step helps prevent burning in the air fryer. While they soak, you can prepare the shrimp and marinade. If you use metal skewers, you can skip this step. In a large bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Whisk the ingredients until they blend well. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl. Toss the shrimp in the marinade until they are fully coated. Let the shrimp sit in the marinade for at least 15 minutes. This helps the shrimp absorb all the great flavors. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. While it heats, thread 4-5 shrimp on each skewer. Place the shrimp skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook them in batches. Air fry the shrimp for 6-8 minutes. Flip them halfway for even cooking. The shrimp should be pink and cooked through. Once done, remove the skewers from the air fryer. Let them rest for a minute. Garnish the skewers with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your flavorful meal! To make sure your shrimp are just right, look for a few signs. First, they should be pink and opaque. Also, they should curl slightly as they cook. Avoid overcooking, as this makes shrimp tough. A cooking time of 6-8 minutes usually works well. Flip the skewers halfway through to cook evenly. If you have a food thermometer, shrimp should reach 120°F internally. While lemon pepper is fantastic, feel free to play with flavors. Try adding some honey for sweetness. A splash of soy sauce can give it an umami boost. You might also enjoy fresh herbs like dill or cilantro for a different taste. If you love spice, add more red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce. To get the best results in your air fryer, preheat it for 5 minutes at 400°F. This helps the shrimp cook evenly. Avoid overcrowding the basket; cook in batches if needed. This ensures hot air circulates well around the shrimp. Always check for doneness, as air fryers can vary in power. {{image_2}} You can make your shrimp skewers even better by adding veggies. Bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes work well. They add color and taste. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces. Mix them with the shrimp in your marinade. This not only adds nutrition but also makes your skewers more fun and colorful. While lemon pepper is great, you can try other flavors too. Use teriyaki sauce for a sweet twist. Or mix soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for an Asian flair. You can even use a spicy marinade with sriracha or chipotle. Play around with these flavors to find what you love. Each will give your shrimp a new and exciting taste. If you need gluten-free or low-carb options, it’s simple! Stick to the base recipe, as shrimp and most spices are naturally gluten-free. Use gluten-free soy sauce if you try a different marinade. For low-carb, focus on veggies instead of rice or bread. Load your skewers with shrimp and colorful vegetables for a healthy meal that fits your needs. Store leftover shrimp skewers in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge. Make sure to let them cool completely before sealing the container. This helps keep the shrimp from becoming soggy. To reheat the shrimp, use your air fryer. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the skewers in the basket and heat for about 3-4 minutes. This method keeps the shrimp tender and juicy. You can also use a microwave, but this may make the shrimp less crisp. If you want to freeze the skewers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. Place them in cold water for 10-15 minutes. Once thawed, pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the marinade stick better. I recommend marinating the shrimp for at least 15 minutes. This time helps the shrimp soak up the flavors. For a stronger taste, you can marinate for up to 30 minutes. Just don’t marinate too long, or the shrimp may get mushy. You can pair lemon pepper shrimp skewers with many great sides. Here are some ideas: - Rice: Fluffy white or brown rice works well. - Salad: A fresh green salad adds crunch. - Vegetables: Roasted or steamed veggies are perfect. - Pasta: Lemon garlic pasta is a nice choice. - Bread: Serve with crusty bread to soak up juices. These sides will complement your shrimp skewers perfectly! This article covered everything you need for shrimp skewers. You learned about key ingredients and tasty substitutes. We explored easy steps to prepare and air fry the shrimp. I shared helpful tips for perfect cooking and fun variations. Finally, I provided storage tricks to keep leftovers fresh. Enjoy crafting these delicious skewers anytime. With practice, you’ll impress anyone with this dish. Trust your skills, and have fun cooking!

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp Skewers

Get ready to impress your taste buds with these delicious Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp Skewers! This easy recipe combines juicy shrimp with zesty lemon flavor, perfect for a quick dinner or a fun party appetizer. With just a few simple ingredients and quick cooking time, you'll have a mouthwatering dish ready in 30 minutes. Click through to discover the full recipe and serve up something special tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 teaspoons lemon zest

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Skewers (wooden or metal)

Instructions
 

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning in the air fryer.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Whisk together until well combined.

      Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly in the marinade. Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 15 minutes.

        Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

          While the air fryer is heating, thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers. Aim for 4-5 shrimp per skewer, depending on your skewer size.

            Place the shrimp skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer; you may need to cook them in batches.

              Air fry the shrimp for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are pink and cooked through.

                Remove the skewers from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute.

                  Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the shrimp skewers on a platter, drizzled with extra lemon juice and a sprinkle of parsley. Pair with lemon wedges on the side for a vibrant and fresh look.