Air Fryer Basil Pesto Shrimp Kebobs
Description
Juicy shrimp coated in basil pesto and air fried on skewers in just 8 minutes, with lightly charred, garlicky edges. Make them as kebobs for entertaining or toss the shrimp loose in the basket for a fast weeknight dinner. Naturally low carb and gluten free.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs shrimp, 16/20 or 21/25 count, peeled and deveined, large or jumbo shrimp
- 3 tbsp basil pesto, store-bought or homemade
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, optional
- Fresh basil or herbs for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Soak 6-inch wooden skewers in water for 10 minutes. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and lightly spray the basket with cooking oil.
- Pat 1.5 lbs shrimp very dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with 3 tbsp basil pesto, 1 tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
- Thread 4–5 shrimp onto each skewer, piercing through both ends of each shrimp so they lie flat. (No skewers? Add the shrimp loose to the basket in a single layer.)
- Place the kebobs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if needed. Cook 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway, until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the pesto is browned at the edges.
- Squeeze 1 tbsp lemon juice over the hot shrimp and sprinkle with 2 tbsp Parmesan and fresh basil, if using. Serve immediately.
Equipment
- 6-inch wooden or metal skewers (optional — see notes)
- Cooking spray or parchment liner
Notes
Shrimp size matters: Large (21/25) shrimp cook in about 6 minutes; jumbo (16/20) take 7–8. Shrimp are done when they curl into a loose "C" shape.
No skewers: Toss the pesto shrimp loose in the basket — same temperature and time, shaking the basket halfway through.
Other cooking methods:
- Grill: 2–3 minutes per side over medium-high heat until lightly charred.
- Oven: 400°F (200°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 8–10 minutes.
- Stovetop: Sauté (without skewers) 2–3 minutes per side until opaque.
Nutrition
Serving: 1ServingCalories: 154kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 24gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 185mgSodium: 428mgPotassium: 307mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 0.3gVitamin A: 167IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg