Air Fryer Jalapeno Cowboy Butter Shrimp Skewers
Quick and flavorful air fryer shrimp skewers brushed with smoky Roasted Jalapeño Cowboy Butter. Ready in just 20 minutes - perfect for weeknight dinners or parties. Can also be grilled!
Servings: 4
Equipment
- Wooden or metal skewers if using wooden skewers, soak for 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the shrimp:
- 1½ pounds large shrimp 16–20 count, peeled and deveined, tails on or off
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For finishing:
- 4-6 tablespoons roasted jalapeño cowboy butter melted
- Fresh cilantro or parsley chopped, for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prep the shrimp. Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl, add the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, and toss until evenly coated. Thread 4–5 seasoned shrimp onto each skewer, laying them flat so they air fry evenly.
- Preheat the air fryer. Set your air fryer to 400°F and let it preheat for 3-4 minutes.
- Air fry the shrimp. Place the shrimp skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don't overcrowd - cook in batches if needed. Air fry for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and slightly charred on the edges.
- Add the cowboy butter. As soon as the shrimp come out of the air fryer, brush them generously with melted Roasted Jalapeño Cowboy Butter on both sides.
- Transfer to a serving platter, drizzle with any remaining cowboy butter, and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley. Serve immediately with mango coleslaw and lime wedges for squeezing.
Notes
Shrimp size: Large shrimp (16-20 count) work best for skewers. Smaller shrimp cook too quickly and can overcook; jumbo shrimp may need an extra minute or two.
Skip the skewers option: If your air fryer basket is small or you don't have skewers, just air fry the shrimp loose in a single layer. They'll cook the same way, just easier to flip.
Don't skip drying the shrimp: Wet shrimp will steam instead of getting that nice golden color. Pat them very dry.
Cowboy butter amount: Use 4 tablespoons for a lighter coating, 6 tablespoons if you want them really buttery and indulgent.
Make ahead: You can prep and skewer the shrimp up to 4 hours ahead. Keep refrigerated, then bring to room temp for 10 minutes before air frying.
Grilling option: Grill over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, then brush with cowboy butter.
Stovetop option: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp 2-3 minutes per side, then toss with cowboy butter.
Nutrition
Calories: 254kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 244mg | Sodium: 1199mg | Potassium: 207mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 0.04g | Vitamin A: 780IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 97mg | Iron: 0.5mg