Air Fryer Cajun Shrimp Dinner
User Reviews
4.9
Air Fryer Cajun Shrimp Dinner
Description
The Air Fryer Cajun Shrimp Dinner combines peeled extra jumbo shrimp with sliced andouille sausage and fresh vegetables—zucchini, yellow squash, and red bell pepper—seasoned primarily with Cajun spice and a touch of kosher salt. The ingredients are tossed with olive oil, which helps crisp the exterior during air frying at 400°F. The shrimp and vegetable mix is cooked in smaller batches for even heat circulation and shaken periodically to promote uniform cooking. The result is a flavorful dish with tender shrimp, savory sausage slices, and nicely cooked vegetables retaining some bite and sweetness.
With smoky, spicy seasoning from the Cajun blend and rich flavor from the sausage, this meal can stand alone or be served with rice or a simple salad. The use of the air fryer makes for quicker cooking and less oil absorption compared to pan frying. It’s a practical way to enjoy a spiced seafood and vegetable dinner.
The recipe suggests buying shrimp frozen and defrosting as needed to maintain freshness. Thawing in the refrigerator overnight is ideal for best texture and flavor. The inclusion of olive brine or seasoning brine is not indicated here, keeping the flavors clean. The step to briefly return the first batch to the fryer after cooking both batches helps balance temperature.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning or Creole seasoning
- 24 Shrimp 1 pound, cleaned and peeled, extra jumbo
- 6 ounces andouille sausage sliced, fully cooked, turkey/chicken or kielbasa
- 1 zucchini 8 ounces, sliced into 1/4-inch thick half moons, medium
- 1 yellow squash 8 ounces, sliced into 1/4-inch thick half moons, medium
- 1 red bell pepper seeded and cut into thin 1-inch pieces, large
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the Cajun seasoning and shrimp, toss to coat.
- Add the sausage, zucchini, squash, bell peppers, and salt and toss with the oil.
- Preheat the air fryer 400F.
- In 2 batches (for smaller baskets), transfer the shrimp and vegetables to the air fryer basket and cook 8 minutes, shaking the basket 2 to 3 times.
- Set aside, repeat with remaining shrimp and veggies.
- Once both batches are cooked, return the first batch to the air fryer and cook 1 minute.
Notes
- Purchase shrimp frozen and thaw overnight in the refrigerator for optimal freshness and texture.
- Cook the shrimp and vegetables in batches to ensure even air frying and proper crisping.
- Use olive oil to lightly coat ingredients before air frying to promote browning without excess oil.
- Adjust seasoning levels according to your spice tolerance by altering the amount of Cajun seasoning.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 284 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 11/2 cups | |
| Calories | 284kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 8g | 3% |
| Protein | 31g | 62% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 205mg | 68% |
| Sodium | 1500mg | 63% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.