Picture this: it’s been one of those days where the clock seems to sprint ahead, and your stomach’s sending urgent reminders. You want something quick but not boring. That’s when this air fryer shrimp and kielbasa dish jumps into the rescue. It’s the kind of dinner that feels like a little celebration after a long day.
The last time I made this, I was halfway distracted by a phone call, tossing the shrimp and kielbasa in the bowl with a bit of a rush. I didn’t measure the spices exactly—just a pinch here, a dash there—and honestly, the result was even better for it. The shrimp turned out juicy with just a hint of crispness, while the kielbasa edges got that smoky char that makes you pause mid-bite. I remember sneaking a piece before plating and thinking maybe dinner could always be this simple and satisfying.
There’s something about the quick sizzle of the air fryer that makes the kitchen smell like a cozy gathering, even if it’s just me at the counter. The parsley sprinkled on top adds that fresh pop, brightening the plate and the mood.
- Ready in about 20 minutes, making it great for weeknights when time’s tight.
- Combines juicy shrimp with smoky kielbasa, a flavor pairing that feels both familiar and a little special.
- The seasoning is straightforward—nothing fancy, just enough to give a kick without overpowering.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No fuss, just solid, tasty food.
If you’re worried about the air fryer, don’t be. It’s forgiving and doesn’t demand perfect layering, though a little shake halfway through helps with even crisping. And leftovers? They reheat well if you’re lucky enough to have any left.
PrintAir Fryer Shrimp and Kielbasa
A quick and flavorful air fryer recipe combining succulent shrimp and smoky kielbasa, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or appetizer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4
Ingredients
1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
12 ounces kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the shrimp and kielbasa slices.
Add olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes to the bowl. Toss everything together until the shrimp and kielbasa are evenly coated with the seasoning.
Place the seasoned shrimp and kielbasa in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping. The shrimp should be opaque and the kielbasa slightly crispy on the edges.
Remove from the air fryer and transfer to a serving dish.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Air fryers don’t require much more than a basket and a quick preheat, so this recipe is as approachable as it gets. I usually serve it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up any juices. Sometimes I add a splash of lemon juice on the shrimp for a fresh twist, but I haven’t tested that with the kielbasa yet—might be worth a try if you’re feeling experimental. If you want to make it more of a meal, toss in some bell peppers or onions for extra texture, though I tend to keep it straightforward.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp? I usually thaw them first for even cooking, but I’ve heard you can air fry straight from frozen if you adjust the time.
What if I don’t have kielbasa? Smoked sausage or andouille could work, but the flavor profile will shift a bit.
Is this spicy? There’s a touch of crushed red pepper flakes, but it’s mild overall. You can always skip or add more depending on your mood.
Ready to turn a busy evening into a tasty memory? Give this air fryer shrimp and kielbasa a whirl—you might find yourself coming back to this simple combo more often than you expect.