Air Fryer Spicy Shrimp and Chicken Sausage is a quick and easy meal that’s packed with flavor and heat! It’s also gluten-free, dairy-free, and low-carb.
Sometimes, I want something to eat that’s fast and easy and won’t heat up my whole kitchen. Do you ever feel that way? That’s why I love this Air Fryer Spicy Shrimp and Chicken Sausage recipe so much. It can be made in 30 minutes, so it’s perfect for a weeknight meal. Since it’s made in the air fryer, it doesn’t heat up the whole kitchen.
This recipe idea comes from an account I follow on Instagram. Elizabeth, from elizabethshealthylife, is a momma of two sweet boys, and she loves to share recipes she makes for her family. She is so open an honest about her health journey, and she is so warm and friendly. Even though we have never met, I feel like we are friends IRL.
When she shared this recipe for Spicy Shrimp and Chicken Sausage, I knew I had to try it immediately! Although, I don’t own a grill, so I adapted it for the air fryer. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can always grill the shrimp and sausage too.
Air Fryer Spicy Shrimp & Chicken Sausage Equipment
Air Fryer Recommendations
This is not sponsored, but I love my air fryers! I probably use them 2-3 times per week! No joke! My husband initially hated them (since it’s more of an oven than a fryer). But, I’m slowly converting him by showing him how easy it is to make his favorite foods. (Homemade Air Fryer French Fries, anyone?)
For this recipe, I prefer to use my 3.7 quart Go-Wise Air Fryer. It’s the perfect size for two people plus leftovers.
Although, if I double the recipe for meal prep, I use my 6 quart Bella Pro Series Air Fryer. That way, I don’t have to cook everything in two batches.
While I personally haven’t tried it, I’m sure this would work in an oven-style air fryer too. But, you may need to adjust the cooking time.
Other Equipment Recommendations
The rest of the equipment needed for this recipe is minimal. I do like to use these glass pyrex bowls to marinate the shrimp. The bowls are easy to clean, and they don’t absorb any flavors.
I also like using Heat Resistant Tongs to transfer the food into and out of the air fryer. And don’t forget to use Potholders to protect your counter-tops (and fingers)!
Air Fryer Spicy Shrimp & Chicken Prep Tips
Choosing Your Shrimp
Whenever a recipe calls for shrimp, I use frozen shrimp. When you live in a land-locked state, like I do, it’s a necessity. In fact, most of the seafood at the counter in the grocery store is previously frozen. So, go ahead and buy the frozen stuff too if you don’t have access to freshly caught. Plus, you’ll can usually buy it frozen for less money.
For, this recipe, I use small sized shrimp (71-90 per pound). Although, you could just just about any size shrimp you like. I like using the smaller size because it feels like I’m eating more. For even easier preparation, I also like to by the kind that’s already shelled and deveined.
To thaw the shrimp, I add them to a colander in the sink. Then, I run cold water over them for about 5 minutes. While they are thawing, I check over the shrimp and remove any bits of shells or missed veins.
Choosing Your Sausage
For this recipe, I use premade sausage. You can use just about any sausage you like!
To keep the carb-count low, I used Aidells Italian Style Chicken Sausage. For a different variety, I also like Aidells Chicken & Apple Chicken Sausage. In each link, there are about 3 g of net carbs. Although, if you are watching your dairy and gluten, be sure to check the ingredients to make sure they don’t contain those things.
I especially like using the Aidells brand, because they are precooked, and they are nitrate-free. Plus, they taste delicious!
Marinating the Shrimp
The spicy flavor comes from marinating the shrimp in lots of spices. The shrimp does not need to marinate a long time — just about 10-15 minutes. Plus, the marinating time can be done at the same time the sausage is cooking. Even though the marinating time is short, don’t skip it! It adds lots of flavor to the dish, and I promise it will be worth it!
Typically, store-bought sausage does not need to be marinated. Which is great, because it makes prep even faster!
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Spicy Shrimp and Chicken Sausage
To keep the meal low-carb and to add extra veggies, I serve the Air Fryer Spicy Shrimp and Chicken Sausage with a simple side salad. It’s just green lettuce and Italian Dressing. Also, be sure to serve the meal with extra lemon to squeeze over the shrimp.
You can also prepare the shrimp and chicken for meal prep. It will last in the fridge for 3-5 days. Just separate the salad and lemon before reheating.
If you love seafood, give these Triple Cheese Shrimp Dip Wontons a try! They are so fun to serve at any pot luck or holiday event!
Or if you are more of a hot dog person, you can also check out my recipe for Air Fryer Hot Dogs.
If you want more low-carb ideas, check out my full collection of recipes here.
Or, if you want to see more of my other air fryer recipes, click here!
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Air Fryer Spicy Shrimp & Chicken Sausage
Ingredients
- 1 clove Garlic Minced (about 1/2 tsp)
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 2 tbsp Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- 1-2 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper Plus more or less to taste
- 1 lb Shrimp Raw, Shelled, Deveined
- 12 oz Chicken Sausage (about 4-5 links)
- Fresh Lemons Sliced, For Serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp and coat well. Marinate the shrimp for 10-15 minutes.
- Add sausage to the air fryer basket, and cook for 7 minutes at 350 degrees.
- Add shrimp to the air fryer basket, and cook shrimp and sausage for an additional 7 minutes.
- Serve with a side of fresh lemon slices.
