Air Fryer Pesto Shrimp - Perfect with Cocktails!!

Air Fryer Pesto Shrimp are an amazing addition to your cocktail party. Trust me, they're perfect with a glass of white wine, a refreshing Gin or Vodka Martini, a classic Manhattan, or even a cool Mint Julep. And guess what? These little bites of heaven are so yummy that they even go well with a soda! So, go ahead and give them a try - your taste buds will thank you!!!!

Homemade Pesto

When it comes to pesto, there are so many delicious varieties to choose from, but let me tell you about our all-time favorite. It's made with fresh basil, parsley, lemons, parmesan cheese, olive oil, and either pepitas (pumpkin seeds) or sunflower seeds. Trust me, it's a match made in heaven! 

We used to use pine nuts for our pesto shrimp dish, but unfortunately, we have a nut allergy in the house, which forced us to find an alternative. That's when we discovered that pumpkin and sunflower seeds are an excellent substitute for pine nuts. The best part is that these seeds are more affordable and easier to find than pine nuts. Can you believe that two pounds of pumpkin or sunflower seeds cost around $14 to $16, while two pounds of pine nuts can cost as much as $60! That's a huge saving, isn't it?

Growing your own basil and parsley is a great way to make homemade pesto. Basil is particularly easy to grow and can thrive in cloth patio grow bags as long as it is watered regularly. By growing your own basil, you will have a plentiful supply of fresh herbs to use in a variety of delicious recipes. Give it a try!

Making Pesto for Pesto Shrimp

Making pesto is super easy, The hardest part is picking the leaves off the basil plant, but once that's done, the rest of the process is really quick. To make your own delicious pesto, all you need to do is add fresh basil and parsley with garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, pepitas, parmesan cheese, and olive oil to a food processor. If you like things with a bit of a kick, feel free to throw in a habanero too - but only if you're feeling brave! J

NOTE: For this recipe, we omit the parmesan cheese to save calories, but it's a great addition for other dishes like pasta or a pesto pizza.

Spicy Basil Pesto Recipe

For the complete recipe of Spicy Basil Pesto utilized in our Air Fryer Pesto Shrimp, simply click below. In case you prefer not to have spicy basil, you can skip the habanero.

Air Fryer Pesto Shrimp

This recipe is extremely simple and can be prepared in just a few minutes. Even if you have frozen shrimp, it's still quick and easy to make. It's a go-to dish for us, since we always keep shrimp and pesto in the freezer. The combination of the two is delightful and can be used for a variety of occasions, from a quick and easy appetizer on a Friday night to impressing unexpected guests with a fun meal.

NOTE: Here's a simple and efficient method to thaw shrimp. Start by taking them out of the freezer and putting them in a bowl. Then, fill the bowl with warm water and wait for about 10 minutes. If the shrimp has an unpleasant smell, try our easy solution to eliminate it. As for defrosting the pesto, simply microwave it for a minute or so.

To ensure that the pesto will stick to the shrimp, we suggest using paper towels to dry the shrimp beforehand. After tossing the shrimp in the pesto, gently stir to ensure even coating. For air fryer cooking, place the shrimp in a single layer on the tray and air fry for 10 minutes, checking periodically as cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer. Be mindful not to over-crowd the tray. If using an oven, cooking times may be slightly longer but the end result will still be delicious.

Enjoy with your favorite cocktail!!!!

Cheers!!!!!

Here a few other recipes you might enjoy:

• Shrimp pesto pasta salad - This Shrimp Pesto Pasta Salad is perfect for a picnic or cookout and comes together in a flash. Pesto and Ricotta cheese coat the pasta and shrimp. The cherry tomatoes and onion add a sweet crunch.
• Spicy basil pesto - Maximize your summer basil with this delicious, lighter pesto that bursts with flavor. It's nut-free, simple, and freezer friendly.
• Pesto Cauliflower rice - Combine zesty pesto with cauliflower rice to create a healthy and delicious side dish that brings the taste of summer to your plate. Pair it with grilled chicken, pork, or fish for a satisfying meal.
• Creamy basil pesto sauce - Crave big flavor without the guilt? Make this low-calorie Creamy Basil Pesto Sauce for pasta, pizza, shrimp, cauliflower rice, and more!
• Grilled spicy pesto pizza - This crunchy spicy flavorful pesto pizza will become a family favorite any time of the year! Add's a pinch of summer flavor in the middle of the cold weather. It's a taste of sunshine on a winter day!