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A spoon lifting a piece of Garlic Butter Shrimp coated in a vibrant green herb sauce from a white platter.

Healthy Chimichurri Shrimp Appetizer

This vibrant and zesty Healthy Chimichurri Shrimp Appetizer is bursting with fresh flavors, featuring succulent shrimp marinated in homemade chimichurri and air-fried to perfection for a light and delicious bite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: Fusion, South American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Healthy Chimichurri
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley packed, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro packed, roughly chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for a kick
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground
For the Shrimp
  • 1 lb large shrimp (21-25 count), peeled, deveined, tails on or off
  • 1 tsp olive oil for air fryer basket, if needed
  • Lime wedges for serving
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Food Processor
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Air Fryer
  • Tongs

Method
 

Prepare the Healthy Chimichurri
  1. Combine the fresh parsley, fresh cilantro, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), sea salt, and black pepper in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped but not pureed. The chimichurri should have a slightly chunky texture. Set aside.
Marinate the Shrimp
  1. Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a large mixing bowl. Add about half of the prepared chimichurri sauce to the shrimp. Toss gently to ensure all shrimp are evenly coated. Reserve the remaining chimichurri for serving. Let the shrimp marinate at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
Air Fry the Shrimp
  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). If your air fryer basket tends to stick, lightly brush or spray it with 1 teaspoon of olive oil.
  2. Arrange the marinated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd it. You may need to cook the shrimp in two batches.
  3. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping the shrimp halfway through, until they are pink, opaque, and cooked through. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the shrimp and your air fryer model.
Serve
  1. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a serving platter. Drizzle with some of the reserved fresh chimichurri sauce. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro or parsley and serve immediately with fresh lime wedges on the side.

Notes

For best results, do not over-marinate the shrimp in the chimichurri for more than 30 minutes, as the acidity can start to break down the shrimp's texture. Leftover chimichurri can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and is delicious on grilled chicken, fish, or vegetables. Ensure shrimp are patted dry before marinating for better flavor adhesion.