Chili Lime Air Fryer Shrimp and Zucchini Bites

These Chili Lime Air Fryer Shrimp and Zucchini Bites are everything you want in a snack: juicy, zesty, and satisfyingly crisp without breading. Each serving lands under 10 grams net carbs, with plenty of lean protein to keep you full and your blood sugar steady. Whether you use a compact air fryer for low net carb snacks or a family sized diabetic friendly 8 qt air fryer, this quick recipe delivers a crunchy finish with minimal oil. For diabetics, this combo is a smart balance. Shrimp offers high quality protein with virtually zero carbs, while zucchini adds fiber, potassium, and volume for satiety. The seasoning blend skips sugar and relies on citrus, chili, and garlic for bold flavor. Each serving has about 3 grams net carbs, which pairs well with glucose management goals. See all [seafood dishes](/recipes/category/seafood) if you want more protein forward options that keep carbs in check. Protein plus nonstarchy vegetables is a classic low glycemic pairing. Olive oil contributes heart friendly fats that slow digestion just enough to prevent rapid spikes, and the short cook time keeps everything tender. The macro profile here is dialed in for snacking: roughly 185 calories, 25 grams protein, and 3 grams net carbs per serving. Technique matters for crisp results. Pat the shrimp very dry, then use a pinch of baking powder to raise surface pH and promote browning. Preheat thoroughly and cook in a single layer. A quick check with a [digital meat thermometer](https://rocktopgear.com/amazon) keeps the shrimp reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the USDA safe minimum for shellfish. A light spritz from a [quality olive oil sprayer](https://rocktopgear.com/amazon) is enough to encourage golden edges without heaviness. If you are shopping for equipment, a 5.8 qt air fryer for low carb batches is a sweet spot, while a larger basket or racks in a [reliable air fryer](https://rocktopgear.com/amazon) help when you scale up. Keep a few keto air fryer accessories like racks and mesh trays to increase airflow and crispiness. Serve these bites hot with extra lime and cilantro. They pair perfectly with our crunchy, creamy [keto coleslaw](/recipes/keto-coleslaw). Store leftovers in a shallow container for up to 2 days and reheat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 4 minutes to revive the edges. For meal prep, portion the raw seasoned shrimp separately from the zucchini and cook just before eating. For more planning help, read our [keto meal prep tips](/blog/keto-meal-prep-guide). Flavor swaps are easy. Try chipotle and lime, lemon pepper with parsley, or a smoky ancho blend. If you are new to air frying, our [beginner's air fryer guide](/blog/beginners-air-fryer-guide) will help you dial in timing and airflow, and many of the crisping techniques here also improve heartier dishes like keto air fryer beef short ribs. FAQs: - **Should I spray oil on the food or in the basket?** Lightly mist the food for better browning, then give the basket a brief spritz only if sticking is a concern. Avoid heavy oiling, which can reduce crispness. - **Is the rest time included in the total cook time listed?** Shrimp do not require a rest period. The total time shown excludes optional marinating. - **How do I get a crispy exterior without using breading?** Pat the shrimp dry, use a small pinch of baking powder, avoid crowding, preheat well, and cook in a single layer at high heat.

Prep: 10 min. Cook: 13 min. Servings: 4.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
• 2 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/2 inch coins (about 300 g)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 2 teaspoons lime zest
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon aluminum free baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped cilantro and lime wedges for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes.
2. Pat the shrimp very dry with paper towels. In a bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss shrimp to coat. Marinate 10 minutes if time allows.
3. In a separate bowl, toss zucchini with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, Parmesan, and a small pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Lightly mist the air fryer basket with an olive oil sprayer. Arrange zucchini in a single layer. Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking or flipping once, until edges are golden and slightly crisp. Transfer to a plate.
5. Place shrimp in a single layer in the basket. Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 4 to 6 minutes, flipping once halfway, until opaque, lightly crisp at the edges, and reaching 145 degrees Fahrenheit when checked with a digital meat thermometer. No rest time is required for shrimp.
6. Serve shrimp and zucchini hot with chopped cilantro and lime wedges. If using a smaller compact air fryer, cook in batches to prevent crowding. If using a larger unit with racks, you may cook both components at once, rotating racks halfway for even browning.

View full recipe on Low Carb Air Fryer