If you’re craving a meal that’s fresh, flavorful, and effortless, these Air Fryer Mediterranean Shrimp Bowls are it. Tender shrimp, roasted in the air fryer to perfection, sit on a bed of fluffy rice and are topped with colorful veggies, creamy tzatziki, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
I love making these bowls when I want something that feels special without spending hours in the kitchen. Even my grandkids, who usually insist on plain chicken nuggets, love the bright flavors and fun toppings. My husband and adult kids appreciate the balance of protein, grains, and veggies. It’s healthy, quick, and satisfying — exactly what weeknight dinners should be.
This recipe is one of my favorites because it’s customizable. You can swap in different veggies, try quinoa instead of rice, or add your favorite Mediterranean toppings. The air fryer does all the heavy lifting, giving perfectly cooked shrimp every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These bowls are:
- Quick to make, perfect for busy weeknights
- Packed with bold Mediterranean flavors
- High in protein, balanced, and wholesome
- Flexible, so you can adapt to what’s in your fridge
The air fryer cooks shrimp quickly, locking in moisture and giving just a hint of crispiness on the edges. Tossing them with lemon, garlic, and herbs elevates the flavor and makes this bowl feel restaurant-worthy.
Even if your family isn’t usually into Mediterranean flavors, this recipe is approachable, familiar, and delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the shrimp:
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Garlic, minced
- Dried oregano
- Paprika
- Salt and black pepper
For the bowls:
- Cooked rice, couscous, or quinoa
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Cucumber, diced
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh parsley or dill
For the tzatziki sauce:
- Greek yogurt
- Grated cucumber, drained
- Lemon juice
- Garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper
Optional: warm pita bread on the side
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a medium bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Place shrimp in a single layer and air fry for 6–8 minutes, shaking halfway through, until pink, opaque, and slightly crisped on the edges.
- While shrimp cooks, prepare the tzatziki sauce by combining Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix well.
- Assemble the bowls: start with a base of cooked rice or grains.
- Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
- Top with the cooked shrimp and drizzle generously with tzatziki sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or dill and serve immediately.
Kitchen Notes From My Experience
Shrimp cook quickly, so don’t walk away — they go from perfectly cooked to rubbery fast.
Make sure to drain the grated cucumber well for tzatziki, or the sauce will be watery.
These bowls are flexible — use whatever veggies you have on hand for a colorful, nutritious meal.
For more seafood cooking tips, don’t miss my Ultimate Air Fryer Seafood Recipes Guide.
Flavor Variations
- Swap shrimp for chicken or salmon
- Add roasted bell peppers or zucchini for extra veggies
- Sprinkle with za’atar or sumac for an authentic twist
- Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
Serving Suggestions
These bowls are a full meal on their own but pair beautifully with:
- Warm pita bread
- A side of roasted vegetables
- Lemon wedges for extra brightness
- A light green salad for crunch
They’re perfect for meal prep too — just keep the sauce separate until ready to eat.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat shrimp in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 350°F to keep them juicy.
Keep tzatziki in the fridge until ready to serve to preserve freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before air frying.
Is this kid-friendly?
Yes, the flavors are mild, but you can serve shrimp plain for picky eaters.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, prep the shrimp, grains, and veggies separately, then assemble bowls when ready.
Can I swap the grains?
Absolutely — quinoa, couscous, or cauliflower rice all work well.
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Mediterranean Shrimp Bowls are fresh, colorful, and packed with flavor — the perfect combination of quick, healthy, and satisfying.
They make weeknight dinners feel a little more special, without any stress or mess. The air fryer cooks shrimp perfectly every time, and the bright Mediterranean flavors make everyone at the table happy — adults and grandkids alike.
This recipe is versatile, adaptable, and perfect for anyone looking for a wholesome, easy, and delicious meal. It’s the kind of dish that feels gourmet without spending hours in the kitchen, and it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. 🍤🥗
