Tasty Air Fryer Shrimp Recipes: Quick, Easy, and Delicious

My air fryer shrimp recipe is a total game-changer! It takes just 8 minutes to cook and the shrimp comes out so juicy and tasty every single time. You only need a few simple things to make it, and it’s perfect for adding to salads, pasta, or just eating on its own.

I love using my air fryer for quick family dinners, and shrimp is always a favorite. Sometimes shrimp can be tricky because it’s easy to overcook or undercook it. But making shrimp in the air fryer is my secret to getting it just right, way better than pan-frying or baking.

This recipe is one of my top choices for a fast weeknight meal. These air fryer shrimp have no breading and are ready in less than 15 minutes. They are amazing in rice bowls, on salads, or as a main dish with some veggies.

Basic Information

Particulars	Details
Preparation Time	5 min.
Cook Time	8 min.
Total Time	13 min.
Yields	4 servings
Difficulty	Easy
Total Calories	195 kcal (Per Serving)
Cuisine	American

Why I love this recipe

Easy to make. You just need shrimp and a few simple spices. We’re not using any breading, which lets the yummy flavor of the shrimp be the star.

Healthy. Air frying uses much less oil than regular frying, making this a super healthy choice. It’s also low in carbs and gluten-free.

Ready in minutes. From getting the ingredients out to having it on your plate, this entire recipe takes less than 15 minutes to make!

Juicy every single time. The air fryer is like magic for shrimp. It cooks them so they are perfectly tender and juicy, never tough or rubbery.

Love cooking seafood in the air fryer? You should try my air fryer salmon and air fryer scallops next!

Air Fryer Shrimp Ingredients

Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need. You probably have most of the spices in your pantry already!

• Shrimp: You will need about 1 ¼ pounds of jumbo shrimp. I like to buy them already peeled and deveined to save time.
• Olive Oil: Just two tablespoons to help the seasonings stick and make the shrimp juicy.
• Spices: A mix of garlic powder, sweet paprika, dried parsley, and a little kosher salt is all it takes for amazing flavor.
• Lemon Wedges: For squeezing over the hot shrimp right before you eat. It makes them taste so fresh!

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Air Fryer
• Mixing Bowl
• Tongs

How to cook shrimp in the air fryer

I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Step 1- Dry the shrimp. Use a paper towel to pat the shrimp completely dry. This is a key step to help them get a little crispy instead of steamy.

Step 2- Season the shrimp. Put the dry shrimp in a mixing bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over them, then sprinkle on the garlic powder, paprika, parsley, and salt. Gently toss everything together until the shrimp are coated in the spices.

Step 3- Cook in the air fryer. Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single, even layer. Don’t pile them on top of each other! Air fry for 7-8 minutes at 400°F (200°C), using tongs to flip them over halfway through the cooking time.

Step 4- Serve and enjoy. As soon as they’re done, take the shrimp out of the air fryer and serve them hot with fresh lemon wedges on the side.

Tips for Cooking Shrimp

Shrimp is super easy to make at home! Follow these quick tips, and you’ll have an amazing dish that will make you feel like a professional chef.

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. The shrimp need space for the hot air to move around them. If you pile them in, they will steam instead of fry. Always place them in a single layer, even if you have to cook them in two separate batches.
• Flip the shrimp halfway through. This is the secret to making sure they are perfectly cooked and a little crispy on both sides.
• Change up the flavor. Have fun with the spices! You can try using other seasonings you love, like Old Bay, Cajun seasoning, or lemon pepper.
• For extra crispiness, you can sprinkle a little panko bread crumbs or grated Parmesan cheese on the shrimp along with the other seasonings.

Storage instructions

These shrimp are so good, you might want to make extra for later! Here is how you can store and reheat them.

• To store: Put any leftover shrimp in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They will stay good for up to 3 days.
• To freeze: Place the cooled leftover shrimp in a ziplock freezer bag. You can store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: To get them crispy again, it’s best to reheat the shrimp in the air fryer! Just a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) will warm them through and make them taste fresh.

Variations

• Shrimp: You can use fresh or frozen shrimp for this recipe. If you use frozen shrimp, make sure you let them thaw completely before you start. Pat them very dry with a paper towel.
• Spices: Feel free to swap the spices with your favorites. A sprinkle of onion powder or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat would be delicious!
• No Air Fryer? No Problem! You can cook these on the stove. Just heat a little oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are pink and cooked through.

Frequently asked questions

How do you know when the shrimp is done?

Shrimp cooks very fast! You’ll know it’s done when it turns pink and is no longer see-through (it will be opaque). It will also curl up into a “C” shape. If it curls into a tight “O,” it’s likely overcooked.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before you start. The easiest way is to put the frozen shrimp in a colander and run cold water over them for a few minutes. Then, make sure you pat them very dry with paper towels.

How long do shrimp take in an air fryer?

Jumbo shrimp like the ones in this recipe take about 7-8 minutes at 400°F (200°C). If your shrimp are smaller, they will cook even faster, so start checking them after 5 minutes.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Shrimp?

These shrimp are great with almost anything! I love serving them with rice and roasted broccoli, on top of a fresh salad, mixed into pasta with a little butter and garlic, or used as a filling for shrimp tacos.

Which air fryer should I use?

Any brand of air fryer will work for this recipe! I have used a few different kinds and they all do a great job. Just remember that all air fryers can be a little different, so the cooking time might change by a minute or two.

Is air fryer shrimp healthy?

Yes, it is very healthy! Shrimp is a great source of lean protein. Since we are air frying with just a tiny bit of oil instead of deep-frying, it’s a wonderfully light and healthy meal that is also low-carb and gluten-free.

Conclusion

This air fryer shrimp recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again. It’s so quick, easy, and healthy that it is absolutely perfect for busy weeknights. Once you see how juicy and flavorful shrimp can be right from your air fryer, you’ll be hooked! I hope you have fun trying different spices and making this delicious recipe your own.

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