Air Fryer Shrimp

If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and healthier way to make shrimp, then air fryer shrimp should be your go-to recipe. Imagine perfectly seasoned shrimp that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and all cooked in just a few minutes with minimal oil! That’s the magic of the air fryer. Whether you’re having a quick weeknight dinner, making appetizers for a party, or just craving something delicious, this recipe will hit the spot. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll wonder why you didn’t jump on the air fryer train sooner!

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Shrimp

These shrimp are totally customizable, fast, and ridiculously tasty! Here’s why they’re a must-try:

Quick & Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes, no complicated prep needed. The air fryer does all the work for you!

Crispy Without the Guilt: Air frying means you get that crispy, crunchy texture without drowning the shrimp in oil. It’s a win for your taste buds and your waistline!

Flavor Packed: With a simple seasoning mix, the shrimp are bursting with flavor. You can also easily tweak the seasonings to match your cravings.

Healthy: Air frying reduces the amount of fat compared to traditional frying, so you get the crispy goodness without all the extra calories.

Versatile: Whether you want to serve them with pasta, on tacos, over a salad, or just eat them as a snack, these shrimp are incredibly versatile.

Ingredients

Air fryer shrimp are all about simplicity! Here’s what you’ll need:

Shrimp: Fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined shrimp work best for this recipe. Make sure they’re thawed if frozen.

Olive Oil: A light drizzle of olive oil helps give the shrimp that perfect golden crispiness in the air fryer.

Garlic Powder: Adds a savory depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with shrimp.

Paprika: For a little smokiness and color. If you like spice, try smoked paprika for a bit of extra flavor!

Salt & Pepper: To taste. Essential for seasoning, but you can adjust based on your preferences.

Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice will brighten up the shrimp and add that fresh, citrusy zing.

Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley or chopped cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps to make the perfect air fryer shrimp:

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating helps to ensure the shrimp cook evenly and get nice and crispy.

Step 2: Season the Shrimp

In a bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the shrimp until they’re evenly coated in the seasoning mixture. If you like things zesty, squeeze in a little fresh lemon juice for added flavor.

Step 3: Arrange the Shrimp in the Air Fryer

Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re not overlapping too much to ensure they cook evenly and get that crispy texture.

Step 4: Air Fry the Shrimp

Air fry the shrimp at 400°F for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The shrimp should be pink, opaque, and crispy when done. Depending on the size of your shrimp, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the shrimp are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 180

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes

How to Serve Air Fryer Shrimp

These air fryer shrimp are perfect for any meal. Here are a few ways to serve them:

Tacos: Load them into soft tortillas with slaw, avocado, and a squeeze of lime for shrimp tacos that are out of this world.

On a Salad: Add them on top of a fresh green salad for a light yet satisfying meal.

With Pasta: Toss the shrimp into your favorite pasta for a seafood twist.

As an Appetizer: Serve them with a dipping sauce like cocktail sauce, aioli, or a spicy sriracha mayo.

On a Rice Bowl: Place the shrimp over a bowl of rice, and add some veggies for a healthy, balanced meal.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to make your shrimp even better:

Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For the best crispy shrimp, be sure to arrange the shrimp in a single layer. If you overcrowd the basket, they’ll steam instead of getting crispy.

Frozen Shrimp: If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can also pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

Adjust Seasonings: If you like heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to spice things up.

Cooking Time: Keep an eye on your shrimp as air fryer models can vary. They cook quickly, so don’t overdo it! Once they’re opaque and pink, they’re ready.

Experiment with Marinades: Feel free to marinate your shrimp for 20-30 minutes before cooking to enhance the flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A1: Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking for the best texture.

Q2: How do I know when the shrimp are done?
A2: The shrimp should be pink and opaque when cooked through. You can also check that they’re crispy on the outside.

Q3: Can I cook larger shrimp in the air fryer?
A3: Absolutely! You may need to increase the cooking time slightly depending on the size of the shrimp.

Q4: What if I don’t have an air fryer?
A4: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can also bake the shrimp in the oven at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Q5: Can I make these shrimp ahead of time?
A5: Air fryer shrimp are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispy texture.

Q6: Can I freeze air fryer shrimp?
A6: Yes, you can freeze cooked shrimp. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. To reheat, air fry them for 3-4 minutes.

Q7: How can I make these shrimp spicier?
A7: Add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or your favorite hot sauce to the seasoning mix for an extra kick.

Q8: What dipping sauces go well with air fryer shrimp?
A8: Try cocktail sauce, garlic butter, spicy mayo, or a tangy ranch dip for the perfect match.

Q9: Can I use a different oil?
A9: Yes! You can use any oil with a high smoke point, like avocado oil or vegetable oil.

Q10: How do I store leftover shrimp?
A10: Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, air fry them for a few minutes to restore the crispiness.

Conclusion

Air fryer shrimp are the perfect combination of crispy, juicy, and flavorful—without all the oil! Whether you’re using them for tacos, salads, or just as a snack, they’re sure to impress. Plus, they come together so quickly and easily, making them perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need a delicious seafood fix. So fire up your air fryer and enjoy these tasty little bites—you won’t regret it!

Print