Name: Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 13 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); juice of 1/2 lemon; fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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If you’re looking for a fast, foolproof way to enjoy restaurant-quality seafood at home, Air Fryer Shrimp is your new secret weapon. In just about 10 minutes, you’ll have juicy, perfectly seasoned shrimp with a lovely crisp edge, ready to enjoy as a main dish, appetizer, or tossed in your favorite salad. The magic of the air fryer keeps things light, locked in with zesty lemon, garlic, and just enough heat to awaken your taste buds. Whether you’re a seasoned air fryer fanatic or just getting started, this recipe promises a crowd-pleasing meal with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

With a handful of everyday ingredients, this Air Fryer Shrimp comes together in a snap. Each item has been picked to complement the sweet shrimp and add layers of flavor, so don’t skip the little extras!

Shrimp: Opt for large shrimp (peeled and deveined), as they cook quickly and stay juicy throughout.
Olive Oil: A tablespoon coats the shrimp, helping the spices adhere while keeping the texture succulent.
Garlic Powder: This brings warm, savory depth without overwhelming fresh garlic bite.
Paprika: Adds gentle smokiness and a pretty blush of color.
Salt: Absolutely essential for enhancing every other flavor.
Black Pepper: Freshly cracked if possible—this gives a subtle heat and earthiness.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): If you love a hint of heat, a quarter teaspoon will do the trick.
Lemon Juice: Squeezing half a lemon over the shrimp wakes up the whole dish with fresh brightness.
Fresh Parsley (optional): For a pop of color and a fresh, herbal finish.

How to Make Air Fryer Shrimp

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Get your air fryer ready by preheating it to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. This quick step ensures the shrimp start sizzling the moment they hit the basket, which is key for a juicy center and golden edges.

Step 2: Season the Shrimp

In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Make sure each piece is well coated—your hands are the best tools here! The olive oil helps the spices adhere and ensures even cooking in the air fryer.

Step 3: Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket

Spread the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in your air fryer basket. If you have more shrimp than can fit at once, work in batches rather than crowding them. This helps everything cook evenly and gives you that satisfying crispness on the edges.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

Air fry the shrimp for 6–8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking. Watch for the shrimp to turn pink, opaque, and slightly curled—this means they’re perfectly cooked! You’ll notice a subtle char at the edges too, which adds a hint of smokiness without drying them out.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Immediately transfer the cooked shrimp to a serving plate and sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like. Serve piping hot for optimum juiciness and flavor, just how Air Fryer Shrimp should be enjoyed!

How to Serve Air Fryer Shrimp

Garnishes

Add a finishing touch with chopped fresh parsley, a few extra lemon wedges, or even a dash of smoked paprika. These little extras make your Air Fryer Shrimp look as good as they taste and add a burst of freshness.

Side Dishes

Keep it simple with fluffy white rice, toss the shrimp on crisp greens for a protein-packed salad, or serve alongside buttery garlic noodles. Air Fryer Shrimp is also fabulous as a taco filling or with roasted veggies for a light dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

Try threading the cooked shrimp onto skewers with grilled peppers and onions for a fun appetizer. Stack them on crostini with aioli, stuff a soft pita for a quick wrap, or chill and serve with cocktail sauce for a classic party bite. Air Fryer Shrimp adapts to every occasion!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover Air Fryer Shrimp, stash them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. They’ll remain plump and flavorful, ready for salads, wraps, or quick bowls.

Freezing

To freeze, let the shrimp cool completely, then arrange in a single layer on a tray. Freeze until solid before transferring to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months and can be defrosted in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

Reheat leftover Air Fryer Shrimp in a 350°F air fryer for 2–3 minutes. This keeps them tender and avoids that rubbery texture you get from microwaving. They’ll taste almost as good as freshly made!

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just thaw your shrimp completely (either in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water in a pinch) and pat them dry before seasoning. This step ensures the spices stick and prevents excess moisture during cooking.

Do I need to flip the shrimp during air frying?

There’s no need to flip, but shaking the basket halfway through helps everything cook evenly and gets more surface area golden and crisp.

What size shrimp works best for Air Fryer Shrimp?

Large shrimp (26–30 count per pound) are ideal — they cook through quickly but are plump enough to stay juicy. You can use smaller or larger, but adjust cooking times accordingly.

How do I make my Air Fryer Shrimp extra spicy?

Add more crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix, or serve with a spicy dipping sauce. You could even add a pinch of cayenne for an extra kick!

Can I double this recipe in one batch?

If your air fryer is roomy, you can cook more at once, but don’t overcrowd the basket. For even cooking, it’s best to cook the shrimp in batches, ensuring all shrimp have space to crisp up nicely.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Shrimp recipe brings together everything you want in a weeknight dinner or easy appetizer—bold flavor, fast prep, and a finish that feels downright special. Give it a try, and I think you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again for busy meals and festive gatherings alike!

Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 13 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in the crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Shrimp that’s quick and easy to make. Perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection, this dish is a versatile option suitable for both main courses and appetizers.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
juice of 1/2 lemon

Garnish:

fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
Season Shrimp: In a large bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice until coated.
Air Fry: Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 6–8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until shrimp are pink and slightly crisp.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.