If you’re craving a quick, flavorful seafood dinner that practically cooks itself, I can’t recommend this Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe enough. It’s a perfect combination of tender, juicy shrimp with just the right amount of smoky seasoning and a hint of spice, all cooked to crispy perfection without turning on the stove or oven for long. Whether you’re juggling a busy weeknight or just want a crowd-pleaser that’s both healthy and indulgent, this dish delivers every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the olive oil that helps everything crisp up beautifully to the garlic and smoked paprika that add layers of irresistible flavor and eye-catching color.
- 1 pound large raw shrimp (peeled and deveined): Using large shrimp ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy without drying out.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This helps the seasoning stick to the shrimp and promotes a slight crispness in the air fryer.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic adds a warm, savory depth that pairs beautifully with seafood.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: This spice infuses a subtle smoky flavor and a rich red color to the shrimp.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly cracked for a gentle bite and balancing seasoning.
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): If you like a little heat, this adds a perfect spicy kick.
- Lemon wedges for serving: A squeeze of lemon brightens up the dish and complements the smoky spices beautifully.
How to Make Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This quick 3-minute warm-up ensures the shrimp cook evenly right from the moment you toss them in.
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
In a medium-sized bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil and all your spices — garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if you want that extra heat. Make sure every shrimp is evenly coated for maximum flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Arrange and Cook
Spread the shrimp in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, giving them space so they crisp up nicely instead of steaming. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Watch for the shrimp to turn pink and opaque with slightly crisp edges — that’s your cue to pull them out right away to avoid overcooking.
How to Serve Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes takes this dish from great to unforgettable. A handful of chopped parsley sprinkled over the shrimp not only adds vibrancy but also a fresh herbal note. Don’t forget a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving to brighten those smoky flavors.
Side Dishes
These air fryer shrimp pair beautifully with so many sides. Think a crisp green salad for a light meal, garlic butter quinoa for a hearty accompaniment, or even simple steamed veggies when you want to keep it healthy and quick.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe as a standalone appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce, toss them into tacos with fresh slaw and avocado, or layer over pasta with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of parmesan for an elegant dinner. The possibilities are endless and delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover shrimp keep incredibly well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure to cool them completely before storing to maintain that perfect texture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months and thaw quickly when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the shrimp back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes to bring back their crispness without drying them out. Avoid microwaving to keep that wonderful texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before seasoning and cooking. This prevents sogginess and helps achieve that perfect crisp.
Is it necessary to devein the shrimp?
Deveining is mostly a personal preference. While it doesn’t affect the taste significantly, removing the vein improves the shrimp’s appearance and texture.
What if I don’t have cayenne pepper?
You can simply leave it out or substitute with a pinch of chili powder or red pepper flakes to customize the heat level to your liking.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but cook the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Overlapping shrimp steam instead of crisp, which changes the texture.
What dipping sauces work well with this shrimp?
This shrimp is fantastic with a classic cocktail sauce, garlic aioli, or even a zesty lemon-herb yogurt dip. Pick your favorite or try them all!
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe is a total game-changer for weeknight dinners or impromptu gatherings. Fast, flavorful, and perfectly crispy every time, it’s one of those dishes you’ll want to keep on repeat. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Air Fryer Shrimp recipe offers a quick, flavorful, and healthy way to prepare shrimp with a smoky and slightly spicy seasoning. Perfectly cooked in minutes, the shrimp come out tender with a delightful crisp on the edges, making them ideal for a main course or as an addition to salads, tacos, and pasta dishes.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off as desired)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
For Serving
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for approximately 3 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Season the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper until all shrimp are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Arrange Shrimp in Basket: Place the seasoned shrimp in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overlapping to promote even cooking and crisping.
- Cook Shrimp: Air fry the shrimp for 5 to 7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to allow even exposure to heat. The shrimp should be pink, opaque, and slightly crisp around the edges when done.
- Serve Immediately: Remove the shrimp promptly from the air fryer to prevent overcooking. Serve hot with lemon wedges and optionally your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle the cooked shrimp with chopped parsley or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
- These shrimp are perfect as a protein addition to salads, tacos, or pasta dishes.
- If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning to achieve the best texture.
