Air fryer shrimp is a lightning-fast, delicious dinner that feels both fancy and fuss-free. The air fryer creates a beautifully cooked interior with a crisp, caramelized exterior in under 10 minutes. It’s the ultimate solution for busy weeknights or a protein boost for salads and bowls.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Shrimp
- Incredibly fast: From fridge to plate in less than 15 minutes.
- Perfect texture: Tender, juicy interior with a lightly crisp exterior.
- Endlessly customizable: A perfect blank canvas for your favorite flavors.
- Healthier & flavorful: Achieves a beautiful result with minimal oil.
Ingredients & Tools
- 1 lb (450 g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (size 21/25 or 31/40)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt (or 1/2 tsp table salt)
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)
Tools: An air fryer, a medium mixing bowl, and a pair of kitchen tongs.
Notes: A little goes a long way with the seasoning here—the smoked paprika adds a wonderful depth and color, while the cayenne gives just a subtle kick. You’ll notice I call for raw shrimp; this is key, as pre-cooked shrimp will become tough and rubbery in the hot air.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories: | 150 kcal |
| Protein: | 24 g |
| Fat: | 5 g |
| Carbs: | 3 g |
| Fiber: | 1 g |
Serves: 3 | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 6-8 minutes | Total Time: 13 minutes
Before You Start: Tips & Ingredient Notes
- Pat your shrimp DRY. This is the single most important step for getting a nice sear and preventing the shrimp from steaming. Use paper towels to thoroughly pat them dry after rinsing.
- What size shrimp should you use? I find that large (21/25 count) or medium (31/40 count) shrimp work best. They’re substantial enough to not overcook instantly but small enough to cook through evenly and quickly.
- Don’t skip the oil. Even though it’s just a tablespoon, the oil is crucial. It helps the seasoning stick to the shrimp and promotes that beautiful, light browning and caramelization we’re after.
- Leave a little space. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If you pile the shrimp on top of each other, they’ll steam instead of air fry. Cook in two batches if you need to for the best texture.
How to Make Air Fryer Shrimp
Step 1: First, prep your shrimp. If you bought them frozen, make sure they are fully thawed. If they still have their shells on, peel and devein them. I like to leave the tails on for presentation, but you can remove them if you prefer. Now, take several paper towels and pat the shrimp completely dry. This might seem fussy, but it’s the secret to getting them to crisp up instead of turning soggy. You’ll notice a big difference in the final texture.
Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the olive oil and all the dried spices: garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and the optional cayenne. Give this a quick stir with a fork or a small whisk to create a loose, fragrant paste. This ensures every single shrimp gets an even coating of flavor.
Step 3: Add your thoroughly dried shrimp to the bowl with the seasoning mixture. Use your hands or a spoon to toss everything together until each shrimp is lightly and evenly coated in the spiced oil. You want a nice, uniform color—the paprika will give them a lovely reddish hue even before they cook.
Step 4: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. While it’s heating, you can chop your fresh parsley for garnish. A preheated air fryer gives you an immediate burst of high heat, which is perfect for sealing in the juices and starting the browning process right away.
Step 5: Carefully arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. They can be close, but they shouldn’t be piled on top of one another. A little space allows the hot air to circulate properly. Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the shrimp with tongs halfway through the cooking time.
Step 6: How do you know when they’re done? The shrimp will be pink and opaque all the way through, and they’ll have curled into a loose “C” shape. If they curl into a tight “O,” they’re likely overdone. They should feel firm but still springy to the touch. The aroma will be absolutely incredible.
Step 7: As soon as the shrimp are done, transfer them to a serving plate. Squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with the chopped parsley. The lemon juice brightens all the flavors beautifully. Serve immediately while they’re hot and at their most delicious!
Storage & Freshness Guide
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a single layer then transfer to a bag for up to 1 month.
- Reviving: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until warm.
Serving Suggestions
Complementary Dishes
- Cilantro Lime Rice — The fresh, zesty flavors of the rice are a perfect base for the savory, spiced shrimp, making a complete and satisfying meal.
- Creamy Parmesan Grits — The rich, cheesy grits create a luxurious bed for the shrimp, offering a wonderful contrast in textures and a Southern-inspired twist.
- A Simple Arugula Salad — The peppery bite of arugula with a light lemon vinaigrette complements the shrimp perfectly and adds a fresh, green element to your plate.
Drinks
- A Crisp Sauvignon Blanc — Its bright acidity and citrus notes cut through the richness of the shrimp and enhance the garlic and lemon flavors beautifully.
- An Ice-Cold Mexican Lager — A light, crisp beer is a fantastic pairing that cleanses the palate between bites, especially if you’ve added a bit of spice.
- Sparkling Water with Lemon — For a non-alcoholic option, the effervescence and citrus are refreshing and won’t overpower the delicate taste of the shrimp.
Something Sweet
- Lemon Sorbet — A scoop of tart, refreshing sorbet continues the citrus theme from the meal and provides a clean, light finish.
- Classic Crème Brûlée — The rich, creamy custard and crackly caramelized sugar top offer a decadent and elegant contrast to the simple, savory main course.
- Fresh Berry Parfait — Layers of yogurt, honey, and mixed berries are a healthy, sweet, and visually beautiful way to end your meal on a bright note.
Top Mistakes to Avoid
- Mistake: Using pre-cooked shrimp. This is the number one error. Pre-cooked shrimp only need to be warmed through, and the high heat of the air fryer will make them tough, rubbery, and incredibly disappointing. Always start with raw shrimp.
Air Fryer Shrimp
Make perfect Air Fryer Shrimp in under 10 minutes! This easy recipe yields juicy, flavorful shrimp with a crispy finish. Get the simple, healthy recipe here!
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
-
1 lb raw shrimp (peeled and deveined (size 21/25 or 31/40))
-
1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
-
1 tsp garlic powder
-
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
-
1/2 tsp onion powder
-
1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
-
3/4 tsp kosher salt (or 1/2 tsp table salt)
-
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
-
1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped (for garnish))
-
1 lemon (cut into wedges (for serving))
