If you’re on the lookout for a quick, flavorful, and downright delicious seafood dish, this Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together plump, juicy shrimp coated in a perfectly seasoned blend of spices, all cooked to crispy perfection in the air fryer. Whether you’re a busy weekday diner or hosting friends on the weekend, this recipe delivers mouthwatering results with minimal effort and maximum taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the key to making this recipe shine. Each one plays a crucial role in building the vibrant flavor, beautiful color, and irresistible texture of the shrimp.
- 1 lb large shrimp: Peeled and deveined with tails on or off according to your preference, for a tender and juicy base.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps the spices stick perfectly to the shrimp.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the shrimp with warm, savory depth without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: For a gentle smoky sweetness and lovely color.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Enhances flavor complexity and rounds out the seasoning.
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): Kicks in just the right amount of heat for those who like a touch of spice.
- ½ teaspoon salt: To elevate all the flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild peppery bite that balances the seasoning.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens up the overall dish with fresh acidity.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A vibrant garnish that adds freshness and a pop of color.
- Lemon wedges for serving: For an extra zing that guests love squeezing on top.
How to Make Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by warming your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 to 5 minutes. This step ensures your shrimp cooks evenly and gets those perfect slightly crisp edges we aim for.
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
Place the shrimp in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper if you’re using it, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until each piece is nicely coated. This simple mix brings balanced flavor and subtle heat to every bite.
Step 3: Arrange Shrimp in the Air Fryer
Lay the shrimp in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to let the hot air circulate freely, which is key for getting that beautifully cooked, crispy finish on your Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Air fry the shrimp for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink, opaque, and have just a touch of golden crispness on the edges.
How to Serve Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a fantastic finishing touch that adds color and herbal brightness. Don’t forget lemon wedges, as squeezing fresh lemon juice over the shrimp just before eating elevates the entire flavor experience.
Side Dishes
This Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe is incredibly versatile. Serve it over steamed rice or quinoa for a comforting meal, toss it atop a crisp salad for a light lunch, or pair with roasted vegetables for a balanced dinner. The possibilities are endless and delicious.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn these shrimp into tacos with avocado, cabbage slaw, and a drizzle of spicy mayo. Alternatively, toss them with pasta and a garlic butter sauce for a quick, impressive dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but takes no time at all to prepare.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any shrimp left after your meal, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to two days—perfect for a quick snack or adding to salads and wraps the next day.
Freezing
While freshly cooked shrimp is best, you can freeze leftovers by placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep up to two months, making it super handy to have cooked shrimp ready for future easy meals.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the shrimp back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2 to 3 minutes. This method keeps them juicy and maintains the slightly crisp texture that makes this Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe so wonderful.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp in this Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning to avoid excess moisture that can affect the crispness.
Do I need to flip the shrimp while cooking?
Shaking the basket halfway through cooking is sufficient to ensure even crisping on all sides, so there’s no need to flip each shrimp individually.
Is this recipe spicy?
The chili heat from cayenne pepper is optional. Skip it if you prefer mild shrimp or adjust the amount to better suit your spice tolerance.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed to keep the shrimp from steaming and ensure crispiness.
What can I serve with this shrimp to make it a full meal?
Think grains like rice or couscous, fresh salads, roasted veggies, or even toss the shrimp with pasta for a hearty, satisfying dish.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe is genuinely a game-changer for anyone who loves flavorful, quick meals without fuss. Once you try it, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to get restaurant-quality shrimp right at home. So grab your ingredients, fire up that air fryer, and enjoy the deliciousness!
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Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb, Gluten Free
Description
This easy and flavorful Air Fryer Shrimp recipe is perfect for a quick, healthy meal. Succulent shrimp are seasoned with garlic, paprika, and a hint of cayenne, then cooked in the air fryer for a perfectly crispy texture without the extra oil. Ready in under 15 minutes, they make a delicious main course or a tasty addition to salads, tacos, and pasta dishes.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
Seasoning & Marinade
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Garnish & Serving
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to heat for 3 to 5 minutes to ensure it reaches the optimal cooking temperature.
- Season the shrimp: In a large bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper if using, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Mix well until each shrimp is evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Arrange shrimp in air fryer: Place the seasoned shrimp in a single layer inside the air fryer basket to allow even cooking and crisping.
- Cook the shrimp: Air fry the shrimp for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning and ensure the shrimp turn pink, opaque, and slightly crispy on the edges.
- Garnish and serve: Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a serving plate. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Notes
- You can use frozen shrimp; just thaw and pat dry before seasoning to avoid excess moisture.
- These shrimp are versatile and can be enjoyed on their own, in tacos, over rice, or added to salads and pasta for extra protein.
- For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a pinch of Old Bay seasoning to the spice mix.
