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
Scale
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.
