I can still remember the first time I made air fryer shrimp. The sizzling aroma, the way the shrimp turned a perfect golden hue, and that first juicy bite—it was love at first taste. This recipe has since become my go-to when I want something quick, healthy, and undeniably delicious. The air fryer works its magic, giving the shrimp a lightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender and flavorful.
Whenever friends or family drop by unexpectedly, this dish is a lifesaver. It takes less than 15 minutes from start to finish, yet it always impresses. I like to serve it with a fresh salad or over a bed of pasta for a satisfying meal that feels effortless but tastes gourmet. If you’re already a fan of easy seafood dishes, you might also love trying my baked stuffed shrimp casserole or even my honey garlic shrimp sausage broccoli—both are wonderful complements to this quick air fryer shrimp.
For me, this recipe is more than just a weeknight dinner. It’s a little taste of summer any time of the year, and a reminder that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Shrimp
You’ll love this air fryer shrimp because it’s fast, fuss-free, and loaded with flavor. The air fryer eliminates the need for excess oil, making it a lighter option without sacrificing taste. It’s versatile enough to serve as an appetizer, toss into tacos, or accompany your favorite pasta dish. Plus, cleanup is a breeze—leaving you more time to enjoy your meal and less time scrubbing pans. This is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again whenever you need something easy yet impressive.
Ingredients
Shrimp – The star of the show. Choose fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined shrimp for the best results.
Olive Oil – Adds just the right amount of richness and helps the seasoning stick beautifully.
Garlic Powder – Brings a warm, savory note that enhances the natural flavor of the shrimp.
Paprika – Adds subtle smokiness and gorgeous color to the dish.
Salt and Pepper – Essential for balancing and highlighting the other flavors.
Lemon Wedges – A final squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens everything up at the end.
How to Make Air Fryer Shrimp
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Pat your shrimp dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. This helps them crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure every piece is evenly coated.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F and let it preheat for about 3 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and serve immediately with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Enjoy them as they are or pair them with your favorite sides.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
If you want to change things up, try using cajun seasoning instead of paprika and garlic powder for a spicy kick. You can also experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness. If olive oil isn’t your favorite, melted butter works beautifully too. And if you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the shrimp in a hot oven, though the texture will be slightly different.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This air fryer shrimp is perfect served over rice or tossed into a crisp green salad. It’s also a great filling for shrimp tacos, or simply enjoyed alongside roasted vegetables for a low-carb option. For a full seafood dinner, serve it with garlic bread and a chilled glass of white wine.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftover shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to restore some crispness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the shrimp rubbery. You can also enjoy the leftovers cold in a salad.
FAQs
How long does it take to cook air fryer shrimp?
The shrimp cook in just 6-8 minutes in the air fryer, depending on their size.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this air fryer shrimp recipe?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
What temperature should I cook air fryer shrimp at?
Cook the shrimp at 400°F for the best results.
How do I know when air fryer shrimp are done?
They’re done when they turn pink and opaque, and the internal temperature reaches 120°F.
Can I make this air fryer shrimp ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can cook it ahead and gently reheat in the air fryer when ready to serve.
Related Recipe You’ll Like
If you enjoyed this air fryer shrimp, you’ll probably love my baked stuffed shrimp casserole for a comforting seafood dish, or perhaps my honey garlic shrimp sausage broccoli for a savory one-pan meal. Both bring out the best in shrimp while offering unique flavors.
Save and Share This Recipe for Later
Don’t forget to pin this air fryer shrimp recipe to your Pinterest board so you can find it easily the next time you’re craving a quick seafood fix. Share it with your friends on social media or by email—it’s a recipe worth spreading the word about! Whether you’re serving it up at a party or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, everyone will thank you for introducing them to this simple, flavorful dish.
Air Fryer Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
- Toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Serve hot with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Notes
Make sure the shrimp are in a single layer for even cooking. For larger or jumbo shrimp, you may need to add a minute or two of cooking time. Serve immediately for best taste.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 173Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 239mgSodium: 1149mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 26g
