Air Fryer Shrimp
This air fryer shrimp is quick, easy, and full of flavor. You only need a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of cook time. It’s great for salads, tacos, or rice bowls!
Ready to explore new seafood recipes at home? It’s true that seafood has a bit of a reputation for being hard and time-consuming, but that’s not always the case.
You can explore a lot of recipes out there even as a beginner cook.
And with appliances like the air fryer, cooking becomes even easier and more convenient.
Shrimp is one of the most popular choices for quick seafood meals because it cooks fast, takes on flavor easily, and doesn’t require a long prep process.
Just season it, pop it in the air fryer, and you’ll have a flavorful dish in under 20 minutes.
Cooking it in the air fryer also means you’re skipping the extra oil from deep frying. Air fryer meals are great choices if you’re in the mood for a light lunch or dinner!
Make this air fryer shrimp recipe part of your routine. You can also customize the recipe and swap out the seasonings.
How to Make Air Fryer Shrimp
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5-6 minutes
Total Time: 15-16 minutes
Serving Size: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: In a bowl, combine the avocado oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Step 2: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture. Let the shrimp marinate for about 10 minutes.
Step 3: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
Step 4: Once the air fryer is preheated, place the seasoned shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping.
Step 5: Cook the shrimp in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 5-6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
Step 6: Once the shrimp are pink and opaque, remove them from the air fryer.
Step 7: Serve the air fryer shrimp hot with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Shrimp
Enjoy these air fryer shrimps in a variety of delicious ways. You can keep it light or go hearty, depending on what you’re craving.
- Rice bowls: Spoon your shrimp over a bed of jasmine or coconut rice and add some sliced avocado or mango for a refreshing contrast. It’s quick, colorful, and filling!
- Tacos or lettuce wraps: Wrap the shrimp in warm tortillas or crunchy lettuce cups with some slaw and a squeeze of lime.
- Pasta: Toss the shrimp with your favorite pasta and a little olive oil or lemon butter sauce. That way, you can turn this air fryer creation into a fancy dinner.
- Simple side salad: Keep things simple and light by pairing your shrimp with a crisp salad. A tangy vinaigrette works great to balance the smoky flavors of the shrimp.
- Dipping sauces: Serve them with a spicy mayo, garlic aioli, or even cocktail sauce. A good dip takes these juicy bites up a notch!
Tips About Making Air Fryer Shrimp
- Let it warm up first: Give your air fryer a few minutes to heat up before adding the shrimp. It helps them cook evenly and get those crispy bits we all love.
- Single layer only: Spread the shrimp out in one layer inside the basket. If they’re stacked or too close together, they won’t cook as well or get that nice sear.
- Watch the time: Shrimp cooks fast, especially in the air fryer. Check them at the 5-minute mark so they don’t overcook and turn rubbery.
- Optional garnish: Feel free to top your shrimp with whatever you like—lemon, herbs, or your favorite sauce. Make it your own!
How to Store These Air Fryer Shrimp
- Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re fully cooled before packing them up.
- Reheating: The best way to reheat these shrimp is right back in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F. They’ll stay juicy with a little crisp on the outside.
- Microwave option: If you’re in a rush, the microwave works, too—just cover the shrimp and heat in short bursts to avoid drying them out.
FAQs about Air Fryer Shrimp
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely before seasoning and cooking in the air fryer.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?
The shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque with a slightly curled shape. Be careful not to overcook them to prevent them from becoming tough and rubbery.
Can I adjust the seasoning according to my taste preferences?
Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the seasoning by adding more or less of any spice to suit your taste.
What can I serve with air fryer shrimp?
Air fryer shrimp pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as rice, quinoa, pasta, salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve them as an appetizer with dipping sauces like cocktail sauce or garlic aioli.
Can I use a different type of oil for cooking the shrimp?
Yes, you can use other oils such as coconut oil or melted butter if you prefer. Just ensure it has a high smoke point suitable for air frying.
This air fryer shrimp is so simple, but it’s true that trying new flavor combos can feel a little intimidating at first. Shrimp is actually one of the easiest ingredients to experiment with. If you love bold flavors, try adding a bit of chili powder, cayenne, or Cajun seasoning. Want something bright and fresh? A little lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs go a long way.
Print
Air Fryer Shrimp
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings 1x
Description
This air fryer shrimp is quick, easy, and full of flavor. You only need a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of cook time. It’s great for salads, tacos, or rice bowls!
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the avocado oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture. Let the shrimp marinate for about 10 minutes.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Once the air fryer is preheated, place the seasoned shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping.
- Cook the shrimp in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 5-6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
- Once the shrimp are pink and opaque, remove them from the air fryer.
- Serve the air fryer shrimp hot with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
