Air Fryer Shrimp

Let me tell you—this Air Fryer Shrimp is about to be your new go-to for a quick, easy, and seriously delicious meal! Picture this: perfectly seasoned shrimp, crisp on the outside with that soft, juicy inside, all thanks to the magic of the air fryer. It’s like the ideal combination of crispy and tender, without all the mess of deep frying. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, adding it to a salad, or pairing it with pasta, this shrimp is sure to wow your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Shrimp

This recipe is everything you want in a meal—quick, simple, and full of flavor. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Fast & Convenient

You don’t have to spend all day in the kitchen for a fantastic meal! In under 10 minutes, you can have juicy, crispy shrimp that tastes like it’s been cooked in a restaurant.

Super Flavorful

With the perfect blend of seasonings, these shrimp come out so flavorful and mouthwatering. The air fryer locks in all the spices, so every bite is a burst of deliciousness.

Healthy, but Not Lacking Flavor

Cooking As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through our affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Our recommendations are always honest and unbiased. Thank you for your support! shrimp in the air fryer means less oil, so you can indulge without the guilt. They’re light, yet satisfying, making it a great choice for lighter meals or as a protein-packed snack.

Versatile

You can serve this shrimp in so many ways! Toss it on a salad, serve it with pasta, enjoy it in tacos, or just eat it on its own with a side of your favorite dipping sauce. The options are endless!

Ingredients

For the perfect batch of air fryer shrimp, all you need are a few simple ingredients:

For the Shrimp:

• Shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star of the show, of course. Fresh or frozen shrimp both work well for this recipe.
• Olive oil: Just a touch for crisping up the shrimp and helping the seasoning stick.
• Garlic powder: For that savory depth of flavor.
• Paprika: Adds a touch of smokiness and color.
• Onion powder: A subtle, savory flavor boost.
• Cayenne pepper: If you like a little kick! You can skip this if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Lemon zest: A bit of citrusy brightness to balance out the rich flavors.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, of course!

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to cook up some crispy, juicy shrimp? Follow these simple steps:

Season the Shrimp

Start by patting the shrimp dry with a paper towel. This is key to getting them nice and crispy in the air fryer. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Make sure each shrimp is coated in the seasoning.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This ensures the shrimp cook evenly and get that crispy exterior.

Cook the Shrimp

Place the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the shrimp in batches. Air fry the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You’ll know the shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque, with a slightly crisp exterior.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the shrimp are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite sides. They’re fantastic on their own with a squeeze of fresh lemon, or paired with dipping sauces like cocktail sauce, garlic butter, or spicy mayo.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 180

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes

How to Serve Air Fryer Shrimp

There are so many ways to enjoy this shrimp! Here are a few suggestions to serve it up:

Salad

Toss the shrimp on top of a fresh green salad for a light, protein-packed meal. Add some avocado, cucumbers, and your favorite dressing for an extra pop of flavor.

Pasta

Serve these shrimp with a bowl of pasta, like linguine or spaghetti, and a drizzle of olive oil or a fresh tomato sauce. They make a great addition to a seafood pasta dish!

Tacos

Throw the shrimp in some soft tortillas, top with crunchy slaw, a squeeze of lime, and maybe some avocado for shrimp tacos that are full of flavor.

Dipping Sauces

These shrimp are perfect for dipping! Serve them with a side of cocktail sauce, garlic butter, spicy mayo, or even a zesty salsa.

As an Appetizer

Serve the shrimp with toothpicks or skewers as a party appetizer. They’re quick, easy to eat, and full of flavor—guests will love them!

Additional Tips

• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For the crispiest shrimp, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If needed, cook the shrimp in batches to ensure they cook evenly.
• Frozen Shrimp: If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them before seasoning and cooking As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through our affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Our recommendations are always honest and unbiased. Thank you for your support!. You can run them under cold water or let them thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Extra Kick: If you want more heat, add extra cayenne pepper or even some hot sauce to the seasoning mix.
• Customizable: Feel free to change up the spices! Add a little Italian seasoning, Old Bay, or chili powder for a different flavor profile.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A1: Yes! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp before cooking As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through our affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Our recommendations are always honest and unbiased. Thank you for your support!. You can run them under cold water or let them thaw in the fridge overnight.

Q2: Can I use a different oil?
A2: Absolutely! You can swap olive oil for avocado oil or melted butter if you prefer.

Q3: Can I cook shrimp with the shells on?
A3: You can, but I recommend peeling and deveining them for easier eating and even cooking. The shell can make the shrimp take longer to cook.

Q4: How do I know when the shrimp are done?
A4: Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. If they’re overcooked, they can become rubbery, so keep an eye on them!

Q5: Can I make this in the oven instead?
A5: Yes! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) on a baking sheet for about 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through.

Q6: Can I use shrimp with tails on?
A6: You can, but for easier eating, I suggest peeling the shrimp before cooking.

Q7: Can I use this recipe for shrimp skewers?
A7: Yes! If you prefer to cook shrimp on skewers, thread them on and cook them in the air fryer for the same amount of time.

Q8: Can I make these shrimp spicier?
A8: Definitely! Add more cayenne pepper or even a few dashes of hot sauce for an extra spicy kick.

Q9: How do I store leftover shrimp?
A9: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave for a quick meal.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes, you can! Just be sure not to overcrowd the basket, and cook the shrimp in batches for the crispiest results.

Conclusion

This Air Fryer Shrimp is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re enjoying it as an appetizer, in tacos, or over pasta, this recipe is a total winner. The air fryer gives you perfectly cooked shrimp every time, with just the right amount of crispiness on the outside and tenderness on the inside. So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try, and get ready to enjoy some seriously delicious shrimp!

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