Air Fryer Shrimp is a quick fix for busy weeknights, transforming fresh or frozen shrimp into juicy perfection in just 7 minutes. Whether you're building tacos, salads, bowls, burritos, or more, this versatile recipe has you covered!
Try more shrimp recipes like my Shrimp Spring Rolls, Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, and Shrimp Curry next.
Cooking Shrimp in the Air Fryer
I'm convinced shrimp was made for the air fryer! In less than 10 minutes, you can have tender, perfectly cooked shrimp that’s seasoned just right. All you have to do is toss them in the air fryer, and they’re done before you know it.
Plus, they’re cooked with less oil, making them a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor. It’s the kind of recipe that makes weeknight meals a breeze!
Ingredients
- Shrimp: Use fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience. Leaving the tails on adds a nice touch for presentation.
- Olive oil: A light drizzle helps the seasonings stick and keeps the shrimp juicy while cooking.
- Garlic powder: Adds a warm, savoury flavour that pairs perfectly with shrimp.
Paprika: A little goes a long way to give the shrimp a vibrant colour and a mild smoky depth. - Salt and black pepper: Simple, classic seasonings that bring out the shrimp’s natural flavour.
- Lemon juice (optional): A quick squeeze at the end brightens everything up with a fresh, zesty kick.
How to Air Fry Shrimp
See recipe card for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Preheat the Air Fryer & Season Shrimp
I start by preheating the air fryer to 400°F so it’s nice and hot when the shrimp go in. Then, I toss the shrimp in a bit of oil and seasonings, making sure everything is evenly coated.
Cook Shrimp
Once that’s done, I lay them out in a single layer in the air fryer basket—this is key for even cooking.
How Long to Cook Shrimp in Air Fryer
After about 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway through, the shrimp are perfectly pink, tender, and ready to serve!
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Shrimp
- Adjust the cook time based on shrimp size. Medium shrimp cook in about 3–4 minutes, while large shrimp take 5–7 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
- Do not spray the air fryer basket with oil. Spraying can make cleanup more difficult. Instead, toss the shrimp in oil to ensure they don’t stick and the spices adhere properly.
- Avoid overcooking the shrimp. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and tough, so remove them as soon as they turn pink and curl into a C-shape.
- Preheat the air fryer for best results. Starting with a hot air fryer helps the shrimp cook evenly and gives them a perfectly tender texture.
- Cook in a single layer for even cooking. Overcrowding the basket can result in unevenly cooked shrimp, so work in batches if needed.
Alternatives and Variations:
- Breaded Air Fryer Shrimp: If you prefer your shrimp with a little crunch, add a breadcrumb or crispy panko coating. Season the shrimp, dip them in eggwash, then coat them with breadcrumbs and air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes.
- Spicy: For a kick of heat, add cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.
- Shrimp Scampi: Toss melted butter, parsley, and white wine with seasoned shrimp then add it to the air fryer at 325°F for 8 minutes.
Storage
Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in an airtight bag or container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw frozen shrimp in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals.
How to Serve Air Fryer Shrimp
- Noodles: Add juicy shrimp to your ramen or lo mein for an Asian-inspired meal.
- Salad: Toss them in a Cobb salad as a protein replacement for chicken.
- Tacos or Burritos: Wrap shrimp in tortillas and add your favorite toppings. Check out my shrimp tacos recipe for more ideas.
- Veggies: For a low-carb meal, pair air fryer shrimp with steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, cauliflower, or carrots.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp without thawing them?
It’s best to thaw frozen shrimp before cooking so they can be evenly seasoned and cook properly. To thaw quickly, place them in a bowl of cold water for about 15–20 minutes.
What should I serve with air fryer shrimp?
These shrimp are incredibly versatile and pair well with rice, pasta, or veggies. You can also use them in tacos, salads, or grain bowls for a complete meal.
Do I need to flip the shrimp while they cook?
Yes, flipping the shrimp halfway through ensures they cook evenly on both sides. This step is especially important if your air fryer basket doesn’t have consistent heat distribution.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
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📖 Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound Jumbo shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Paprika
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Pepper
- Lemon cut into wedges to serve
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Add the thawed out, clean, and deveined shrimp to a large bowl.
- Drizzle the olive oil into the bowl with the shrimp. Toss it around with a spoon or some tongs to make sure each piece is coated with the olive oil.
- Sprinkle the seasonings over the shrimp including the: garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Toss the shrimp in the seasoning to make sure each one is coated evenly.
- Add the shrimp to your air fryer in one single layer (you may need to air fry the shrimp in batches).
- Air fry at 400° for 5 minutes. Remove the shrimp and continue cooking in batches until it’s all cooked.
- Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Martha says
So good