Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe

Zesty Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe: Golden Crisp in a Flash

Crispy, golden shrimp dancing in an air fryer recipe bring restaurant-quality seafood right to your kitchen.

These succulent morsels offer a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods.

The air fryer works magic, creating a perfectly crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

Seasoned with a blend of zesty spices, these shrimp pack a flavor punch that will make your taste buds sing.

Each bite delivers a delightful crunch that transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

You’ll love how quickly this dish comes together, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner gatherings.

Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that promises both simplicity and incredible taste.

Air Fryer Shrimp That’s Fast and Flavorful

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Ingredients for Air Fryer Shrimp

Main Ingredients:
  • Shrimp: Fresh or frozen seafood that serves as the primary protein for this quick and delicious air fryer recipe.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Helps coat the shrimp and creates a crispy exterior when air fried.
  • Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning, Old Bay, Parmesan Cheese: A blend of seasonings that adds robust flavor and enhances the natural taste of the shrimp.
Cooking Essentials:
  • Air Fryer: The primary cooking appliance that provides a quick and crispy cooking method for the shrimp.

How to Cook Air Fryer Shrimp Perfectly

How to Cook Air Fryer Shrimp Perfectly

Step 1: Awaken the Shrimp

Unwrap the frozen shrimp and let them dance in a generous drizzle of olive oil. Sprinkle a magical blend of seasonings over the shrimp, creating a flavor explosion with:
  • Minced garlic
  • Sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Italian herb blend
  • Old Bay seasoning
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Massage the seasonings into the shrimp until every morsel is beautifully coated.

Step 2: Fire Up the Air Fryer

Crank your air fryer to a sizzling 400°F (200°C). Let it warm up for a couple of minutes, getting ready to transform those shrimp into crispy perfection.

Step 3: Create Shrimp Magic

Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re not crowded – each shrimp needs its personal space to get wonderfully crisp.

If cooking from frozen, give them about 10 minutes. For pre-cooked shrimp, dial it back to 5 minutes.

Midway through cooking, give the basket a confident shake to ensure every shrimp gets an equal tan.

Step 4: Plate and Celebrate

Once the shrimp emerge golden and irresistibly crispy, transfer them to a serving plate.

Grab your favorite dipping sauce – whether it’s zesty cocktail sauce, creamy garlic aioli, or a squeeze of fresh lemon – and dive in while they’re hot!

Tips for Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp

  • Choose fresh or properly frozen shrimp for the best texture and flavor, ensuring they are clean and deveined before cooking.
  • Arrange shrimp in a single layer without overlapping to guarantee crispy, evenly cooked results with perfect golden edges.
  • Adjust spice blend according to personal taste, but be careful not to overpower the delicate shrimp flavor with too many seasonings.
  • Watch shrimp closely during air frying to prevent overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery; they're done when they turn pink and opaque.
  • Pair with zesty cocktail sauce, garlic aioli, or squeeze fresh lemon juice for added brightness and complementary flavors.

Variations on Air Fryer Shrimp

  • Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp: Replace Parmesan with melted butter and extra garlic powder for a low-carb version that maintains rich flavor.
  • Mediterranean Herb Shrimp: Swap Italian seasoning for fresh chopped oregano, basil, and thyme with a splash of lemon juice for a Mediterranean-inspired profile.
  • Spicy Cajun Shrimp: Substitute Old Bay with Cajun seasoning and add cayenne pepper for a bold, zesty kick that brings New Orleans-style heat to the dish.
  • Coconut Curry Shrimp: Replace olive oil with coconut oil and sprinkle mild curry powder instead of Italian seasoning for an Asian-inspired seafood experience.

Pairing Suggestions for Air Fryer Shrimp

  • Pair with Zesty Citrus Cocktail: Mix gin, fresh lime juice, and a splash of sparkling water for a bright, refreshing drink that complements the shrimp's garlic and herb flavors.
  • Create Crisp Mediterranean Salad: Toss mixed greens, cucumber, feta cheese, and lemon vinaigrette alongside the air fryer shrimp for a light, complementary side dish that balances the seafood's richness.
  • Serve with Garlic Aioli Dip: Blend mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and chopped parsley to create a creamy, tangy sauce that enhances the shrimp's seasoned profile and provides a luxurious dipping experience.

Storage Tips for Air Fryer Shrimp

  • Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 1-2 days maximum to maintain best quality and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Place cooled shrimp in freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn. Frozen shrimp can last up to 3 months when properly sealed.
  • Warm leftover shrimp at 350F for 3-4 minutes. Spread shrimp in a single layer to restore crispiness and prevent sogginess. Check internal temperature reaches 145F for food safety.

FAQs

  • How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?

The shrimp are done when they turn opaque, pink, and curl into a C-shape. They should reach an internal temperature of 145°F and look crispy on the outside.

  • Can I use fresh shrimp instead of frozen?

Yes, absolutely! Fresh shrimp work great in the air fryer. Just pat them dry before seasoning and reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes.

  • What if my shrimp are different sizes?

Adjust cooking time based on shrimp size. Smaller shrimp need less time (around 6-8 minutes), while larger shrimp might need 10-12 minutes. Always check for doneness and avoid overcooking.

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Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe

Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe


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4.7 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy air fryer shrimp deliver golden, succulent seafood perfection in minutes. Garlic butter and zesty seasonings elevate this quick coastal-inspired dish for easy weeknight dinners you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 lb (454 grams) raw, tail-off shrimp (frozen)

Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic (minced or powder)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Pepper (to taste)

Finishing and Cooking Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (grated)

Instructions

  1. Thaw frozen shrimp completely if not already defrosted, patting them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. Drizzle olive oil over shrimp, ensuring each piece is evenly coated and glistening.
  3. Create a flavor blend by mixing garlic powder, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, Old Bay, and grated Parmesan cheese.
  4. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the oiled shrimp, gently tossing to distribute the spices uniformly.
  5. Activate the air fryer and set the temperature to 400F (200C), allowing it to preheat for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Arrange shrimp in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding to ensure crisp cooking.
  7. Cook for 8-10 minutes, pausing midway to gently shake the basket and promote even browning.
  8. Check shrimp for doneness – they should appear opaque, pink, and slightly curled with a golden exterior.
  9. Transfer immediately to a serving plate, garnishing with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon if desired.
  10. Pair with your preferred dipping sauce like cocktail sauce, garlic aioli, or tartar sauce for an enhanced culinary experience.

Notes

  • Prevent overcrowding by arranging shrimp in a single layer to ensure crispy, evenly cooked results.
  • Pat shrimp completely dry before seasoning to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent steaming.
  • Try different spice blends like Cajun, Mediterranean, or Asian-inspired seasonings for variety.
  • Swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast to make the recipe dairy-free and suitable for vegan diets.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5.2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0.3 g
  • Protein: 23 g
  • Cholesterol: 160 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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