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
Ingredients for Air Fryer Shrimp
Main Ingredients:Seasoning Ingredients:Cooking Essentials: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: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
Variations on Air Fryer Shrimp
Pairing Suggestions for Air Fryer Shrimp
Storage Tips for Air Fryer Shrimp
FAQs
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.
Yes, absolutely! Fresh shrimp work great in the air fryer. Just pat them dry before seasoning and reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes.
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
- 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
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
- Thaw frozen shrimp completely if not already defrosted, patting them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Drizzle olive oil over shrimp, ensuring each piece is evenly coated and glistening.
- Create a flavor blend by mixing garlic powder, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, Old Bay, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the oiled shrimp, gently tossing to distribute the spices uniformly.
- Activate the air fryer and set the temperature to 400F (200C), allowing it to preheat for 2-3 minutes.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding to ensure crisp cooking.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, pausing midway to gently shake the basket and promote even browning.
- Check shrimp for doneness – they should appear opaque, pink, and slightly curled with a golden exterior.
- Transfer immediately to a serving plate, garnishing with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon if desired.
- 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
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.