Air Fryer Shrimp – A Quick and Easy Air Fryer Seafood Dish

The air fryer shrimp recipe is versatile, simpler, and easier than you think.

Additionally, the way the shrimp is seasoned is spot on. It adds great flavor without being too strong.

Moreover, it’s healthier as you need a little cooking spray than the conventional method. 

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or hosting a gathering, this delicious shrimp will surely be a crowd favorite.

So grab your air fryer, and let’s get cooking!

Why We All Love This Recipe

Convenient: This air fryer shrimp recipe, accompanied by a creamy and spicy boom boom sauce, requires simple ingredients you may already have in your pantry, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.

Versatile Dish: This recipe is excellent to enjoy in various ways.

Enjoy it as an appetizer, or toss them into the tacos or air fryer burrito with a tangy jalapeño pickles for an extra zing.

Quick Cook Time: With a cooking time of just 7-8 minutes, this recipe allows you to have a delicious meal on the table in no time. 

Golden-Brown and Crispy Texture: The air fryer shrimp feature a crisp, golden-brown exterior, satisfying each bite’s crunch.

The Ingredients

Shrimp: I cooked with medium-sized raw frozen shrimp(that’s thawed in the refrigerator overnight).

You can choose jumbo or large shrimp. But remember, you need to tweak the cooking time a bit.

Paprika: Adds a smoky and spicy flavor to the shrimp.

You can substitute paprika with chili powder or cayenne pepper.

Parsley:  Provides a fresh flavor.

You can substitute it with cilantro for a bold taste or chives for a milder onion flavor.

Garlic powder: Enhances the overall savory flavor of the dish.

You can increase the garlic powder or add some finely minced fresh garlic if you prefer a more spicy taste.

Onion powder: Provides subtle yet distinct flavor that beautifully complements shrimp’s natural sweetness. 

Olive oil: I have used olive oil; feel free to swap it with avocado oil or cooking spray.

How to make this air fryer shrimp?

Turn on your air fryer and preheat it to 375°F.​

Wash the shrimp and ensure they are deveined (with the black vein on their back removed) and thoroughly thawed.

Add thawed shrimp, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, olive oil, and salt in a small mixing bowl. 

Toss them well until the spices coat the shrimp evenly. Set aside for 10-20 minutes.

Spray the air fryer inner basket with the cooking spray(or use a silicon or paper air fryer-safe liner).

Arrange the marinated shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer.

Set the basket into the preheated air fryer.

Flip the shrimp once after 2-3 minutes, then cook for 2-3 minutes or until the cooked shrimp turns golden brown and crispy.

Then, transfer the air fryer shrimp to a serving plate and ENJOY with a dipping sauce. 

What to serve with air fryer shrimp?

Salad: Try this air-fried shrimp on top of a crisp, fresh salad for a quick dinner.

Rice:  To make a complete meal, serve shrimp over a fluffy, steamed white rice bed. 

Coleslaw: A creamy, crunchy coleslaw is another excellent option to serve alongside your shrimp. 

Vegetables: Serve with grilled, roasted, steamed, or air-fried veggies(like zucchini or broccoli) with a cocktail sauce. 

Storage

In the Refrigerator: After cooling, store the leftover air-fried shrimp in an airtight container for 2-3 days.

In the Freezer: Before storing air fryer shrimp in the freezer-safe bag, you may freeze them for 2-3 hours on a baking sheet with parchment paper or until they’re firm.

Then, transfer the shrimp to an airtight freezer bag for easy reheating later.

Thawing: Thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the refrigerator or immerse the container in a water bowl for 1-2 hours.

Reheating in the air fryer: To preheat it to 375°F, place shrimp in a single layer, lightly oil them, and cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping once.

Variations

Spicy Shrimp Tacos: Place the air fryer shrimp in warm tortillas and top them with your preferred taco ingredients.

Lemon Pepper Shrimp: Add lemon zest and red pepper flakes to the seasoning.

Garlic Parmesan Shrimp: Mix grated parmesan cheese and minced garlic for a savory, cheesy, coated air fryer shrimp. 

Old Bay Shrimp: Replace the paprika and garlic powder with Old Bay seasoning for a classic seafood flavor.

Tips for Best Results

Single layer: For air fryer shrimp, spread them in one layer in the basket.

This way, they cook evenly and turn out golden brown and crispy.

Pat dry with paper towels: This method takes away extra moisture, which helps the shrimp soak up the seasoning better and cook evenly, resulting in a crispier texture.

Cooking time: The cooking time for shrimp in an air fryer is usually around 7-8 minutes.

However, it’s always best to check for doneness by cutting into the shrimp to ensure it is opaque or using an instant-read thermometer to confirm an internal temperature of 145°F.

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