Air Fryer Shrimp

Juicy, perfectly seasoned, and delightfully crisp, this Air Fryer Shrimp recipe is a must-have for busy weeknights or quick appetizers. With just a handful of ingredients and less than 10 minutes in the air fryer, you’ll have restaurant-quality shrimp that’s packed with flavor and ready to serve in a variety of ways—tacos, salads, bowls, or straight off the tray!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy – Cooks in under 10 minutes with simple prep.
Flavorful – Seasoned with spices that enhance the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
Healthier – Uses little to no oil thanks to the air fryer.
Versatile – Enjoy as an appetizer, in tacos, on pasta, or over salad.
Perfect Texture – Crispy outside, juicy inside—every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Shrimp:
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for a little heat)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp lemon juice (for finishing)

Optional Garnishes & Add-Ins:
Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro
Lemon wedges
Dipping sauces like garlic aioli, cocktail sauce, or spicy mayo

Tools You’ll Need
Air fryer
Mixing bowl
Tongs or spatula
Measuring spoons
Paper towels

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

1. If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Place shrimp in a bowl and toss with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. Mix until shrimp are evenly coated.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes for best results.

Step 3: Air Fry the Shrimp

1. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
2. Cook at 400°F for 6–8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
3. Shrimp should be pink, opaque, and lightly crisp on the edges.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

1. Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with chopped herbs if desired.
2. Serve immediately with dipping sauce or over your favorite base.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Shrimp
Don’t Overcook – Shrimp cook fast and become rubbery if overdone. Watch closely.
Pat Dry – Removes moisture to help them crisp up in the air fryer.
Use Even-Sized Shrimp – Ensures consistent cooking.
Single Layer – Avoid overcrowding the basket so the air can circulate properly.
Add Breadcrumbs – For breaded shrimp, toss with a light coating of seasoned panko before cooking.

Serving Suggestions
Serve with a dipping sauce and lemon wedges for a light appetizer.
Add to tacos with slaw and avocado for a quick weeknight dinner.
Toss onto a Caesar or garden salad for extra protein.
Serve over garlic butter pasta or rice for a complete meal.
Include on a seafood platter with scallops, fish fillets, and roasted veggies.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate leftover shrimp in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Reheating:
Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 2–3 minutes.
Skillet: Sauté over medium heat just until warmed through.
Microwave: Not recommended, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen shrimp straight from the freezer?
   No—thaw first for even cooking and to allow seasoning to stick.
2. Do I need to flip the shrimp?
   Shaking or flipping halfway helps ensure even browning, especially with larger shrimp.
3. Can I use cooked shrimp?
   Not ideal for air frying, as they’ll likely overcook. Use raw shrimp for best texture.
4. What size shrimp works best?
   Large (31–40 count) or extra-large shrimp are ideal for air frying—easy to handle and juicy inside.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes! Just check your seasonings and sauces to ensure they’re gluten-free.

Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Shrimp recipe is the ultimate combination of speed, simplicity, and flavor. It’s perfect for those days when you want something light, healthy, and seriously satisfying. Whether served as a snack, main dish, or part of a larger meal, these shrimp are a delicious go-to you’ll keep coming back to.

Try them out and let me know how you serve yours—tacos, pasta, salad, or just straight from the basket!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 8 minutes
Cuisine: American with Coastal Influence

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 190 | Protein: 24g | Carbohydrates: 2g | Fat: 9g | Fiber: 0g | Sodium: 430mg

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