Crispy air fried shrimp served with dipping sauce on a plate

Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe

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Why make this recipe

Air fryer shrimp is an easy and quick dish that brings a tasty flavor to your table. Cooking shrimp in the air fryer gives you perfectly tender and juicy shrimp with a crispy outer layer. It’s a healthy option because it uses less oil compared to traditional frying. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.

How to make Air Fryer Shrimp

Ingredients

  • 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
  • Chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)

Directions

  1. In a bowl, combine the avocado oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture. Let the shrimp marinate for about 10 minutes.
  3. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Once the air fryer is preheated, place the seasoned shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping.
  5. Cook the shrimp in the air fryer for 5-6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
  6. Once the shrimp are pink and opaque, remove them from the air fryer.
  7. Serve the air fryer shrimp hot with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

How to serve Air Fryer Shrimp

Air fryer shrimp makes a great appetizer or main dish. Serve it with a side of rice, salad, or your favorite dipping sauce. A squeeze of fresh lemon on top adds a nice touch. You can also serve it over pasta or in tacos for a fun twist.

How to store Air Fryer Shrimp

If you have leftovers, let the shrimp cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They should be good for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply throw them back in the air fryer for a few minutes until warm.

Tips to make Air Fryer Shrimp

  • Be sure to use fresh or properly thawed shrimp for the best flavor.
  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary for even cooking.
  • Experiment with different spices, like cumin or cayenne pepper, to change the flavor profile.

Variation

You can change the spices used in the marinade. Try adding Italian seasoning or lemon pepper for a different taste. You can also add veggies, like bell peppers or onions, to the air fryer basket for a complete meal.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning.

How do I know when shrimp are cooked?
Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. They should also curl into a C shape. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery.

What can I serve with air fryer shrimp?
Air fryer shrimp pairs well with rice, pasta, salad, or even in tacos. You can also add a dipping sauce, like cocktail or garlic butter sauce, for extra flavor.

Air Fryer Shrimp

A quick and easy dish that delivers tender, juicy shrimp with a crispy outer layer, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 16 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined) Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp for best flavor.
Seasoning Mixture
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Serving
  • Lemon wedges (for serving, optional) A squeeze of fresh lemon adds a nice touch.
  • Chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a bowl, combine the avocado oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture. Let the shrimp marinate for about 10 minutes.
  3. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
Cooking
  1. Once the air fryer is preheated, place the seasoned shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping.
  2. Cook the shrimp in the air fryer for 5-6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
  3. Once the shrimp are pink and opaque, remove them from the air fryer.
Serving
  1. Serve the air fryer shrimp hot with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

Notes

If you have leftovers, let the shrimp cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They should be good for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply throw them back in the air fryer for a few minutes until warm. Be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary for even cooking. Experiment with different spices, like cumin or cayenne pepper, to change the flavor profile.

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