Easy Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe (2024)

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by Annie

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This delicious and healthy recipe for air fryer shrimp is quick and easy! The air fryer makes juicy and crisp shrimp that is perfect for eating by itself or adding to a salad, tacos, pasta or fajitas.

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One of my favorite things to cook in my air fryer is seafood. Recipes like air fryer catfish and air fryer tilapia are delicious healthy seafood recipes.

The high heat of the air fryer is excellent for cooking seafood that is crispy on the outside, juicy inside and not overcooked. Air fryer shrimp is delicious and healthy.

Reader Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe! Will surely have this again! It’s really easy to make and it tasted so delicious! Highly recommended!
— Allyssa

Why You Will Love Air Fryer Shrimp

  • This recipe cooks super fast, making it perfect for busy weeknight meals.
  • Air fryer shrimp is naturally low carb and healthy.
  • You need to add only a little bit of oil to cook the shrimp.
  • Shrimp is versatile – once you have it cooked you can use as a base for many different meals.
Easy Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe (2)

Ingredients

  • Shrimp – I used medium shrimp, which means 36/40 shrimp per pound for this recipe. This is my favorite size shrimp because it costs a little less than large shrimp.
  • Olive oil – With an air fryer you can use less oil, but I find a low fat meat like shrimp tastes best with a little bit of oil added.
  • Seasoning – I seasoned my shrimp with paprika, garlic powder and onion powder. This gives the shrimp a great, mild taste. I list some great seasoning alternatives below.

Step by Step Instructions

1. Preparations

Start out by preheating the air fryer at 400 F for 5 minutes. I don’t always preheat my air fryer, but for some recipes it makes a difference and this is one of them.

You want the shrimp to cook fast and not get overcooked. So get the air fryer hot before you add the shrimp.

If the shrimp is not peeled and deveined do that now. You can either take the tails off or leave them on, depending on your preferences. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.

2. Season and Cook the Shrimp

Put the shrimp in a large bowl and add the olive oil, paprika, onion powder, salt and pepper. Toss everything to mix it well and coat the shrimp in spices.

Easy Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe (3)

Put the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer you might need to cook the shrimp in batches.

Easy Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe (4)

Cook it at 400 for about 5 minutes. About half way through the cooking time use a spatula or tongs to flip the shrimp over.

When the shrimp is done the flesh will be white and opaque. If you think they aren’t done put them back in for another minute or two.

Easy Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe (5)

How to Serve

If you are serving the shrimp by itself then sprinkle it with parsley and squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top. I like to serve shrimp with a bowl of melted butter for dipping!

This air fryer shrimp is crispy on the outside with a tasty juicy insides. It is also excellent served with co*cktail sauce or with tartar sauce.

If there are leftovers refrigerate the shrimp in an airtight container for 2-3 days. I prefer not to reheat shrimp, since it can get rubbery if it is overcooked. But the leftovers are delicious cold.

Easy Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe (6)

Other Serving Ideas

Instead of just serving the shrimp by itself you can use it as the basis for an entire meal. Here are some suggestions:

  • Add the shrimp to tortillas with salsa and lettuce to make shrimp tacos.
  • Put the shrimp on top of a rice bowl for an easy, healthy dinner.
  • Use the shrimp to add some protein to a dinner salad.
  • Make Cajun po’ boys by serving the shrimp in buns.
  • Add it to pasta for a quick seafood pasta dinner.
  • Serve the shrimp with your favorites sauce, like Boom Boom sauce or co*cktail sauce.

With these ideas you can have an easy dinner on the table fast!

Easy Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe (7)

Seasoning Variations

The seasoning mix I use in the recipe is a basic, mild seasoning. Here are some ways you can change things up! For each variation just take the paprika, onion powder and garlic powder out of the recipe and replace it with 4 teaspoons of the following:

  • Mexican Taco Shrimp – 3 teaspoons of chili powder and 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Cajun Shrimp – 3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning and 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Italian Shrimp – 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon paprika and 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Old Bay Shrimp – 3 1/2 teaspoons Old Bay and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Lemon Pepper Shrimp – 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning and 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Caribbean Shrimp – 3 teaspoons Caribbean jerk seasoning and 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Easy Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe (8)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I air fry frozen shrimp?

You can air fry frozen shrimp, but I don’t recommend it. The air fried shrimp will taste much better if you thaw the shrimp first.

The seasoning doesn’t stick well to frozen shrimp, so they will be bland. In addition is very easy to overcook frozen shrimp and overcooked shrimp isn’t very tasty.

You can quickly thaw shrimp by taking it out of its bag, putting it in plastic bag in a bowl of cold water, and letting the water from the faucet trickle into the bowl. The shrimp will thaw in 15-30 minutes.

What if I have larger (or smaller) shrimp?

The cooking time will vary based on the size of the shrimp you are cooking. I would estimate that small shrimp would cook in 3 minutes and large shrimp in 7-8 minutes.

But the time will vary by air fryer, so to some extent figuring out the optimal cooking time for your air fryer is trial and error.

Easy Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe (9)

Find More Air Fryer Dinner Ideas

  • Air Fryer Caprese Chicken
  • Air Fryer Italian Sausage and Vegetables
  • Air Fryer Kielbasa and Potatoes

Easy Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe (10)

4.53 from 98 votes

Air Fryer Shrimp

Published By Anne

Looking for a quick and easy seafood dish? Try making air fryer shrimp! With minimal prep time and crispy results, you will love this healthy and delicious meal.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time5 minutes mins

Total Time10 minutes mins

Servings: 4

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Ingredients

  • 1 pound medium shrimp 36/40 shrimp
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons paprika *see notes for other seasoning ideas
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat air fryer to 400 F for 5 minutes. Don't skip the preheating for this recipe!

  • Peel and devein the shrimp if necessary. You can either leave the tails on or take them off, whichever you prefer.

    1 pound medium shrimp

  • In a small bowl combine the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper.

    2 teaspoons paprika *see notes for other seasoning ideas, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper

  • Add the shrimp to a large bowl and drizzle with the olive oil. Then sprinkle the seasonings over the shrimp and toss everything so the shrimp is coated in seasoning.

    1 Tablespoon olive oil

  • Add the shrimp to the preheated air fryer basket. Keep the shrimp in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer basket you might need to make two batches.

  • Cook at 400 F for 5 minutes, flipping the shrimp with a spatula halfway through.

  • Serve with parsley, lemons and melted butter or add them to a salad or tacos.

Notes

If using frozen shrimp thaw them before cooking them.

I'd estimate that smaller shrimp will cook in 3 minutes and large shrimp in 7-8 minutes. But cooking times might vary based on the wattage of your air fryer.

Other seasoning ideas: For each variation remove the paprika, onion powder and garlic powder
from the recipe and replace it with the following:

  • Mexican Taco Shrimp – 3 teaspoons of chili powder and 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Cajun Shrimp – 3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning and 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Italian Shrimp – 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon paprika and 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Old Bay Shrimp – 3 1/2 teaspoons Old Bay and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Lemon Pepper Shrimp – 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning and 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Caribbean Shrimp – 3 teaspoons Caribbean jerk seasoning and 1 teaspoon garlic powder

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1g | Calories: 173kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 239mg | Sodium: 1340mg | Fiber: 1g

Nutrition facts are estimates.

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Easy Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe (11)
Easy Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe (12)

Easy Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe (13)

Hi, I’m Anne!

I love to cook and I want to share my recipes with you. I believe cooking should be approachable and fun, not a chore. I want to make simple recipes using everyday ingredients that you can make again and again, whether it is for a busy weeknight, a summer cookout or a special dessert. Read more...

13 thoughts on “Healthy Air Fryer Shrimp”

  1. This was delicious. And really easy!

    Reply

    • Loved the original had to cit in half as onlyb2 of us but tirned out great planing to try other ones over the next 2 months

      Reply

  2. Did you use raw or cooked shrimp? Thanks!

    Reply

  3. Thank you for helping me learn to air fry shrimp. The family loved it and I loved how quick and easy it all was.

    Reply

  4. This was VERY GOOD! Plus it was super easy and fast — and healthy! I was making just one serving so I just sprinkled on the seasonings in a bowl with a little olive oil. I shared it with a couple of people already. I will definitely be making it again.

    Reply

  5. Thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe! Will surely have this again! It’s really easy to make and it tasted so delicious! Highly recommended!

    Reply

  6. Hi, if I used 21-25 size shrimp, will that be 6 or 7 mins. Thank you

    Reply

  7. This was very delicious. I will definitely make this again. Tomorrow I am going to do my boneless and skinless chicken thighs in the spices. Can’t wait to see how it turns out.

    Reply

  8. Just tried this recipe & was.pretty successful for my first time.
    Think.I used too much olive oil, more.Cajun spice, higher temp, + more time. Didn’t turn out crisp at all…too much oil? Tasted great.
    1 lb. medium shrimp filled the basket very well. We love shrimp & eat it often. So I will try again soon, esp the taco.

    Reply

  9. Made it with the old bay seasoning and garlic powder. Left off the salt but it was still too salty. I would half the old bay next time but this was very easy and otherwise delicious

    Reply

  10. Delicious!!! My family loved this recipe

    Reply

  11. Easy Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe (14)
    OMG this dish was delicious but I kept mine in for 8 minutes because my shrimp were rather large. They came out
    perfect. Definitely a crowd pleaser.

    Reply

  12. I appreciate all on air fryer cooking!!!!
    Love my air fryer need & want many RECIPS I can cook!!!!
    God Bless YOU
    BE PRAYING FOR U AND YOUR FAMILY!!!
    Loved
    WENDY LONGWILL

    Reply

Leave a Comment

Easy Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the easiest way to cook a lot of shrimp? ›

Season your shrimp to your liking, lay them out in a single layer on a big pan, and cook under the broiler for 3–5 minutes. Pair with a carb and/or a veg, and dinner is served. You can broil shell-on shrimp, peeled shrimp, big shrimp, little shrimp, any kind of shrimp.

How do you cook shrimp so it doesn't get tough? ›

Cook without moving for 2 minutes for medium shrimp, 3 minutes for large shrimp, or 4 minutes for jumbo shrimp. Flip shrimp and continue to cook, tossing, until the shrimp are just cooked through—1 minute for medium shrimp, 1–2 minutes for large shrimp, or 2–3 minutes for jumbo shrimp.

How to make frozen shrimp fast? ›

Tips for Cooking Frozen Shrimp

You can use anywhere from one pound to a pound-and-a-half, which is one (24-ounce) bag. Preheat a baking sheet under the broiler and your shrimp will only need about 5 minutes of cook time. Yup, they are that fast.

What temperature to cook shrimp too? ›

Shrimp – Temperature 140°F

The longer you cook them, the tighter and tougher they will get. Look for a change in color (light pink) and an internal temperature in the shrimp of 140°F to tell you when your shrimp are ready to come off the heat.

What not to do when cooking shrimp? ›

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Shrimp
  1. Mistake #1: Buying the Wrong Shrimp.
  2. Mistake #2: Improper Thawing.
  3. Mistake #3: Overcooking the Shrimp.
  4. Mistake #4: Not Deveining.
  5. Mistake #5: Throwing Away the Shells.
Jul 1, 2020

How do you get the most flavor out of shrimp? ›

You need plenty of seasoning on top of the olive oil and butter. I add plenty of salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, lemon juice etc. Shrimp have a mild flavor so they take on whatever flavor you're serving them with. I also love using a seafood seasoning that has everything listed above plus more!!

How to make shrimp soft and tender? ›

You might not know this, but 30 minutes of brining ensures tender, succulent shrimp every time, regardless of the cooking method. I discovered this technique on my own after successfully brining other types of meat - mostly pork, chicken and turkey.

What cooking method is best for shrimp? ›

Sautéing, or pan-frying, is a simple way to prepare shrimp for a variety of meals, from tacos and salads to pasta dishes and more. All you'll need is a light type of oil, such as olive oil and a heavy-duty skillet. To get started, choose a large pan to prevent overcrowding and encourage even cooking.

Why do you soak shrimp before cooking? ›

Most types of shrimp will benefit from the simple, inexpensive process of brining, no matter how you plan on cooking them. Brining is like a marinade but instead of flavoring, it's sole purpose is to keep food tender and moist.

Is it better to cook shrimp from frozen or thawed? ›

If you buy this shrimp that's been thawed, make sure to cook it within 2 days and do not refreeze. Frozen shrimp is the best choice because its simple to thaw exactly the amount needed on the day it'll be cooked.

How do you make frozen shrimp taste better? ›

Dry brine shrimp to make them juicier and firmer.

Just before the shrimp are thawed all the way through, very generously sprinkle them with a lot of salt — about a teaspoon per pound — and gently massage it into the shrimp. (A brine is a saltwater solution, while a dry brine is just salt.)

What happens if you don't thaw shrimp before cooking? ›

Yes – thawing shrimp before you use them in your meal prep will give you a tastier end result. Cooking frozen shrimp won't harm you, but the texture won't be as appetising as if you cook from thawed. If time allows, leave your shrimp in the fridge overnight to thaw.

How do I know when my shrimp is fully cooked? ›

Use a food thermometer to make sure the interior temperature of a shrimp is at least 145 °F (63 °C). This is the safest way to tell if it's fully cooked. Check for an opaque white color on the outside, a curved “C” shape, and a tender texture.

What is the best way to cook raw shrimp? ›

  1. Add 1 quart of water and the salt to a large pot over high heat. Bring to a boil.
  2. Stir in the shrimp, cover, and remove the pot from heat. Let sit for 5 to 8 minutes, until all the shrimp are cooked through to a bright pink shade.
  3. Drain through a colander. Transfer the shrimp to a serving bowl or platter.
Dec 10, 2021

Can dogs have shrimp? ›

When prepared properly, shrimp is safe for dogs and puppies to eat in small portions. Shrimp does contain a high amount of cholesterol and sodium. Make sure that the shrimp is thoroughly cooked, and always remove the shell, veins, and tail. The shells can become a choking hazard or even lead to an intestinal blockage.

How to steam a lot of shrimp? ›

Fill the pot with about 1 inch of water, making sure there are at least two inches between the bottom of the basket and the waterline. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and add the shrimp. Steam the shrimp, covered, for 4 to 6 minutes, or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.

Is it better to cook or boil shrimp? ›

But here's why you might want to steam your shrimp. With boiling, there's a little more room for user error and you can end up with overcooked shrimp. Boiling shrimp can sometimes cook them a little too aggressively and make it difficult to remove your crustaceans from the pot in time.

How to cook raw shrimp from frozen? ›

Fill a large pot halfway with water and bring it to a boil. Add frozen shrimp to the pot, submerging completely. Cover the pot and cook for 2-5 minutes depending on size. Drain the shrimp.

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