Air Fryer Shrimp
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Measuring spoons
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Optional
- chopped parsley
- lemon wedges
- red pepper flakes
- garlic butter for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryerPreheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Prep the shrimpPat the shrimp dry with paper towels and place them in a mixing bowl.
- Season the shrimpToss the shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice until evenly coated.
- Air fry the shrimpPlace the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, shaking halfway through, until the shrimp are pink, lightly golden, and cooked through.
- ServeServe immediately with parsley, lemon wedges, or garlic butter if desired.
Notes
- Large shrimp work best for this recipe because they stay juicy and cook evenly.
- Do not overcrowd the basket or the shrimp may steam instead of roast.
- Shrimp cooks very quickly, so check early to avoid overcooking.
- Fresh or thawed shrimp gives the best texture.
Ingredients at a Glance
Nutrition
Per serving:
Calories: 190
Protein: 26g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 0g
How to Make Air Fryer Shrimp
1. Pat the shrimp dry
Dry shrimp holds the seasoning better and cooks more cleanly in the air fryer.
2. Season everything evenly
Toss the shrimp well so every piece is coated.
3. Air fry for a few minutes
Cook just until the shrimp turn pink and slightly golden.
4. Serve right away
Finish with lemon, herbs, or butter and serve hot.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Shrimp
- Use large shrimp for the best texture
- Pat the shrimp dry before seasoning
- Cook in a single layer
- Do not overcook
- Add lemon after cooking for fresher flavor
Easy Variations
Garlic Butter Shrimp
Toss the cooked shrimp with a little melted garlic butter.
Spicy Shrimp
Add cayenne or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
Cajun Shrimp
Use Cajun seasoning for a bolder flavor.
Lemon Herb Shrimp
Add extra lemon and finish with parsley or dill.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Shrimp
Serve it with:
- rice
- salad
- roasted vegetables
- quinoa bowls
- tacos
- pasta
- wraps
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerator
Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 1 to 2 minutes, just until warmed through.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the shrimp
Shrimp becomes rubbery very quickly if cooked too long.
Not drying the shrimp first
Wet shrimp does not hold seasoning as well.
Overcrowding the basket
A crowded basket can stop the shrimp from cooking evenly.
Using tiny shrimp
Very small shrimp can overcook too fast and may not give the best texture.
FAQ
How long does shrimp take in the air fryer?
Most large shrimp cook in about 4 to 5 minutes at 400°F.
Is air fryer shrimp healthy?
Yes. Shrimp is high in protein and low in carbs, which makes it a great lighter meal option.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but thawed shrimp gives the best texture and cooks more evenly.
Do I need to flip shrimp in the air fryer?
You do not need to flip each piece, but shaking the basket halfway helps them cook more evenly.
Can I meal prep air fryer shrimp?
Yes. It works well in bowls, salads, tacos, and wraps for easy meal prep.
More High-Protein Air Fryer Seafood Recipes
- Air Fryer Fish Tacos
- Air Fryer Salmon Meal Prep Bowls
- Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Air Fryer Cod
- Air Fryer Tilapia
- Air Fryer Salmon Bites
- Air Fryer Shrimp
- Air Fryer Salmon
Save This Recipe for Later
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