Easy Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe – Crispy, Healthy, and Full of Flavor

Air fryer shrimp are a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious, healthy seafood dish with minimal effort. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight meal, an appetizer for a dinner party, or a snack for movie night, this air fryer shrimp recipe is a versatile and tasty option. With just a few ingredients and a quick cooking time, you can enjoy crispy shrimp without the excess oil or calories of deep frying. Enjoy your meal with your favorite dipping sauce and sides for a complete and satisfying dish!

Easy Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe – Crispy, Healthy, and Full of Flavor

Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook, providing a healthier, quicker alternative to deep frying. One of the easiest and most delicious meals to prepare in an air fryer is shrimp. Shrimp are versatile, quick to cook, and perfect for busy weeknight dinners or meal prepping. The air fryer creates perfectly crispy shrimp with minimal oil, allowing you to enjoy a lighter version of this seafood favorite. Whether you want to toss them in a tangy cocktail sauce, serve them over pasta, or enjoy them as a snack, air fryer shrimp recipe is sure to satisfy.

This air fryer shrimp recipe is simple, fast, and full of flavor. With just a handful of ingredients, you can make a batch of perfectly seasoned, crispy shrimp that are tender on the inside and golden-brown on the outside. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility—mix up the seasoning, toss in your favorite dipping sauce, or serve alongside a variety of sides.

In this recipe, we’ll go through every detail, from the ingredients to the step-by-step instructions, so you can master air fryer shrimp in no time.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 23g
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 450mg

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the size of the shrimp and the specific brands of ingredients used.

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil spray
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Fresh lemon wedges (optional for serving)
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Bowl for seasoning
• Tongs or spatula for turning shrimp

Prep Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

Active Time

• Active Time: 8 minutes

Resting Time

• Resting Time: None

Total Time

• Total Time: 18 minutes

Cuisines

• American
• Mediterranean
• Seafood

Course

• Main Course
• Appetizer
• Snack

Servings

• 4 servings (approximately 4-6 shrimp per serving depending on size)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp
If your shrimp are frozen, make sure to thaw them thoroughly before starting. You can thaw shrimp by placing them in a bowl of cold water for 15-20 minutes or letting them sit in the refrigerator overnight. Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure that the seasoning sticks and the shrimp crisp up well in the air fryer.

2. Season the Shrimp
In a large bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add the shrimp to the bowl, then drizzle with olive oil or spray with avocado oil. Toss the shrimp until evenly coated with the seasoning blend.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. This ensures that the shrimp cook evenly and get crispy as soon as they hit the air fryer basket.

4. Air Fry the Shrimp
Place the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the shrimp, as this can prevent them from cooking evenly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the shrimp in batches.

Air fry the shrimp at 400°F for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The shrimp should be golden brown, crispy on the outside, and opaque in the center when done. If you’re unsure if they’re done, cut one open to check for doneness—it should no longer be translucent.

5. Serve
Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving platter. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for garnish.

Pair the shrimp with a dipping sauce like cocktail sauce, garlic butter, or a spicy aioli, depending on your preference. They’re also great served over a salad, as part of a seafood pasta, or as a topping for tacos.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Shrimp

• Use fresh, high-quality shrimp: The better the shrimp, the better your final dish will be. Opt for wild-caught shrimp if possible.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket: For the best crispy results, avoid overfilling the air fryer basket. Cook the shrimp in batches if necessary.
• Season generously: Shrimp are naturally mild in flavor, so don’t be afraid to season them well. You can experiment with different spices and marinades.
• Adjust cook time for different shrimp sizes: Larger shrimp may need an extra minute or two in the air fryer, while smaller shrimp will cook faster.

Variations and Add-ins

• Coconut Shrimp: For a tropical twist, coat the shrimp in a mixture of shredded coconut and breadcrumbs before air frying.
• Spicy Shrimp: Add more cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to turn up the heat.
• Herb-Infused Shrimp: Toss in some fresh chopped herbs, like thyme, oregano, or basil, to add a fragrant note.
• Lemon Garlic Shrimp: Add a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and some minced garlic to the seasoning mix for a zesty flavor profile.

Benefits of Cooking Shrimp in an Air Fryer

• Quick and Easy: Air fryer shrimp cook in just a few minutes, making this a perfect meal for busy weeknights or meal prep.
• Healthier: Using an air fryer means you can cook shrimp with minimal oil, resulting in a lower-fat, lower-calorie dish.
• Less Mess: Unlike traditional frying, which can splatter oil and require a lot of cleanup, the air fryer makes cooking shrimp a mess-free experience.
• Crispy Texture: The hot circulating air in the air fryer gives the shrimp a crispy texture without the need for deep frying.