Air Fryer Shrimp

Air Fryer Shrimp is a quick, healthy, and flavourful dish ready in under 10 minutes. Perfectly seasoned and cooked to tender perfection, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or as a light appetiser.

Ingredients

• 450 g (1 lb) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1–2 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Optional: squeeze of fresh lemon juice

How To Make Air Fryer Shrimp

1. Preheat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for 2–3 minutes.
2. Prepare shrimp: Pat dry with paper towels. Toss with oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Arrange in basket: Place shrimp in a single layer without overlapping.
4. Cook: Air fry for 6–8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Shrimp should be pink, opaque, and slightly curled.
5. Serve immediately with lemon wedges or dipping sauce.

You Must Know

• Shrimp cooks very quickly—avoid overcooking or it will turn rubbery.
• Using thawed, well-dried shrimp ensures the seasoning sticks and helps achieve a crisp exterior.
• Jumbo shrimp may need 1–2 extra minutes, while small shrimp cook faster.

Topping Variations

• Garlic Butter Shrimp: Toss with melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley after cooking.
• Spicy Cajun Shrimp: Season with Cajun or Creole spice mix.
• Parmesan Shrimp: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese right before serving.
• Sweet Chili Shrimp: Drizzle with sweet chili sauce for an Asian twist.

Make It A Meal

• Serve over rice or quinoa with roasted vegetables.
• Toss into pasta with a creamy Alfredo or light lemon sauce.
• Build shrimp tacos with slaw, avocado, and lime.
• Add to a fresh salad for a protein boost.

Pro Tips

• Always pat shrimp dry before seasoning for best texture.
• Use prawns with tails on for extra flavour and a nice presentation.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket—cook in batches if needed.
• For frozen shrimp, add 2–3 minutes cooking time, but season once partially thawed.

Recipe FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, but add 2–3 minutes. For best results, thaw first and pat dry.

Q: Do I need to flip the shrimp?
A: Shaking the basket halfway is enough for even cooking.

Q: What sauces go best with shrimp?
A: Cocktail sauce, garlic butter, tartar sauce, or sweet chili sauce are all great options.

Q: Can I reheat shrimp in the air fryer?
A: Yes, reheat at 160°C (320°F) for 2–3 minutes to avoid drying out.

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Air Fryer Shrimp

Print Recipe

When I want to whip up a quick dinner on busy weeknights, I love making this easy Air Fryer Shrimp that comes out perfectly every time.

• Author: Isabel
• Prep Time: 4 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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• 2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3/4 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 3/4 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 32 jumbo peeled and deveined shrimp, (1 ¼ pounds)
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Mix oil with spices in a medium bowl.
2. Add the shrimp and mix well with the seasoning mixture on both sides to coat.
3. Arrange shrimp in air fryer basket in a single layer, in batches as needed.
4. Air fry 400F for 5 to 6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
5. Serve with lemon wedges.