Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe: Fast, Flavorful Seafood Magic

Crispy and succulent shrimp dance perfectly in an air fryer, creating a mouthwatering meal that surprises even seasoned home cooks.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Seafood enthusiasts will adore how quickly these golden-brown morsels come together.

Salt, pepper, and a dash of paprika complement the natural sweetness of fresh shrimp.

Minimal prep means you can have a restaurant-quality dish in under fifteen minutes.

Busy individuals seeking a protein-packed meal that looks impressive will appreciate this simple technique.

Grab your air fryer and let’s make magic happen!

FAQs

• Can I use fresh shrimp instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh shrimp. Just pat them dry before seasoning and reduce cooking time to 6-8 minutes to prevent overcooking.

• What type of shrimp works best for this recipe?

Medium to large-sized shrimp (21-25 count) work perfectly. Ensure they are peeled and deveined for the best results.

• How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn opaque pink and curl into a “C” shape. Internal temperature should reach 145F for food safety.

• Can I modify the seasoning if I don't have all the ingredients?

Absolutely! You can substitute spices based on what you have. The key is to use a mix of salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs or spice blends.

Why Everyone Loves Air Fryer Shrimp So Much

• Blast Flavor in Minutes: Elevate your meal with a quick and delicious shrimp recipe that transforms frozen seafood into a mouthwatering dish packed with zesty seasonings.
• Customize Your Spice Game: Easily adjust the seasoning blend to match your taste preferences, from mild and classic to bold and spicy, making this recipe incredibly versatile for different palates.
• Healthy Cooking Made Simple: Achieve crispy, golden shrimp without excess oil, creating a lighter protein option that doesn't compromise on taste or texture using the air fryer's innovative cooking method.
• Perfect for Busy Cooks: Minimal prep work and hands-off cooking make this recipe ideal for weeknight dinners, quick lunches, or spontaneous gatherings where you want maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients to Make Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp

• Frozen Raw Shrimp: Succulent seafood that becomes crispy and golden when air-fried.

• Olive Oil: Helps coat the shrimp for even seasoning and promotes crispy texture.

• Garlic, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that provide depth and savory notes to the shrimp.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds aromatic complexity to the dish.
• Old Bay Seasoning: A signature seafood spice mix that brings traditional maritime flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, nutty undertone and helps create a crispy exterior.

Steps to Cook Perfect Air Fryer Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer

Heat your air fryer to a blazing 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will create that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

Step 2: Coat and Season the Shrimp

• Frozen raw shrimp
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Old Bay seasoning
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Drizzle olive oil over the shrimp and toss until every morsel is glistening. Sprinkle the seasonings evenly, massaging them into the shrimp to create a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Arrange in Air Fryer

Spread the seasoned shrimp in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure each shrimp gets that delightful crispy finish.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes. Halfway through cooking, give the basket a vigorous shake to guarantee even crisping and golden-brown deliciousness.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

The shrimp are ready when they turn a beautiful golden color and look gloriously crisp. They should be firm and have a slight curl.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Immediately transfer the sizzling shrimp to a serving plate. Pair with a zesty cocktail sauce, creamy aioli, or sprinkle with fresh herbs for an extra flavor punch.

Smart Tips for Air Fryer Shrimp Perfection

• Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels before seasoning to remove excess moisture and achieve maximum crispiness.
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to ensure the shrimp don't stick and cook evenly.
• Use fresh garlic instead of powdered for more intense flavor and a more vibrant taste profile.
• Leave small gaps between shrimp in the basket to allow hot air circulation and ensure each piece gets crispy and golden.
• Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete, nutritious meal.

Tasty Spins on Air Fryer Shrimp to Try

• Spicy Caribbean Shrimp: Add cayenne pepper, paprika, and lime zest for a vibrant Caribbean-inspired flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Shrimp: Incorporate dried oregano, thyme, and lemon juice for a light Mediterranean touch.
• Coconut Crusted Shrimp: Roll seasoned shrimp in shredded coconut before air frying for a crunchy tropical coating.
• Asian Sesame Shrimp: Drizzle with sesame oil, sprinkle sesame seeds, and add a dash of soy sauce for an umami-rich Asian-inspired version.

Great Side Dishes for Air Fryer Shrimp

• Pair with Zesty Cocktail Sauce: Create a tangy, spicy dip by mixing ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, and a splash of lemon juice for a classic seafood companion.
• Complement with Crisp White Wine: Select a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness of the shrimp and enhance its delicate flavor profile.
• Match with Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: Toss quinoa with cucumber, tomatoes, feta cheese, and herbs to create a light, fresh side that balances the crispy, seasoned shrimp perfectly.

Freshness Tips for Air Fryer Shrimp Leftovers

Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep them in a single layer to maintain crispiness and prevent sogginess.

Warm shrimp at 350F for 3-4 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This method helps restore the original crispy texture and prevents overcooking.

Reheat in short 15-second intervals, checking to avoid rubbery texture. Best used when you need a quick warm-up but expect slightly less crispiness.

Consume reheated shrimp within one additional serving to maintain the best taste and texture. Discard if stored for more than 3 days or if the shrimp smells off.

Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy air fryer shrimp elevates seafood with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Garlic, herbs, and a quick cooking method bring restaurant-quality results right to your kitchen, delighting you with a quick, delectable meal that impresses without complicated techniques.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound raw tail-off frozen shrimp (454 grams)

Seasoning Blend:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

Finishing Ingredient:

• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare the air fryer by heating it to 400F (200C), ensuring optimal cooking temperature for crispy shrimp.
2. Remove frozen shrimp from packaging and drizzle with olive oil, gently massaging to create an even coating.
3. Sprinkle a robust blend of seasonings including minced garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian herbs, Old Bay seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese, thoroughly coating each shrimp.
4. Arrange seasoned shrimp in a single, uncrowded layer within the air fryer basket to promote consistent heat circulation and crispy texture.
5. Slide the basket into the preheated air fryer and cook for 10 minutes, implementing a mid-cycle shake at the 5-minute mark to encourage uniform crispness.
6. Check shrimp for a golden-brown exterior and translucent, firm interior, indicating perfect doneness.
7. Carefully extract the shrimp from the air fryer and transfer to a serving plate, accompanied by your preferred dipping sauce or as a complementary protein to salads and seafood platters.

Notes

• Pat shrimp completely dry before cooking to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent unwanted steaming.
• Use fresh or thawed shrimp for better texture and flavor absorption compared to frozen varieties.
• Experiment with spice blends like Cajun, Mediterranean, or Thai-inspired seasonings to create diverse flavor profiles.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure each shrimp cooks evenly and develops a golden, crispy exterior.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 130 kcal
• Sugar: 0.2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg