If you’ve been hunting for a quick, tasty, and healthy way to enjoy shrimp, then you’re in for a treat. This Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe is seriously one of my favorite go-tos when I want something packed with flavor but without any fuss. It’s crisp, juicy, and cooks up in just minutes, which means dinner can be on the table before you know it. Stick around, and I’ll share all my tips to help you nail it perfectly every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Fast: You’ll have perfectly cooked shrimp in under 10 minutes without heating up the stove.
- Low Fuss, High Flavor: The simple blend of seasonings makes every bite savory yet fresh.
- Healthy and Light: Just a touch of olive oil keeps things moist without extra grease.
- Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: Great for weeknights, meal prep, or just impressing friends with the easiest appetizer ever.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic here is in the simple, classic seasonings that bring out the natural sweetness of shrimp without overpowering it. If you keep good quality shrimp on hand, you’ll find this recipe feels fancy but is super straightforward to pull off.
- Italian seasoning: This combo of herbs really lifts the flavor and pairs perfectly with shrimp.
- Salt: Essential for highlighting all those lovely savory notes.
- Ground black pepper: Adds gentle heat without stealing the show.
- Smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky depth that’s a game-changer, trust me.
- Onion powder: Offers a mild, sweet savory background flavor.
- Garlic (minced or powder): I usually use fresh garlic for the best aroma, but powder works in a pinch.
- Olive oil: Just enough to help the seasonings stick and to keep shrimp juicy.
- Medium shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails removed): Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp – either works well here.
Variations
I love tweaking this Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe depending on what mood I’m in or what I have on hand. Feel free to customize—it’s forgiving and always delicious!
- Spicier Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or some chili flakes to the seasoning mix — my family goes crazy for this fiery twist.
- Herb Swap: Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro tossed in after cooking add a bright freshness I adore.
- Garlic Butter Finish: After the air fryer, toss shrimp with a teaspoon of melted garlic butter for an indulgent touch.
- Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check your seasoning ingredients.
How to Make Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Season your shrimp with love
Start by whisking together the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic in a small bowl. If you’re using fresh garlic, mince it finely and stir it in. Then, toss your peeled and deveined shrimp with the olive oil—this helps the seasoning stick and locks in moisture. Coat the shrimp evenly with your seasoning blend so every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 2: Air fry to perfection
Place the shrimp in a single layer in your air fryer basket — overcrowding will lead to uneven cooking. I usually set my air fryer to 400°F and cook the shrimp for about 4 minutes, then pause to shake the basket gently to help them cook evenly. Depending on the size of your shrimp, they can take anywhere from 4 to 8 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink on both sides and curl into a tender “C” shape, which is the surefire sign of perfectly cooked shrimp.
Step 3: Serve them up immediately
Nothing beats shrimp fresh out of the air fryer! Serve right away for the best texture and flavor. If you let them sit too long, they can get a little rubbery, so trust me—serve while hot.
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe
- Dry Your Shrimp Well: Before seasoning, pat shrimp dry with paper towels to get maximum crispiness in the air fryer.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cooking shrimp in batches ensures they crisp up beautifully instead of steaming.
- Watch Closely Near the End: Shrimp can go from undercooked to rubbery fast—check them starting at 4 minutes to avoid overdoing it.
- Tail Removal: Removing tails makes for easier eating, especially if serving as an appetizer or in salads.
How to Serve Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
I personally love topping these shrimp with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro to brighten the dish up. Sometimes, a dash of flaky sea salt just before serving adds a delightful crunch and extra flavor punch.
Side Dishes
This shrimp recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, garlic butter rice, or even softened mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. When I’m feeling zesty, I like serving them with a side of avocado and tomato salsa for some fresh, creamy balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I love skewering the cooked shrimp and serving them as fancy shrimp pops with dipping sauces on the side—like a tangy cocktail sauce or spicy aioli. It’s a fun conversation starter and makes snack time feel a little more festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days. I always make sure to cool them to room temperature before refrigerating to keep the texture nice and firm.
Freezing
While I prefer eating these fresh, you can freeze cooked shrimp by placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to 2 months and are handy for quick meals later on.
Reheating
To keep that lovely crispness, I reheat leftover shrimp in the air fryer for just a couple of minutes at 350°F. It revives the texture much better than using a microwave, which can make shrimp rubbery.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen shrimp for this Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely, then pat them dry before seasoning. This prevents extra moisture, which can prevent crisping in the air fryer.
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How do I know when shrimp are cooked properly?
Look for shrimp to turn pink and opaque, curling into a gentle “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp curl tightly into an “O” shape and become rubbery, so watch closely near the end of cook time.
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Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just cook shrimp in batches so they aren’t overcrowded in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of that desired crispy texture.
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What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can pan-sear these shrimp in a hot skillet with a bit of oil for a similar quick and tasty result, though you won’t get quite the same crispy finish as from the air fryer.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe turns out every time — it’s become a staple in my kitchen for busy evenings or when I want to impress guests without breaking a sweat. Once you try it, I’m confident you’ll find it just as versatile and satisfying as I do. Give it a whirl, tweak it to your taste, and enjoy the effortless deliciousness!
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Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This easy and healthy Air Fryer Shrimp recipe features perfectly seasoned, juicy shrimp cooked quickly in an air fryer. Seasoned with Italian herbs, smoked paprika, and garlic, these shrimp make a delicious and protein-packed meal that’s ready in minutes — ideal for quick weeknight dinners or a tasty appetizer.
Ingredients
Seasoning Mix
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder)
Main Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed
Instructions
- Prepare the seasoning: In a small bowl, whisk together Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Stir in minced garlic to incorporate all flavors evenly.
- Season the shrimp: Ensure the shrimp are peeled, deveined, and tails removed. Toss the shrimp with olive oil and the prepared seasoning mixture until evenly coated.
- Cook in the air fryer: Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer inside the air fryer basket to allow even cooking. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook the shrimp for 4 minutes initially.
- Check and finish cooking: After 4 minutes, check the shrimp’s doneness. If not fully cooked, gently shake the basket to redistribute them and continue cooking. Total cook time should be between 4 to 8 minutes depending on shrimp size. The shrimp are done when they turn pink on both sides and curl into a gentle “C” shape.
- Serve and store: Serve the shrimp immediately for the best texture and flavor. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Notes
- Super simple and healthy, this Air Fryer Shrimp recipe is perfect for quick weeknight meals.
- Adjust seasoning to taste if desired, adding a bit more spice or garlic.
- Ensure shrimp are cooked through but not overdone to maintain tender texture.
- Leftover shrimp can be used in salads, tacos, or pasta dishes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 109 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 426 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 183 mg
