Air Fryer Shrimp
2
Published Jan 12, 2024, Updated Dec 02, 2024
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This air fryer shrimp recipe cooks up in less than 10 minutes with minimal ingredients. It’s healthy, flavorful and such a quick and easy protein option that’s super versatile.
Are you ready for the easiest air fryer recipe you’ve ever made? Enter this air fryer shrimp! Shrimp already cooks super fast, but in the air fryer, it’s done in just 5-6 minutes. It pairs perfectly with my easy cilantro rice or tossed into my caeser salad with shrimp for a quick, nutritious meal. Trust me, this will become a weeknight staple in no time!
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Shrimp
- Healthy – Cooking in the air fryer uses minimal oil, making this a healthier alternative to traditional frying.
- Versatile – Pair this shrimp with grains and veggies for dinner, add it to a salad, serve it as an appetizer with a dipping sauce… the options are endless.
- Customizable – I tossed this shrimp with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper, but feel free to make this recipe your own with different seasonings.
Ingredients Needed
You only need six simple ingredients to make this recipe, four of which are seasonings. I bet you already have all these ingredients in your kitchen!
- large shrimp – large or extra large peeled and deveined shrimp is best for this recipe. I like to buy shrimp that’s already prepared this way to make things faster, but you can do this yourself if desired. Just make sure to keep their tails on to make it easier to pick up.
- olive oil – just enough to coat the shrimp and help the seasonings stick.
- garlic powder – I used garlic powder for ease, but you can also use fresh minced garlic. I’d suggest using 1-2 cloves.
- Italian seasoning – use a store bought mix, or make your own by combining dried basil, oregano, rosemary and thyme in equal portions.
Find the full ingredient list with measurements in the recipe card below.
Air Fryer Shrimp Variations
We’re keeping this recipe simple with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper, but there are so many different variations to experiment with. Here are some ideas:
- Coconut shrimp: Craving a breaded shrimp instead? Make this air fryer coconut shrimp.
- Spicy: For a hint of spice, swap the Italian seasoning with chili powder, smoked paprika and/or cayenne pepper.
- Cajun style: Use a Cajun seasoning blend for a spicy, southern twist.
- Asian inspired: Marinate the shrimp in a mixture of soy sauce, honey and a hint of ginger before air frying for an Asian flair.
- Parmesan herb: Toss the shrimp with grated parmesan and dried herbs like basil or oregano before air frying for an Italian-inspired version.
- Garlic butter: Swap the oil with melted butter and skip the Italian seasoning for garlic butter shrimp.
How to Make Air Fryer Shrimp
Making air fryer shrimp couldn’t be easier! With just a few simple steps and minimal prep, you’ll have juicy, perfectly cooked shrimp in no time. Let’s get started:
Step 1: Add the olive oil, and seasonings to a medium mixing bowl. Whisk to fully combine.
Step 2: Add the rinsed and peeled shrimp to the bowl and toss to fully coat.
Step 3: Place shrimp in the air fryer in a single layer.
Step 4: Air fry at 400°F for 5-6 minutes, until the shrimp is opaque and pink.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Shrimp
- Fresh is best! If you can, always go for fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture. If you’re using frozen shrimp, just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid extra moisture affecting the final result.
- Don’t overcook. Remember, shrimp cooks up fast! Overcooking the shrimp can make them tough and rubbery. You want your shrimp golden on the outside and opaque in the center.
Serving Suggestions
I typically serve this shrimp with a grain and veggie for a balanced dinner, but the options are endless. Here are some ideas:
- As an appetizer: Serve with a cocktail sauce or dipping sauce of choice.
- As a main dish: Pair with rice or quinoa and some veggies like roasted squash and zucchini, roasted broccoli or roasted asparagus.
- With pasta: Toss this shrimp in your favorite pasta dish for a protein-packed meal. If you’re looking for a low-carb option try serving it with this zucchini noodle lo mein or almond pesto spaghetti squash.
- In tacos: Swap the fish with shrimp in this fish taco recipe to make shrimp tacos. Or use the shrimp to make shrimp fajitas.
- In a salad: Swap the grilled shrimp for air fryer shrimp in this grilled shrimp salad or add it to this shrimp caesar salad.
- In a curry: Shrimp is delicious in a warm bowl of curry. Try this green curry with shrimp or coconut shrimp curry for a delicious dinner option!
- In a bowl: Swap the chicken with shrimp in this chicken protein bowl or add it to this Caribbean shrimp jerk bowl.
- Make spring rolls: Make shrimp spring rolls for a delicious appetizer. The seasoned shrimp will really amp up the flavors of the spring rolls.
How to Store Leftovers
In the fridge: Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
In the freezer: I would only freeze the shrimp if you’re starting with raw shrimp. I wouldn’t defrost frozen shrimp and then freeze it again. To freeze, place in a freezer-safe container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat: For the best results, pop your shrimp back in the air fryer or toss them in a skillet on the stove top to get them nice and warm again. You can microwave them if you’re in a pinch, but just know they might lose a bit of that crispiness. If you’re working with frozen leftovers, let the shrimp thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for the tastiest results!
Frequently Asked Questions
Shrimp is done cooking when it’s an opaque white with pops of red or pink and it’s curled into a C shape. It should only take 5-6 minutes to cook your shrimp in the air fryer!
Yes! As mentioned above you can use frozen shrimp instead of raw if that’s what you have access to. Just make sure you fully defrost the shrimp before using it in this recipe. Also, I recommend using raw frozen shrimp. If you use cooked frozen shrimp the end result might be a little overcooked since the shrimp has already been cooked and then you’re cooking it again.
Yes, of course! With a little panko breadcrumbs and some seasoning, you can easily turn this into crispy breaded shrimp. Just coat the shrimp in your favorite breadcrumbs before air frying for a crunchy bite. And if you’re looking for an extra special breaded shrimp recipe, my air fryer coconut shrimp is exactly what you’re looking for; trust me, it’s a game changer!
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Salmon Bites
- Air Fryer Carrots
- Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
More Shrimp Recipes
Be sure to check out the full collection of air fryer recipes on EBF!
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.
Air Fryer Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled, deveined and rinsed
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Fresh parsley, for serving
Instructions
- Pat shrimp dry with a paper towel.
- Whisk olive oil, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a medium mixing bowl.
- Add shrimp and toss to combine so both sides are well coated.
- Add shrimp to air fryer basket, in a single layer. You may have to cook in two batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Air fry at 400℉ for 5-6 minutes. No need to turn them while cooking.
- Once done, remove shrimp from the air fryer and serve with fresh parsley and lemon wedges, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
easy to make with very many tastes.
easiest way to defrost frozen raw shrimp is put them in a non metal bowl and cover with cold tap water, change the water after 10 minutes, repeat. fresh shrimp.
Great! I am so glad you are enjoying this recipe, Wes. Thank you so much for coming back and sharing your review + star rating, I appreciate it!