Air Fryer Shrimp

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe comes together in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or quick lunches. The air fryer gives shrimp a lightly crisp texture without deep-frying or heavy oil, keeping things light and clean. It’s low-carb, high in protein, and incredibly versatile—you can season it any way you like for endless variations.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on or tail-off)

• Olive oil

• Garlic powder

• Paprika

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Lemon wedges (for serving)

• Optional: cayenne pepper, Italian seasoning, or Old Bay for added flavor

Directions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.

2. In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

3. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket (cook in batches if needed).

4. Air fry for 6–8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the shrimp are pink and opaque.

5. Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 6–8 minutes
Total time: 10–13 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Cajun: Use Cajun seasoning and a dash of cayenne pepper.

• Garlic Butter: Toss cooked shrimp in melted garlic butter right before serving.

• Asian-Inspired: Marinate in soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger before air frying.

• Breaded: Lightly coat shrimp with almond flour or  rinds for a keto-friendly crunch.

• Lemon Herb: Add dried thyme or oregano and extra lemon zest for a fresh twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place shrimp back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes, or warm gently in a skillet. Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent overcooking.
Shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be added to salads, tacos, or wraps.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking for best results.

How do I know when the shrimp are done?

Shrimp turn pink and opaque when cooked through. Avoid overcooking, as they can become rubbery.

Do I need to flip the shrimp?

It’s not necessary, but shaking the basket halfway through helps them cook evenly.

Can I cook breaded shrimp in the air fryer?

Yes, lightly breaded shrimp air fry beautifully and come out crispy with no need for deep frying.

What size shrimp is best?

Medium to large shrimp (16–30 count per pound) are ideal for even cooking in the air fryer.

Can I marinate the shrimp beforehand?

Absolutely. Let them marinate for 15–30 minutes for extra flavor, but avoid long marinating times which can affect texture.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

You can, but only air fry for 2–3 minutes to warm through, as they’re already fully cooked.

Is this recipe low-carb?

Yes, this air fryer shrimp recipe is naturally low in carbs and keto-friendly.

What dipping sauces go well?

Try garlic aioli, cocktail sauce, sriracha mayo, or a lemon yogurt dip.

Can I cook vegetables with the shrimp?

Yes, quick-cooking veggies like bell peppers or snap peas work well alongside shrimp if cut small.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Shrimp is a quick, healthy, and incredibly tasty dish you’ll want to make again and again. With endless ways to season and serve it, this protein-packed recipe is a must-have for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends. Crispy, juicy, and full of flavor—shrimp has never been easier.