Air fryer shrimp is a game changer for anyone looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious seafood dish. This easy recipe delivers perfectly crispy shrimp with a tender, juicy interior—without the need for deep frying. Using an air fryer makes cooking shrimp faster, healthier, and more convenient, with no greasy mess to deal with.
Whether you’re preparing a light dinner, a tasty appetizer, or adding protein to a salad or pasta dish, this air fryer shrimp recipe is a go-to option. It only requires a few ingredients, such as shrimp, olive oil, and your favorite seasonings, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Once the shrimp are coated with seasonings and a light layer of oil, the air fryer works its magic. The result is crispy shrimp with golden-brown edges and a moist center. Plus, the air fryer cooks shrimp in a fraction of the time it would take to pan-fry or bake them.
If you’ve been searching for a way to enjoy shrimp without the added calories or hassle of traditional frying, this air fryer shrimp recipe is your answer. It’s a low-fat, high-protein dish that’s full of flavor and sure to impress anyone at your dinner table.
For more air fryer recipes, check out Air Fryer Shrimp Recipes on Allrecipes for more inspiration!
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
There are many reasons why this air fryer shrimp recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. First and foremost, the taste is absolutely irresistible. The shrimp come out perfectly cooked, with a crispy, golden exterior and a tender, juicy interior. The air fryer helps seal in the natural sweetness of the shrimp while giving them a satisfying crunch without any extra oil or grease.
Another reason you’ll love making air fryer shrimp is how easy and quick it is. Unlike traditional frying, which requires a lot of oil and cleanup, the air fryer does all the hard work in just a few minutes. Simply season the shrimp, toss them into the air fryer, and let it work its magic. You’ll have a delicious, restaurant-quality dish ready in no time.
What makes this recipe even better is how versatile it is. You can customize the seasoning to suit your tastes. Whether you prefer garlic butter, Cajun spices, or a simple lemon and herb combo, the air fryer shrimp recipe can be easily adapted. Plus, you can serve it in a variety of ways—on its own, in tacos, over pasta, or with a dipping sauce for extra flavor.
Finally, this air fryer shrimp recipe is healthy! It requires just a small amount of olive oil, so you can enjoy crispy shrimp without the extra calories and fat from deep frying. It’s a great option for those following a low-fat or low-calorie diet.
For more air fryer recipes and tips, visit The Kitchn’s Air Fryer Guide.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Lemon wedges for serving
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Equipment Used
- Air Fryer: This is the key piece of equipment for making crispy shrimp without the oil. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for best results.
- Mixing Bowl: Use a mixing bowl to toss the shrimp in olive oil and your chosen seasonings.
- Tongs or Slotted Spoon: To carefully place the shrimp in the air fryer and shake the basket during cooking to ensure even crisping.
- Paper Towels: For patting the shrimp dry before seasoning, which helps them crisp up better in the air fryer.
- Measuring Spoons: For accurately measuring seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder.
- Bowl for Serving: Once cooked, serve your shrimp in a bowl or on a plate, garnished with fresh parsley and a side of lemon wedges.
Directions & Instructions
- Prep the Shrimp: Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp if they aren’t already. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which helps them crisp up in the air fryer.
- Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the shrimp are evenly coated with the seasonings.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes, ensuring it’s hot enough for crisping the shrimp.
- Cook the Shrimp: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Cook the shrimp for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The shrimp should be golden brown and opaque when done.
- Serve: Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the air fryer. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and fresh parsley for garnish. You can also serve the shrimp with your favorite dipping sauce, like cocktail sauce or garlic butter.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 120 per serving (about 6-8 shrimp)
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
Air fryer shrimp is a low-calorie, high-protein dish that’s perfect for those looking for a healthy meal without compromising on taste. The minimal use of olive oil adds healthy fats, and the shrimp provide a rich source of protein, making it a great option for anyone following a low-fat or high-protein diet. Plus, the shrimp are naturally low in carbohydrates, making them suitable for keto and low-carb diets.
For more nutritional information on shrimp, visit Healthline’s Shrimp Nutrition Facts.
Variations
- Garlic Butter Shrimp: Toss the cooked shrimp in a garlic butter sauce after air frying for extra richness and flavor.
- Cajun Shrimp: Use Cajun seasoning instead of paprika for a spicy, bold flavor.
- Lemon Pepper Shrimp: Season the shrimp with lemon zest and freshly ground black pepper for a refreshing, zesty taste.
- Coconut Shrimp: Dip the shrimp in beaten egg and coat them with shredded coconut before air frying for a sweet and crunchy twist.
For more variation ideas, visit The Spruce Eats Shrimp Recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking. This helps the shrimp crisp up better in the air fryer.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?
Shrimp are cooked when they turn opaque and curl into a “C” shape. If they’re golden brown and slightly crispy, they’re perfect! Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough and rubbery.
Can I make these shrimp without oil?
You can reduce the amount of oil or skip it altogether, but a small amount of oil helps achieve the crispy texture. If you prefer to avoid oil, you can lightly spray the shrimp with cooking spray instead.
What dipping sauce goes best with air fryer shrimp?
Air fryer shrimp pairs wonderfully with cocktail sauce, garlic butter, ranch, or a zesty lemon aioli.
For more air fryer shrimp FAQs, check out Air Fryer Shrimp FAQs at AirFryerWorld.
Pro Tips By Emma
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For even cooking, make sure the shrimp are in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook in batches.
- Pat the Shrimp Dry: Removing excess moisture ensures the shrimp crisp up perfectly in the air fryer.
- Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices, such as Old Bay, Cajun seasoning, or lemon zest for different flavor profiles.
Serving Suggestions
Air fryer shrimp are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Serve them as an appetizer with a tangy cocktail sauce, or toss them in a salad for extra protein. They also make a great addition to tacos, pasta dishes, or as a side dish with grilled vegetables. For a simple yet delicious meal, serve the shrimp with steamed rice and a squeeze of fresh lemon.
For more serving ideas, check out Food Network’s Shrimp Recipe Ideas.
Easy Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe : Quick, Crispy, and Flavorful
Equipment
- Air Fryer: This is the key piece of equipment for making crispy shrimp without the oil. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for best results.
- Mixing Bowl: Use a mixing bowl to toss the shrimp in olive oil and your chosen seasonings.
- Tongs or Slotted Spoon: To carefully place the shrimp in the air fryer and shake the basket during cooking to ensure even crisping.
- Paper Towels: For patting the shrimp dry before seasoning, which helps them crisp up better in the air fryer.
- Measuring Spoons: For accurately measuring seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder.
- Bowl for Serving: Once cooked, serve your shrimp in a bowl or on a plate, garnished with fresh parsley and a side of lemon wedges.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Lemon wedges for serving
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the Shrimp: Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp if they aren’t already. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which helps them crisp up in the air fryer.
- Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the shrimp are evenly coated with the seasonings.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes, ensuring it’s hot enough for crisping the shrimp.
- Cook the Shrimp: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Cook the shrimp for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The shrimp should be golden brown and opaque when done.
- Serve: Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the air fryer. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and fresh parsley for garnish. You can also serve the shrimp with your favorite dipping sauce, like cocktail sauce or garlic butter.