Easy Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe : Quick, Crispy, and Flavorful
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.
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.
Notes
To make this Air Fryer Shrimp recipe even more delicious, try adding a touch of garlic butter after cooking for extra richness. For a spicy kick, incorporate Cajun seasoning or chili flakes into the seasoning mix. You can also drizzle a bit of honey and sprinkle some sesame seeds for a sweet and savory twist. For added freshness, serve the shrimp with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.