Air Fryer Shrimp
Shrimp is one of those ingredients that feels a little fancy, but it can also be intimidating to cook. A few seconds too long on the heat, and you go from perfectly tender to disappointingly rubbery. It’s a high-stakes, fast-paced kitchen game. But what if I told you there’s a way to get perfectly cooked shrimp every single time, with a beautiful seasoned crust and a juicy snap, in less time than it takes to pick a show to watch?
Your air fryer is the answer. It’s not just for reheating pizza or making fries; it’s a total game-changer for seafood. It cooks shrimp so quickly and evenly that the margin for error shrinks to almost zero. The hot, circulating air gives the shrimp a gorgeous, slightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside plump and tender. This recipe is your new secret weapon for fast weeknight dinners, impressive appetizers, or a healthy protein to throw on a salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This method has become my go-to for cooking shrimp, and I’m pretty sure it will be yours, too. Here’s why it’s just so good:
- Speed: We’re talking dinner on the table in about 15 minutes, from start to finish. It’s faster than takeout.
- Perfect Texture: The air fryer creates a slightly roasted exterior that you just can’t get from boiling or steaming, all while keeping the shrimp unbelievably juicy.
- Less Mess: No oil splattering from a hot pan all over your stovetop. Everything is contained right in the air fryer basket.
- Versatility: This shrimp is a perfect blank canvas. Serve it as an appetizer, a main course, or a salad topper.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The seasoning blend is simple but packs a flavorful punch, letting the sweet flavor of the shrimp shine through.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
A quick note on your shrimp: You can buy them already peeled and deveined to save yourself a ton of time. If you get shell-on shrimp, just be sure to factor in a few extra minutes for prep.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready for the fastest, easiest dinner ever? Let’s do this.
1. Mix the Seasoning
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the avocado oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good whisk to create a smooth, seasoned oil. This simple blend is the key to a flavorful, beautiful crust.
2. Season the Shrimp
Pat your peeled and deveined shrimp dry with a paper towel. This is a crucial step! Removing excess moisture helps the shrimp sear rather than steam, leading to a much better texture. Add the dry shrimp to the bowl with the seasoning mixture and toss until they are evenly coated. Let them marinate for about 10 minutes while you preheat the air fryer.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer
Get your air fryer preheating to 400°F (200°C). It should only take about 3-5 minutes. A super-hot start is essential for cooking the shrimp quickly and giving them that perfect snappy texture.
4. Arrange in the Basket
Once the air fryer is preheated, place the seasoned shrimp in the basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not overlapping or crowded. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, it’s better to cook in two batches than to overcrowd the basket. Proper air circulation is key!
5. Cook to Perfection
Cook the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 5-6 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time (around the 3-minute mark), give the basket a good shake. This helps the shrimp cook evenly on all sides.
6. Serve Immediately
You’ll know the shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque and curl into a nice “C” shape. Be careful not to overcook them! Remove the shrimp from the air fryer right away.
Serve them hot, with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over the top and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Even the simplest recipes can have a few questions. Here are some answers to help you out.
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but you must thaw them completely first. The best way to do this is to place them in a colander under cold running water for a few minutes. Once thawed, pat them very dry before seasoning. Do not try to cook them from frozen, as they will steam and become rubbery.
The visual cues are your best friend. Look for the shrimp to turn from translucent gray to an opaque pink. They will also curl from a straight shape into a “C” shape. An overcooked shrimp curls into a tight “O” shape—if you see that, they’ve been in too long.
Absolutely! This recipe is a fantastic starting point. Feel free to get creative. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, some dried oregano for a Mediterranean vibe, or a dash of onion powder for more savory depth.
Absolutely! This recipe is a fantastic starting point. Feel free to get creative. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, some dried oregano for a Mediterranean vibe, or a dash of onion powder for more savory depth.
The possibilities are endless! You can serve them as an appetizer with cocktail sauce or a garlic aioli. For a full meal, they are perfect over rice, quinoa, or pasta. They also make an amazing protein-packed topping for a fresh salad or a great filling for tacos.
Yes, you can use other oils. Melted butter is a delicious and classic pairing with shrimp. You could also use coconut oil for a slightly different flavor profile. Just make sure whatever you use can handle the high heat of the air fryer.
Air Fryer Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the avocado oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture. Let the shrimp marinate for about 10 minutes.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Once the air fryer is preheated, place the seasoned shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping.
- Cook the shrimp in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 5-6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
- Once the shrimp are pink and opaque, remove them from the air fryer.
- Serve the air fryer shrimp hot with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
