Air Fryer Shrimp: So Good, You’ll Never Make It Any Other Way (Quick Seafood Recipe)
No breading, no hassle—this air fryer shrimp recipe is as simple as it gets. Ready in just 10 minutes, it delivers juicy, perfectly cooked shrimp with a golden, crispy exterior. It’s ideal for a quick dinner or a light appetizer and is sure to impress.
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I love shrimp, but let’s be honest—cooking it on the stovetop can sometimes feel like a lot of effort. Watching over the pan, dealing with uneven cooking, and cleaning up afterwards can make it feel like more trouble than it’s worth! That’s why I was so excited to discover how amazing shrimp turns out in the air fryer.
Simple, quick, and packed with flavor, this recipe checks all the boxes. Skipping the breading keeps things light and lets the shrimp’s juicy, tender texture shine. Plus, the air fryer does all the hard work so that I can have perfectly cooked shrimp on the table in no time.
This is my go-to seafood recipe for busy weeknights or when I need a dish that feels fancy without the fuss. It’s so versatile—you can toss the shrimp into tacos, pile them on salads, or serve them solo with a squeeze of lemon. I love how easy it is to make, but the best part is that it never fails to impress, no matter how I serve it.
Ingredients
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen large shrimp works well for this recipe, but make sure they’re peeled and deveined. If you’re using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture, which can interfere with crisping.
Seasoning: The combination of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper gives the shrimp a simple yet flavorful coating. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and if you like a little heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder.
See the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and quantities.
Step-by-step Instructions
Step 1: 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.
Step 2: Preheat the air fryer to 400℉ for 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.
Step 3: Cook the shrimp in the air fryer at 400℉ for 5-6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Once the shrimp are pink and opaque, remove them from the air fryer.
Expert Tips
- Whether fresh or frozen, it’s essential to pat your shrimp dry with a paper towel before seasoning. Excess moisture can prevent the shrimp from crisping up properly in the air fryer.
- For the crispiest shrimp, arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, preventing some shrimp from getting that perfect golden-brown crispiness. Cook in batches if needed.
- Shrimp cook quickly—keep a close eye on them, as overcooking can lead to rubbery shrimp. They’re done when they turn pink and opaque.
- Cooking times and temperatures may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on your shrimp and adjust the time if necessary.
- If you have leftovers, store the air fryer shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350℉.
Serving Suggestions
- Shrimp Tacos or Wraps: Stuff soft tortillas or wraps with the shrimp, fresh greens, avocado, and a squeeze of lime. Add some crunchy slaw or pickled veggies for a tasty twist.
- Seafood Rice or Grain Bowls: Serve the shrimp over a bed of rice or grains like quinoa or couscous, and top with sautéed veggies and a drizzle of soy sauce or teriyaki. It’s a light, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any time of day. Alternatively, use them to create these delicious grain bowls.
- Skewers & Appetizers: Thread the shrimp onto skewers and serve with dips and sauces like green onion dip, spicy habanero hot sauce, or bang bang sauce. They’re perfect as a fun, shareable party appetizer.
- Fresh Salads: Add the shrimp to a vibrant salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette or creamy dressing. You can also toss them into a grain salad for added texture and flavor.
- Pasta: Toss the shrimp with pasta, a simple garlic olive oil sauce, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Add veggies like cherry tomatoes or spinach for an easy, satisfying meal.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Crispy, flavorful, and ready in no time—this air fryer asparagus recipe is a must-try for any home cook! Perfectly roasted with a tender, buttery interior, this dish is a great way to get your veggies on the table with minimal effort.
- Crispy, golden air fryer garlic mushrooms are your new go-to recipe for easy, delicious meals. Made with just four simple ingredients, these juicy mushrooms cook in minutes and pair perfectly with everything from breakfast to steak dinners.
- Fast and flavorful! Get crispy air fryer chicken wings with this easy, dairy-free recipe. Ideal for snacking, meal prep, or adding some fun to your weeknight meals.
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon 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 the air fryer to 400℉ for 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℉ for 5-6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through 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.
Notes
- Whether fresh or frozen, it’s essential to pat your shrimp dry with a paper towel before seasoning. Excess moisture can prevent the shrimp from crisping up properly in the air fryer.
- For the crispiest shrimp, arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, preventing some shrimp from getting that perfect golden-brown crispiness. Cook in batches if needed.
- Let the shrimp marinate for at least 10 minutes. This not only enhances the flavor but also helps the shrimp cook more evenly.
- Shrimp cook quickly—keep a close eye on them, as overcooking can lead to rubbery shrimp. They’re done when they turn pink and opaque.
- Cooking times and temperatures may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on your shrimp and adjust the time if necessary.
Nutrition
