If you’re a fan of crispy, tender shrimp that’s packed with flavor but don’t want the hassle (or calories) of deep frying, this Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe is exactly what you need. With just a few simple spices and your trusty air fryer, you can have perfectly cooked shrimp in under 10 minutes. The combination of garlic powder, sweet paprika, and dried parsley provides a savory, slightly smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with shrimp’s natural sweetness.
1. 10 Minute Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon sweet paprika
- ¾ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 32 jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined (about 1 ¼ pounds)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
Prepare the shrimp: If your shrimp aren’t already peeled and deveined, do so now. Pat them dry using paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
Make the seasoning blend: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, sweet paprika, dried parsley, and kosher salt.
Toss the shrimp: Place the shrimp in a large bowl and drizzle the seasoning mixture over them. Toss the shrimp until they are evenly coated with the oil and spices.
Step 3: Air Fry the Shrimp
Place the shrimp in the air fryer: Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Be sure not to overcrowd the shrimp—if necessary, cook in batches to ensure even cooking and crisping.
Cook the shrimp: Air fry the shrimp at 400°F for 6-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque, and the edges are lightly crisped.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately: Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for a burst of fresh citrus flavor. Squeeze the lemon over the shrimp just before eating for an extra zing.
2. Tips for the Best Air Fryer Shrimp
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: To ensure the shrimp cook evenly and get crispy, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed so that each shrimp has space around it for air to circulate.
Use Jumbo Shrimp: Larger shrimp, like jumbo or extra-large, work best in this recipe because they stay juicy and tender while developing a crispy exterior.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer helps the shrimp cook evenly and ensures that they crisp up nicely.
Dry the Shrimp: Patting the shrimp dry before seasoning helps the oil and spices adhere better and creates a crispier texture.
3. Variations and Additions
This air fryer shrimp recipe is delicious as is, but you can easily customize it to suit your taste or dietary preferences:
Spicy Air Fryer Shrimp: Add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for a spicy version.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp: For a more intense lemon-garlic flavor, add freshly minced garlic and lemon zest to the seasoning mixture before air frying.
Herb Butter Shrimp: After air frying, toss the shrimp in a mixture of melted butter, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a rich, herbaceous flavor.
Panko-Crusted Shrimp: For extra crunch, dredge the shrimp in panko breadcrumbs after tossing them in the olive oil-spice mixture, then air fry as directed.
4. How to Serve Air Fryer Shrimp
Air fryer shrimp are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
As an Appetizer: Serve the shrimp with lemon wedges or a dipping sauce like garlic aioli, cocktail sauce, or spicy mayo for a flavorful appetizer.
In Tacos: Use the shrimp as a filling for shrimp tacos with fresh salsa, avocado, and cabbage slaw.
Over Salad: Add the shrimp to a green salad or a Caesar salad for a protein-packed meal.
With Rice or Pasta: Serve the shrimp over garlic butter pasta, couscous, or rice for a hearty main dish.
On a Bed of Vegetables: Pair the shrimp with roasted or grilled vegetables, such as asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers, for a light, nutritious meal.
5. How to Store and Reheat
Storing
Refrigerate: Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Air Fryer: To reheat the shrimp, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until warmed through. This will help them retain their crispiness.
Microwave: You can also reheat the shrimp in the microwave, but they may lose some of their crispiness. Heat in short bursts (20-30 seconds) to avoid overcooking.
This 10 minute air fryer shrimp recipe is a quick, flavorful, and healthy way to enjoy shrimp any night of the week. With simple ingredients like olive oil, garlic powder, and paprika, you’ll get a dish that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor. Serve it as an appetizer, over pasta or rice, or in tacos—however you like to enjoy shrimp, this air fryer version is guaranteed to be a hit.
