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 perfect 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. Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
- 32 jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined (about 1 ¼ pounds)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon sweet paprika
- ¾ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the shrimp cook evenly and develop a slight crispiness.
Season the Shrimp: In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, sweet paprika, dried parsley, and kosher salt. Mix well to coat each shrimp evenly with the seasoning.
Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket: Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to allow proper air circulation. If needed, cook in batches.
Cook the Shrimp: Air fry for 5 minutes, then shake the basket or flip the shrimp and cook for another 3-5 minutes until they turn pink and slightly curled. The internal temperature should reach 120°F (49°C).
Serve Immediately: Transfer the shrimp to a plate and serve hot with fresh lemon wedges. The citrus enhances the flavors and adds a refreshing touch.
2. Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Shrimp
Use Fresh or Thawed Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning. Excess moisture can prevent them from getting slightly crispy.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cooking shrimp in a single layer allows the hot air to circulate evenly, ensuring they cook perfectly.
Adjust Cooking Time Depending on Size: Jumbo shrimp take about 8-10 minutes, but smaller shrimp will cook faster. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
Experiment with Seasonings: While this recipe uses garlic, paprika, and parsley, feel free to swap in your favorite spices. A bit of cayenne pepper or Old Bay seasoning can add a nice kick.
Use a Light Oil: Extra-virgin olive oil works great, but you can also use avocado oil or another high-smoke-point oil.
3. Serving Suggestions
This air fryer shrimp is so versatile! Here are a few ways to enjoy it:
Over Rice or Quinoa: Serve with a side of fluffy rice or quinoa for a hearty meal.
In Tacos: Toss the shrimp into warm tortillas with shredded cabbage, avocado, and a drizzle of lime crema.
With a Salad: Add them to a fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette.
As an Appetizer: Arrange on a platter with cocktail sauce, garlic butter, or a spicy aioli for dipping.
With Pasta: Toss into a bowl of linguine with garlic butter or a light lemon sauce for a quick seafood pasta dish.
4. How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them properly to maintain their flavor and texture.
Storing
Place cooled shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Avoid leaving them at room temperature for too long, as seafood spoils quickly.
Reheating
Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes until warm.
Stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of oil for about 2 minutes.
Microwave: Not ideal, but if necessary, heat in 10-second intervals to avoid overcooking and drying out the shrimp.
This perfect air fryer shrimp recipe is one of my personal favorites. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the natural flavors of the shrimp to shine, while the air fryer delivers a perfectly cooked texture every time.
If you haven’t tried making shrimp in an air fryer yet, this is your sign to do so. Trust me, once you see how easy and delicious it is, you’ll want to make it all the time!
