Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe

I’ve included some videos below for those who prefer to watch rather than read.

Do you crave something quick and delicious for dinner? Cooking shrimp in an air fryer is a game-changer. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can have perfectly cooked, juicy shrimp in no time.

You don’t need to be a pro chef to get it right. Whether you use fresh or frozen shrimp, the air fryer simplifies the cooking process while ensuring great flavor. Pair your air-fried shrimp with a fresh salad or over pasta, and you’re set for a satisfying meal.

Shrimp cooks fast in an air fryer – usually in under 10 minutes. Plus, the spices and seasonings you choose will have a big impact on the final dish. Get ready to enjoy a meal that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and sure to impress.

Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)

When making air fryer shrimp, you don’t need many ingredients. Below is a simple list with possible substitutes.

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  Shrimp: You can use fresh or frozen shrimp. If you use frozen, make sure to thaw them. Substitute with prawns if needed.

  
  
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  Olive Oil: Helps the seasoning stick. Can substitute with vegetable oil, avocado oil, or melted butter.

  
  
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  Salt: Enhances the flavor. Sea salt or kosher salt can be used. You can also try garlic salt for added flavor.

  
  
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  Garlic Powder: Adds a nice garlic flavor. Substitute with minced fresh garlic or garlic paste.

  
  
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  Onion Powder: Adds a bit of sweetness. You can use finely chopped onions as an alternative.

  
  
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  Ground Black Pepper: Adds a bit of heat. Replace with white pepper or crushed red pepper flakes if you like more spice.

  
  
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  Cornstarch: Gives shrimp a crispy texture. Use flour or potato starch as substitutes.

  
  
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  Lemon Wedges (optional): For serving. Lime wedges or a splash of vinegar can be used instead.

  
  

By keeping these ingredients and possible substitutes in mind, you can easily make delicious air fryer shrimp with what you have on hand.

Instructions

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges (optional)

Steps

1. 
   

   Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F and let it heat up for about 5 minutes.

   
   
2. 
   

   Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them get crispy.

   
   
3. 
   

   Season the Shrimp: In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss until the shrimp is evenly coated.

   
   
4. 
   

   Arrange in the Air Fryer: Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they aren’t overlapping so they cook evenly.

   
   
5. 
   

   Cook: Air fry the shrimp at 400°F for 5-6 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

   
   
6. 
   

   Serve: Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the air fryer. Serve immediately with lemon wedges if desired.

   
   

Tips

• Don’t Overcrowd: If you’re making a large batch, cook the shrimp in batches.
• Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to add or reduce spices according to your taste.

Enjoy your delicious, crispy air fryer shrimp!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Cooking Tips:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for the best results.
• Use fresh or well-thawed shrimp for even cooking.
• Toss the shrimp with a little oil and your favorite seasonings before cooking.

Cooking Time:

• Cook shrimp for 8-10 minutes at 400°F.
• Flip the shrimp halfway through cooking to ensure they cook evenly.
• For smaller shrimp, reduce cooking time slightly.

Tricks for Perfect Shrimp:

• Don’t overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if needed.
• Use a thermometer to check that the shrimp reach an internal temperature of 120°F.
• Add a squeeze of lemon for a fresh flavor boost.

Storing and Reheating:

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag or container.

Reheating:

• Air Fryer: Reheat shrimp in the air fryer at 350°F for about 2-3 minutes.
• Microwave: Use the microwave on a low setting for short bursts of heat, ensuring the shrimp doesn’t become rubbery.

Additional Tips:

• Always pat shrimp dry before seasoning to ensure the spices stick well.
• Experiment with different spice blends to find your perfect flavor.

Keep these tips in mind and enjoy delicious, easy air fryer shrimp every time!

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

You can easily switch up the flavors of your air fryer shrimp by trying different seasonings and marinades. Here are some simple and tasty variations:

Garlic Lemon Shrimp:

1. Toss shrimp in olive oil, minced garlic, and lemon juice.
2. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Air fry at 400°F for 6-8 minutes.

Coconut Shrimp:

1. Dip shrimp in beaten egg.
2. Coat with shredded coconut.
3. Air fry at 360°F for 10 minutes, turning halfway.

Spicy Cajun Shrimp:

1. Mix shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
2. Air fry at 400°F for 6-8 minutes.

Serving Suggestions:

• Tacos: Serve shrimp in corn tortillas with shredded lettuce, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime.
• Salads: Top a fresh green salad with air-fried shrimp for added protein and flavor.
• Pasta: Toss shrimp with cooked pasta, garlic, olive oil, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
• Rice Bowls: Combine shrimp with rice, beans, corn, and salsa for a quick bowl.

Dipping Sauces:

• Garlic Aioli
• Sweet Chili Sauce
• Tartar Sauce
• Spicy Mayo

Feel free to mix and match these ideas to discover your favorite combinations! Enjoy your delicious air fryer shrimp creations.