Air Fryer Shrimp is a quick, healthy, and flavourful dish ready in under 10 minutes. Perfectly seasoned and cooked to tender perfection, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or as a light appetiser.
Ingredients
450 g (1 lb) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1–2 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Optional: squeeze of fresh lemon juice
How To Make Air Fryer Shrimp
Preheat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for 2–3 minutes.
Prepare shrimp: Pat dry with paper towels. Toss with oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Arrange in basket: Place shrimp in a single layer without overlapping.
Cook: Air fry for 6–8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Shrimp should be pink, opaque, and slightly curled.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges or dipping sauce.
You Must Know
Shrimp cooks very quickly—avoid overcooking or it will turn rubbery.
Using thawed, well-dried shrimp ensures the seasoning sticks and helps achieve a crisp exterior.
Jumbo shrimp may need 1–2 extra minutes, while small shrimp cook faster.
Topping Variations
Garlic Butter Shrimp: Toss with melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley after cooking.
Spicy Cajun Shrimp: Season with Cajun or Creole spice mix.
Parmesan Shrimp: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese right before serving.
Sweet Chili Shrimp: Drizzle with sweet chili sauce for an Asian twist.
Make It A Meal
Serve over rice or quinoa with roasted vegetables.
Toss into pasta with a creamy Alfredo or light lemon sauce.
Build shrimp tacos with slaw, avocado, and lime.
Add to a fresh salad for a protein boost.
Pro Tips
Always pat shrimp dry before seasoning for best texture.
Use prawns with tails on for extra flavour and a nice presentation.
Don’t overcrowd the basket—cook in batches if needed.
For frozen shrimp, add 2–3 minutes cooking time, but season once partially thawed.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, but add 2–3 minutes. For best results, thaw first and pat dry.
Q: Do I need to flip the shrimp?
A: Shaking the basket halfway is enough for even cooking.
Q: What sauces go best with shrimp?
A: Cocktail sauce, garlic butter, tartar sauce, or sweet chili sauce are all great options.
Q: Can I reheat shrimp in the air fryer?
A: Yes, reheat at 160°C (320°F) for 2–3 minutes to avoid drying out.
Air Fryer Shrimp
Print Recipe
When I want to whip up a quick dinner on busy weeknights, I love making this easy Air Fryer Shrimp that comes out perfectly every time.
Author: Isabel
Prep Time: 4 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 1x
Category: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
3/4 teaspoon sweet paprika
3/4 teaspoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
32 jumbo peeled and deveined shrimp, (1 ¼ pounds)
Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Mix oil with spices in a medium bowl.
Add the shrimp and mix well with the seasoning mixture on both sides to coat.
Arrange shrimp in air fryer basket in a single layer, in batches as needed.
Air fry 400F for 5 to 6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
Serve with lemon wedges.
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