Perfect Air Fryer Shrimp are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. They cook in just a few minutes, making them an ideal weeknight meal, appetizer, or addition to salads, tacos, and pasta.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
1. Prepare the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them cook evenly and develop a light crust.
2. Season
In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using) until evenly coated.
3. Preheat
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3 minutes.
4. Air Fry
- Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 200°C (400°F) for 6–8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Shrimp are done when they are pink, opaque, and curled into a loose “C” shape. Avoid overcooking.
5. Serve
Transfer the shrimp to a serving platter, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Flavor Variations
- 🧄 Garlic Butter: Toss cooked shrimp with melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley.
- 🌶️ Cajun: Replace the seasonings with 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning.
- 🍋 Lemon Pepper: Season with lemon pepper and finish with fresh lemon juice.
- 🧀 Parmesan: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan immediately after cooking.
- 🌮 Taco Style: Add chili powder, cumin, and a squeeze of lime.
Serving Suggestions
Air fryer shrimp are delicious served:
- Over rice or quinoa
- In tacos with shredded cabbage
- On top of Caesar or garden salads
- With pasta and garlic butter
- As an appetizer with cocktail sauce
- Alongside roasted vegetables
Tips for Perfect Shrimp
- ✔️ Use large or jumbo shrimp for the juiciest results.
- ✔️ Pat the shrimp dry before seasoning.
- ✔️ Don’t overcrowd the basket—cook in batches if needed.
- ✔️ Shake the basket halfway through cooking.
- ✔️ Shrimp cook quickly, so check them after 5–6 minutes.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze cooked shrimp for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 2–3 minutes, just until warmed through.
Pro Tip: For the best flavor, marinate the shrimp in the seasoning and oil for 15–20 minutes before air frying. This allows the spices to penetrate the shrimp while keeping them tender and juicy. 🍤✨
