These Air Fryer Shrimp are juicy, tender, flavorful, and ready in just minutes! They’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, appetizer, salad, tacos, or serving over rice.

🛒 Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp lemon pepper, optional
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• Fresh parsley, for serving

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat very dry with paper towels.
2. Season: Place shrimp in a bowl and toss with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Preheat: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes, if your model recommends preheating.
4. Arrange: Place the shrimp in a single layer in the basket. Don’t overcrowd them.
5. Air fry: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 5–8 minutes, shaking or turning halfway through.
6. Check: Shrimp are ready when they are opaque, pink, and curled into a loose C shape.
7. Finish: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and garnish with parsley.

🧄 Garlic Butter Shrimp

For an extra delicious finish, toss the cooked shrimp with:

• 1 tbsp melted butter
• 1 minced garlic clove
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• Fresh parsley

Return to the air fryer for 30–60 seconds if desired.

🔥 Tips for Perfect Shrimp

• Don’t overcook shrimp. They cook very quickly and can become rubbery.
• Pat shrimp dry before seasoning for better browning.
• Use shrimp of similar size so they finish cooking together.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket.
• Start checking smaller shrimp around 4–5 minutes.
• Larger shrimp may need closer to 8 minutes.

🌶️ Flavor Variations

Cajun Shrimp

Replace the seasoning with 1–2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning.

Lemon Pepper

Use extra lemon pepper and finish with fresh lemon zest.

Spicy Garlic

Add ¼–½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili flakes.

Honey Garlic

Toss cooked shrimp with a little honey, garlic, and soy sauce.

Parmesan Shrimp

Add finely grated Parmesan during the final minute of cooking.

❄️ Can You Cook Frozen Shrimp?

Yes, but thawed shrimp generally cook more evenly.

If cooking directly from frozen, separate the shrimp as they begin to thaw and expect to add a few minutes to the cooking time. Always check that the shrimp are fully cooked before serving.

🍚 What to Serve With Air Fryer Shrimp

Try them with:

• Rice
• Pasta
• Air fryer roasted potatoes
• French fries
• Fresh salad
• Tacos
• Coleslaw
• Steamed vegetables
• Garlic bread

⏱️ Quick Recipe Card

Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 5–8 minutes
Temperature: 400°F / 200°C
Servings: 3–4
Difficulty: Easy

⭐ Best tip: Shrimp cook incredibly fast, so start checking them early. As soon as they’re opaque and fully cooked, take them out to keep them juicy and tender.