If you’ve ever craved perfectly cooked shrimp that’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor—this Air Fryer Shrimp recipe is for you. Imagine the smell of garlic, lemon, and a hint of paprika swirling together as the shrimp crisp up in your air fryer. Seriously, trust me when I say—this one’s a game-changer! You can have a mouthwatering batch of shrimp on your plate in just minutes. The best part? It’s so easy, you’ll feel like a pro chef even if you’re a beginner.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Shrimp
This recipe isn’t just about making shrimp—it’s about creating that wow factor in the kitchen with minimal effort. Here’s why this dish will quickly become a go-to in your recipe rotation:
Versatile: Whether you’re making shrimp tacos, a seafood salad, or serving them as an appetizer at your next party, these air fryer shrimp fit right in. And with so many seasoning options, you can easily tweak the flavor to suit any dish or mood.
Budget-Friendly: Shrimp might sound fancy, but it’s actually an affordable way to enjoy restaurant-quality seafood at home. And when you cook it in the air fryer? It’s even better. No extra oils or greasy pans required.
Quick and Easy: If you’re looking for a no-fuss, weeknight dinner or a last-minute addition to your meal, this shrimp will be your best friend. You can have shrimp ready and on the table in under 15 minutes. It’s a total lifesaver for busy days.
Customizable: Want something with a little more heat? Add a dash of cayenne pepper. Prefer a tangy twist? Lemon zest and a bit of lime juice will brighten things up. You’re the chef here—make it your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re serving picky eaters, guests, or family, everyone loves perfectly cooked shrimp. It’s a guaranteed hit that never goes out of style.

Ingredients in Air Fryer Shrimp
Here’s what you’ll need to make these shrimp absolutely irresistible:
- Shrimp: The star of the show! Opt for large, peeled, and deveined shrimp—these cook up to perfection in the air fryer.
- Olive Oil: A light drizzle adds crispiness and helps the seasoning stick.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic gives these shrimp that savory punch. Don’t skimp on it!
- Paprika: A touch of smokiness and color. It brings the shrimp to life.
- Lemon Juice: A fresh squeeze of lemon adds that zesty kick.
- Salt & Pepper: Simple seasoning that lets the shrimp shine.
- Parsley: For a little color and a fresh, herbal touch.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive right into the steps to create these flavorful shrimp:
Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F to make sure it’s nice and hot, ensuring that the shrimp cook evenly and get that crispy golden texture.
Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure every shrimp is coated with that flavorful seasoning. This step is key to infusing every bite with deliciousness.
Arrange in the Air Fryer: Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Give them a little space—this will help them crisp up beautifully without overcrowding.
Cook to Perfection: Air fry the shrimp for about 6-8 minutes. You want them to be perfectly pink and golden brown. Don’t forget to give the basket a little shake halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Finishing Touches: Once done, remove the shrimp from the air fryer and squeeze fresh lemon juice over them. A sprinkle of parsley will add a pop of color and a fresh flavor.
Serve and Enjoy: These shrimp are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish. Serve them with a side of rice, a crunchy salad, or inside a taco—however you like, they’re sure to impress!
How to Serve Air Fryer Shrimp
These shrimp are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:
- With a Salad: A fresh green salad or a tangy coleslaw pairs beautifully with the shrimp.
- Tacos: Load these shrimp into soft tortillas with some fresh veggies, a squeeze of lime, and a drizzle of sour cream or guacamole for a delicious shrimp taco night.
- Over Rice: Serve them over a bed of steamed rice or in a flavorful rice bowl with your favorite toppings.
- With Dipping Sauce: Try a tangy cocktail sauce, a creamy garlic aioli, or a spicy sriracha mayo for dipping.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead: You can prep the shrimp and season them ahead of time. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook, making dinner even quicker when it’s time to eat.
Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, toss the shrimp with some chili flakes or cayenne pepper before cooking. It’ll add a nice kick without overwhelming the flavor.
Dietary Adjustments: If you’re avoiding oil, you can skip it, but I recommend using a non-stick spray to help with crispiness.
Storage Tips: Leftovers (if you have any!) can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back the crispiness.
Double the Batch: Need more shrimp for a crowd? Just double the recipe. Your air fryer may need an extra minute or two, but they’ll cook just as wonderfully.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A1: Yes! Just make sure to thaw them before seasoning. Frozen shrimp might need a minute or two extra in the air fryer.
Q2: Can I make this without oil?
A2: You can! Just be aware that the shrimp won’t be as crispy without it. A light spray of cooking spray works too.
Q3: How do I know when the shrimp are done?
A3: The shrimp should be pink and opaque. If you cut into one, it should no longer be translucent.
Q4: Can I use other seasonings?
A4: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with Old Bay seasoning, Cajun spice, or even Italian seasoning for a twist.
Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Yes! Just make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. You may need to cook the shrimp in batches.
Q6: How should I store leftovers?
A6: Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer to bring back the crispy texture.
Q7: Can I make these shrimp in the oven?
A7: Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Q8: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A8: This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check your seasoning blends and sauces to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.
Q9: Can I use other types of seafood?
A9: Yes, this recipe works great with scallops or even fish fillets! Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q10: What’s the best way to reheat these shrimp?
A10: The air fryer is the best way to reheat them and bring back that crispy texture. Just heat at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.
Conclusion
There you have it! Air Fryer Shrimp that’s crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor in just minutes. Whether you’re making a quick dinner or an appetizer for your next gathering, this recipe will become a favorite in no time. I promise, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
PrintAir Fryer Shrimp: Crispy, Juicy, and Full of Flavor
Crispy, perfectly seasoned shrimp made in the air fryer in just 10 minutes! A quick and easy meal that packs tons of flavor with a sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 2-4 servings
- Category: Main Dish, Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
- Raw tail-off frozen shrimp
- Olive oil
- Garlic (freshly minced or garlic powder)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Italian seasoning
- Old Bay seasoning
- Parmesan cheese (for a savory finish)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the frozen raw shrimp in olive oil until evenly coated.
- Season with garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, Old Bay, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well to ensure even seasoning.
- Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer for even cooking.
- Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through (after 5 minutes) to ensure even crisping.
- Once the shrimp are golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, over a salad, or as part of a seafood platter.
Notes
- For cooked frozen shrimp, reduce the cooking time to 5 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning levels to your taste. Add more Old Bay for extra flavor or garlic for a garlicky punch!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 170mg