Roasted shrimp in the air fryer? Sign us up!
We're huge fans of quick and tasty meals, and this one ticks all the boxes, coming together in about 10 minutes from start to finish.
We've experimented with dozens of shrimp recipes, and trust us, this one's a keeper. The air fryer works magic, turning shrimp into juicy, crispy bites of heaven, cooking them quickly at high heat (around 400°F) to lock in moisture.
Those days when you're craving something good but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen? This recipe is for those days.
Plus, it's versatile. You can have these shrimp as a snack, a main dish, or even in tacos.
Seriously, they're that good.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Shrimps
Grab these goodies to get started:
- Shrimps: 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons to give them a nice coat
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of paprika for flavor
- Optional: Lemon wedges for that zesty finish
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Shrimps
- Pat them dry: Remove excess moisture from the shrimp with a paper towel to help them cook evenly. This helps them cook evenly, and the same drying trick is recommended before air-frying wings at 400°F - see crispy air fryer wings for beginners.
- Don't overcrowd: Lay the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket so they cook up nice and crispy, about 6-8 minutes total at 400°F.
- Check for doneness: Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking and turning them rubbery.
Variations and Substitutions
No garlic powder? Swap it out with onion powder or even some Old Bay seasoning, a classic Chesapeake seafood blend, for a different taste.
Craving something spicy? Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce before cooking.
Try using lime juice instead of lemon, or even a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro after cooking for a bright finish, with lime lending tangy acidity and parsley adding a fresh, herbaceous note; it also pairs well with moist cornbread variations for pairing.
Simple Air Fryer Shrimps
Equipment
- Air-fryer
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Optional: lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until evenly coated.
- Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Once crispy and cooked through, remove the shrimp and squeeze a bit of lemon juice over them.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious, crispy air fryer shrimp!
Nutrition
For a broader collection of beginner-friendly air fryer ideas, see easy air fryer recipe collection. For a simple, foolproof side to serve with shrimp, try foolproof crispy air fryer fries.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
