Air Fryer Shrimp: Quick and Juicy Every Time

Make air fryer shrimp in minutes! Quick, juicy, and full of flavor—perfect for beginners and busy weeknights.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 8 minutes
Total time: 18 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 150 per serving

Air fryer shrimp is a fast and tasty way to enjoy seafood without heating up your kitchen. With simple seasonings and a short cook time, you get tender shrimp every time.

This recipe works for beginners and pros alike. Read on for easy steps, smart tips, and tasty serving ideas.

If you prefer crispy and golden chicken, don’t miss baked chicken drumsticks, garlic chicken wings,
juicy chicken thighs with garlic butter,
and a side of potato and vegetable bake.

Why you’ll love this recipe

— Cooks in under 10 minutes for busy nights
— Light seasoning brings out natural shrimp flavor
— Uses minimal oil—healthier than frying
— Easy clean-up with air fryer basket
— Great as appetizer, salad topper, or main dish

Ingredients

— Shrimp, peeled & deveined: 1 lb (450 g)
— Olive oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml)
— Garlic powder: 1 tsp (5 g)
— Paprika: 1 tsp (5 g)
— Salt: ½ tsp (3 g)
— Black pepper: ¼ tsp (1 g)
— Lemon wedges: for serving
— Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): 1 tbsp (4 g)

How to make it

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
2. Rinse shrimp and pat dry with paper towels. Dry shrimp cooks better.
3. In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Place shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd.
5. Cook for 4 minutes, then shake basket or flip shrimp. Cook 3–4 more minutes until pink and opaque.
6. Transfer to a plate. Squeeze lemon juice over shrimp and sprinkle parsley if you like. Serve hot.

Tips and common mistakes

— Don’t skip drying the shrimp. Wet shrimp steam, not crisp.
— Cook in batches if needed to keep shrimp in one layer.
— If shrimp look translucent in the center, cook 1–2 more minutes.
— Overcooked shrimp become rubbery—watch the time closely.

Substitutions

— Use smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky taste.
— Swap garlic powder for onion powder or chili powder for heat.
— Replace olive oil with avocado oil or melted butter.

Storage instructions

— Cool shrimp completely.
— Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
— Reheat in air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes.

FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes. Thaw overnight in the fridge, pat dry, then follow the same steps.

Q: How do I know when shrimp are done?
A: They turn pink and curl into a “C” shape. The inside should be opaque.

Q: Can I cook larger shrimp?
A: Yes. Increase cook time by 1–2 minutes, but watch closely to avoid overcooking.