Speedy Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe: Golden Seafood Magic!

Seafood enthusiasts adore this mouthwatering air fryer shrimp recipe that brings restaurant-quality crunch right to your kitchen.

Golden and perfectly seasoned crispy air fryer shrimp deliver incredible flavor with minimal effort.

Each bite promises a delightful texture that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.

The simple marinade infuses these succulent shrimp with zesty herbs and spices.

Quick cooking in the air fryer ensures a crisp exterior while maintaining the tender, juicy interior of the shrimp.

This recipe transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into something special without complicated techniques.

Serve these irresistible shrimp as an appetizer or main course that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 13 minutes

Calories: 205 kcal

Servings: 4

What You’ll Need for Air Fryer Shrimp

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute seasonings and creates a golden, crispy exterior for the shrimp.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a warm, aromatic kick that complements seafood perfectly.
• Paprika: Brings a subtle smoky sweetness and beautiful reddish color to the dish.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Provides a gentle heat and depth to the overall taste profile.

• Cayenne Pepper: Optional spice that delivers a fiery punch for heat lovers.

• Lemon: Bright citrus juice that cuts through richness and adds zesty brightness.
• Fresh Parsley: Brings a pop of color and herbal freshness to complete the dish.

• Shrimp: Choose fresh, deveined shrimp with firm texture and sweet ocean smell; look for sustainably sourced options for best quality and flavor.

Kitchen Tools for Making Air Fryer Shrimp

• Air Fryer: Essential for cooking the shrimp quickly and evenly at high heat.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for tossing and coating shrimp with seasonings.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure salt, pepper, and spices.
• Tongs: Great for flipping shrimp midway through cooking and transferring to serving plate.
• Cutting Board: Use for chopping fresh parsley garnish.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to chop parsley and cut lemon for squeezing juice.

Simple Steps to Cook Air Fryer Shrimp

• Fire Up the Air Fryer

Crank your air fryer to a sizzling 400F and let it warm up for a quick 3-minute dance.

• Spice and Splash the Seafood

Tumble fresh shrimp into a mixing bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle a tantalizing blend of garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and a whisper of cayenne for kick.

• Create Crispy Seafood Magic

Spread those seasoned beauties in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not crowded. Let them sizzle and transform for 6-8 minutes, giving them a gentle flip midway to guarantee even golden perfection.

• Elevate and Enjoy

Rescue your shrimp from the air fryer’s embrace, shower them with a bright squeeze of fresh lemon, and scatter some chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately while they’re hot and irresistible.

Tips for Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp Every Time

• Crispy Coating Hack: Sprinkle a light layer of cornstarch or breadcrumbs on the shrimp before seasoning to achieve an extra crispy exterior that locks in moisture.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace regular seasonings with a keto-friendly spice blend and use ghee instead of olive oil for a carb-conscious version that's packed with flavor.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the cayenne pepper to match your heat tolerance – reduce for mild flavor or increase for a fiery kick that'll wake up your taste buds.
• Frozen Shrimp Shortcut: No need to thaw frozen shrimp completely – just pat them dry and add 1-2 extra minutes to cooking time for perfectly cooked seafood straight from the freezer.
• Flavor Swap Possibilities: Experiment with different seasoning blends like Cajun, Mediterranean, or Asian-inspired spice mixes to transform this basic recipe into a global culinary adventure.

Serving Up Air Fryer Shrimp with Flair

• Zesty Lemon Seafood Platter: Arrange shrimp on a bed of mixed greens, drizzle with extra lemon juice, and sprinkle fresh herbs for a light, refreshing meal that bursts with coastal flavors.
• Spicy Shrimp Tacos: Warm soft tortillas, pile in the air-fried shrimp, top with crunchy slaw, avocado slices, and a dollop of chipotle mayo for a quick, delicious dinner option.
• Mediterranean Shrimp Bowl: Create a colorful bowl with quinoa or rice, layer the shrimp on top, add roasted vegetables, crumbled feta cheese, and a light tzatziki sauce for a nutritious, flavorful dish.
• Quick Appetizer Spread: Serve shrimp on a wooden board with toothpicks, accompany with zesty dipping sauces like cocktail sauce or garlic aioli for easy party nibbles that guests will love.

Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Shrimp

• Quick Cooling Strategy: Let cooked shrimp cool completely at room temperature before storing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain texture.
• Refrigeration Technique: Transfer shrimp to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid, which keeps them fresh for 1-2 days in the refrigerator without losing quality.
• Freezing Method: Wrap cooled shrimp in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe bag, and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Tip: Warm previously cooked shrimp gently in the air fryer at 350F for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness and prevent rubbery texture. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain optimal flavor and tenderness.

Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 13 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent air fryer shrimp bring Mediterranean flavors to your kitchen with minimal effort. Crispy, tender shrimp deliver zesty seasoning and quick satisfaction for home cooks seeking delicious seafood in minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
• Fresh lemon wedges (for serving)
• Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheating: Activate the air fryer to 400F (200C) and allow a brief 3-minute warm-up for optimal cooking conditions.
2. Seasoning: In a mixing bowl, generously coat shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne, ensuring complete and even coverage.
3. Positioning: Carefully arrange shrimp in a single, uncrowded layer within the air fryer basket, potentially requiring multiple batches to maintain proper air circulation and crisp texture.
4. Cooking: Air fry for 6-8 minutes, midway pausing to gently flip shrimp, promoting uniform golden-pink coloration and consistent cooking throughout.
5. Finishing: Remove shrimp when they transform to opaque pink and develop a firm, succulent texture using heat-resistant tongs.
6. Garnishing: Elevate the dish by drizzling fresh lemon juice over the hot shrimp, then sprinkle finely chopped parsley to introduce vibrant color and herbaceous notes.
7. Serving: Present immediately to preserve optimal temperature and textural integrity, ensuring a delectable culinary experience.

Notes

• Prevent Overcrowding: Ensure shrimp are in a single layer without touching to achieve crispy, evenly cooked results with optimal air circulation.
• Check Cooking Time: Monitor shrimp closely at 6-8 minutes since they cook quickly and can become rubbery if overcooked; look for opaque pink color and firm texture.
• Seasoning Balance: Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing cayenne pepper; experiment with alternative herbs like dill or chili powder for diverse flavor profiles.
• Quick Preparation Hack: Pat shrimp completely dry before seasoning to help achieve maximum crispiness and better spice adherence during air frying.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 200mg