Quick Air Fryer Shrimp

Quick, crispy, and full of vibrant flavors, this Air Fryer Shrimp recipe has been a lifesaver for busy nights and unexpected gatherings. It crisps up beautifully without needing much oil, delivering juicy shrimp with a perfect snap that feels indulgent but stays light.

I love how simply tweaking the spices lets me reinvent this recipe. Sometimes I go bold with garlic and smoked paprika. Other times a lemon pepper zest brightens everything up. My family always asks for seconds no matter how it is seasoned.

Ingredients

• Shrimp: One pound large shrimp peeled and deveined large size helps shrimp stay juicy and cook evenly
• Oil: One tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil for a light coating that crisps the exterior
• Garlic powder: One teaspoon essential for savory depth
• Smoked paprika: One teaspoon adds smoky warmth and color Spanish smoked paprika is ideal if you can find it
• Onion powder: Half teaspoon rounds out the flavor profile
• Salt: Half teaspoon balances all the seasonings
• Black pepper: Half teaspoon for mild heat
• Red pepper flakes: Quarter teaspoon optional to add a hint of heat if you like a kick
• Lemon: Juice of half a lemon gives a fresh brightness when squeezed on after cooking
• Optional Dipping Sauce (ingredients): Quarter cup Greek yogurt or mayo, One tablespoon ketchup, One teaspoon Dijon mustard, Half teaspoon garlic powder, One teaspoon lemon juice, A pinch of paprika

Instructions

Prep the Shrimp:

Pat shrimp dry with paper towels very thoroughly to remove moisture which prevents crisping. Place shrimp in mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil to help seasoning stick and crisp in the air fryer. Sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using over shrimp. Toss the shrimp gently until evenly coated on all sides so every bite has flavor.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Set air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius and let it preheat for three minutes for an ideal cooking environment. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray if your basket tends to stick to avoid any shrimp sticking.

Air Fry the Shrimp:

Place shrimp in a single layer in the basket, ensuring space between each so air circulates well. If your basket is small, cook in batches to avoid crowds which can cause sogginess. Cook for six to eight minutes, halfway through shake the basket or flip shrimp using tongs to crisp all sides evenly. Remove when shrimp are pink and curled and edges show slight crispness. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over shrimp for a bright finish.

Make the Dipping Sauce (Optional):

In a small bowl whisk together Greek yogurt or mayo, ketchup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, lemon juice, and paprika until smooth. Chill the sauce until ready to serve for a cool tangy complement.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve shrimp hot on their own with dipping sauce, over fresh salad greens, tucked inside tacos, or alongside seasoned rice. Garnish with chopped parsley, green onions, or extra lemon wedges for added color and freshness.

Shrimp always bring back memories of summer evenings where my family gathered around the table sharing stories while munching on these crispy bites straight from the air fryer. My favorite part is hitting that perfect texture rim where the outside is crisp but the inside stays juicy and tender.

Storage Tips

Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days to keep freshness. Do not freeze air fried shrimp as they lose their crisp texture when thawed. Reheat gently in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for two to three minutes to bring back some crispness, avoid microwave reheating if texture matters.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap olive oil for avocado oil or any neutral tasting oil that tolerates heat well. If you do not have smoked paprika, regular paprika with a dash of cumin and chili powder makes a nice substitute. For shellfish allergies, small pieces of air fried chicken breast or tofu with the same seasoning also make a tasty alternative.

Serving Suggestions

Try these shrimp atop a mixed green salad with avocado and citrus vinaigrette for a light meal. Fill soft corn tortillas with shrimp, slaw, and a squeeze of lime for delicious tacos. Toss with pasta and garlic butter sauce for a quick seafood dinner that feels special.

Enjoy these crispy air fryer shrimp with a squeeze of lemon and your favorite sauce. They make a quick weeknight winner or a crowd pleasing appetizer.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ Can frozen shrimp be used?

Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning to ensure crispiness.

→ Which shrimp size works best?

Large or jumbo shrimp are ideal as they stay juicy and cook quickly without drying out.

→ Is pre-cooked shrimp suitable for air frying?

Pre-cooked shrimp can be used but reduce air frying time to prevent overcooking and rubbery texture.

→ How to get the shrimp extra crispy?

Dry shrimp well before seasoning and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket for even crisping.

→ What are versatile serving ideas?

Try the shrimp in tacos, salads, rice bowls, or with dipping sauces for varied flavor combinations.