You know that smoky-sweet sizzle when shrimp hits a hot pan? Now imagine getting that same golden crust without standing over the stove. Air fryer shrimp delivers all the crispy edges and tender bites you crave, in about eight minutes flat.
I started testing this method back in spring of 2019 when my youngest asked for “restaurant shrimp” three nights in a row. After tweaking the temperature twice and adding a light brush of olive oil instead of a heavy spray, we landed on something magic perfectly cooked through with just enough char on the outside. That’s the real secret: high heat and not crowding the basket.
PrintAir Fryer Shrimp Recipe – Quick Easy and Irresistible
Enjoy crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Shrimp made fast and easy. Perfect for tacos, salads, or a quick snack with minimal effort. This recipe guarantees juicy shrimp every time with simple seasoning and fast cooking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
- Method: Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 lb or 450 g shrimp or prawns large peeled deveined
- 2 tablespoons or 30 ml light olive oil
- 1 teaspoon or 2 g paprika
- 1 teaspoon or 3 g garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon or 3 g salt
- ¼ teaspoon or 0.5 g black pepper
Instructions
- Set the air fryer to 400°F or 200°C and let it warm up.
- Dry the shrimp gently, transfer to a bowl, drizzle with oil, sprinkle seasoning, and toss evenly.
- Arrange the shrimp in one layer inside the air fryer basket without stacking.
- Cook the shrimp at 400°F or 200°C for 8 to 10 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned, checking often near the end to prevent overcooking.
Notes
- You can use shrimp or prawns for this recipe
- The cooking times in the recipe are calculated for large (31/40) shrimp, and will need to be adjusted up for larger shrimp or down for smaller shrimp
- Or substitute another liquid cooking oil with a high smoke point
- Or you can use pre-made seasoning rub use around 3 teaspoons
- If unsure check with an instant-read thermometer – they should be 145°F or 63°C or higher all the way through
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 146.6kcal
- Sugar: 0.1g
- Sodium: 933.5mg
- Fat: 8.2g
- Saturated Fat: 1.1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.9g + 5.2g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Carbohydrates: 1.9g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 15.6g
- Cholesterol: 142.9mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s what makes this method so satisfying: you get that restaurant-quality sear without heating up a skillet or dealing with splattering oil. The air fryer circulates heat so evenly that every shrimp comes out with golden edges and a juicy centerno flipping required.
- Fast: From fridge to table in under 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: Toss them into tacos, pile them on salads, swirl them through pasta, or eat them straight from the basket with a squeeze of lemon.
- Minimal cleanup: One bowl for tossing, one basket for cookingthat’s it.
Key Ingredients & Simple Swaps
The ingredient list is refreshingly short. You’ll need large shrimp (peeled and deveined), light olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. That’s the whole lineupno fancy pantry staples required.
| Ingredient | What It Does | Easy Swap |
|---|---|---|
| Shrimp (large, 31/40) | Cooks quickly, stays tender | Use jumbo or medium; adjust time by 1-2 minutes |
| Light olive oil | Helps seasoning stick, adds golden color | Avocado oil or any high smoke point oil |
| Paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper | Simple, warm flavor base | Use ~3 tsp of your favorite pre-made seasoning rub |
How It All Comes Together
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F. Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towelsthis step matters more than you’d think, because moisture is the enemy of that crispy-edged texture we’re after.
Toss the shrimp in a bowl with the oil and all the seasonings until every piece is lightly coated. Arrange them in a single layer in the basket, leaving a little breathing room between each one. Crowding leads to steaming instead of crisping, and nobody wants rubbery shrimp.
Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, checking around the 7-minute mark. They’re done when they’re opaque all the way through and lightly golden on the edges. If you want to be sure, an instant-read thermometer should read 145°F in the thickest part.
Timing & Temperature Guide
| Shrimp Size | Temp | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medium (41/50) | 400°F | 6-7 minutes | Check early to avoid overcooking |
| Large (31/40) | 400°F | 8-10 minutes | Perfect balance of crisp and juicy |
| Jumbo (21/25) | 400°F | 10-12 minutes | Flip halfway for even browning |
Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
Pro Tip: If your shrimp are coming out rubbery, you’re likely cooking them a minute or two too long. Shrimp go from perfectly done to overdone fast, so start checking at the lower end of the time range.
- Not crispy enough? Make sure you patted them completely dry and didn’t skip the oilit’s essential for browning.
- Uneven cooking? Don’t stack them. If you have more than one layer, cook in batches.
- Bland flavor? Taste your seasoning mix before tossing and adjust the salt or add a pinch of cayenne for heat.
Serving Ideas & Storage
These shrimp are incredible tucked into warm tortillas with shredded cabbage and a drizzle of lime crema. They’re also perfect over a big green salad, tossed with buttery garlic noodles, or served alongside rice with a handful of fresh herbs.
| Storage Method | How Long | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator (airtight container) | Up to 3 days | Meal prep, quick lunches |
| Freezer (not recommended) | Texture suffers; best enjoyed fresh | |
| Reheat in air fryer | 2-3 minutes at 350°F | Keeps them from getting rubbery |
Note: Leftovers are great cold on salads or reheated gently. Just don’t microwave themyou’ll lose that lovely texture you worked for.
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FAQs ( Air Fryer Shrimp )
How long do you cook shrimp in the air fryer?
Cook medium shrimp for 6-8 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through. Large shrimp may need 8-10 minutes. The shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque with an internal temperature of 145°F. Don’t overcook or they’ll become rubbery.
Should you preheat the air fryer for shrimp?
Yes, preheat your air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 400°F before adding the shrimp. This ensures even cooking from the start and helps achieve that perfect crispy exterior. Preheating also reduces the overall cooking time.
Do you need to flip shrimp in air fryer?
Yes, flip the shrimp halfway through cooking for even browning on both sides. Use tongs to gently turn each piece. This prevents one side from overcooking while ensuring both sides get crispy and golden.
Can you cook frozen shrimp in the air fryer?
You can cook frozen shrimp, but thaw and pat them dry first for best results. Frozen shrimp will release excess water and won’t get as crispy. Add 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time if using thawed frozen shrimp.
What oil is best for air fryer shrimp?
Use oils with high smoke points like avocado oil, olive oil, or vegetable oil. You only need 1-2 teaspoons to lightly coat the shrimp. Avoid cooking sprays with propellants as they can damage air fryer baskets over time.
A Simple Recipe That Feels Like Home
In just ten minutes, you’ve got air fryer shrimp with golden edges and tender centersno splattering oil, no fuss. The kind of quick win that makes weeknight cooking feel a little less rushed and a lot more satisfying. You’ll love how it turns out every single time.
Here’s a trick I picked up along the way: toss leftover shrimp cold into grain bowls or wrap them in lettuce cups with a smear of spicy mayo. If you want a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes before cooking. And when reheating? A quick two-minute spin in the air fryer at 350°F keeps them tender instead of rubbery.
I’d love to know how yours turned outtag me if you share a photo, or tell me what you served them with. Did shrimp night become a regular at your table growing up, or is this a new tradition you’re starting? Either way, save this one for busy weeks when you need something fast, delicious, and a little bit special.
