Air Fryer Shrimp

Shrimp is one of my favorite things to prepare because it cooks so quickly and it can be used so many different ways.

My grilled shrimp can be served atop a salad or in tacos, and my pineapple shrimp skewers are great with almost any side dish.

I didn’t think it could get any easier than my shrimp ceviche because it doesn’t require any cooking at all, but I was wrong.

This Air Fryer Shrimp is the quickest, easiest way to make it, and it comes out perfectly juicy with a crispy exterior that makes it downright addictive.

I may or may not have eaten half of the plate after I photographed it, but that’s one of the perks of my job, I suppose. 🙂

Why you’ll love this recipe:

• Air fryer shrimp is juicy and flavorful, with a slightly crisp crust that makes it completely addicting.
• It’s an easy appetizer or dinner that’s ready in about 10 minutes.
• It includes 4 basic ingredients which can be easily customized.
• This recipe is a healthy option as it’s low carb, gluten-free and dairy-free.

Recipe ingredients

This air fryer shrimp recipe includes just 4 ingredients which can easily customized with what you have on hand.

• Shrimp. Jumbo shrimp was used in this recipe, which takes about 8 minutes to cook at 400 degrees. If using a smaller size, decrease the cooking time by 1-2 minutes. For best results, use fresh or thawed shrimp as it has the best texture. Frozen shrimp may be used, but it should be cooked just until thawed, then blotted dry as needed and seasoned accordingly before cooking through.
• Seasonings. I used a simple blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper, but you may use your favorite herbs, spices or rubs.
• Oil. The olive oil may be substituted with what you have on hand.
• Lemon. Fresh lemon juice is an optional ingredient to add just before serving for a fresh pop of flavor.

How to make shrimp in air fryer

Making shrimp in the air fryer couldn’t be easier. Simply season and cook in a single layer to ensure that the shrimp is evenly cooked.

Pro tip:  Using peeled, deveined shrimp is a huge time saver! Plan to spend 10 minutes or so of prep time if you must peel and devein your shrimp.

See the recipe card below for full instructions.

1. Toss shrimp with olive oil until well coated, then add the seasonings, salt and pepper and toss gently to combine.
2. Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
3. Cook at 400 degrees for 8 minutes until cooked through.

Recipe FAQs

Serving suggestions

• Air fryer shrimp is an easy appetizer served with Green goddess dressing, Greek tzatziki or your favorite dipping sauce.
• It makes a great topping for salads such as shrimp louie salad or Greek salad.
• Serve as tacos topped with guacamole and pineapple salsa. It can also be served as burrito bowls over cilantro lime rice with pico de gallo.
• It makes a quick and easy weeknight dinner with a simple side of classic coleslaw or corn tomato salad.

Recipe notes

• Pro tip:  Using peeled, deveined shrimp is a huge time saver! Plan to spend 10 minutes or so of prep time if you must peel and devein your shrimp.
• For best results use fresh shrimp.  If using frozen shrimp, thaw and drain well in a colander, then blot dry with paper towels before seasoning.
• Cooking time will vary based on the size of your shrimp.  Medium to large-sized shrimp will cook 1-2 minutes faster than jumbo shrimp.
• The seasoning can be customized with your favorite rubs or blends.  My blackened seasoning and taco seasoning are great options as well!
• Leftover air fryer shrimp will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

More air fryer recipes you’ll love:

• Air fryer bacon
• Air fryer baked potatoes
• Air fryer broccoli
• Air fryer brussels sprouts
• Air fryer cake by Crumb Top Baking
• Air fryer chicken breast
• Air fryer chicken wings
• Air fryer corn on the cob
• Air fryer hamburgers
• Air fryer jalapeño poppers
• Air fryer meatballs
• Air fryer pork chops
• Air fryer potato skins
• Air fryer potatoes
• Air fryer salmon
• Air fryer sweet potato fries