Hey there shrimp lovers! I’ve been experimenting with my air fryer lately, and lemme tell you – air frying shrimp is a total game-changer! If you’re wondering whether you can fry shrimp in an air fryer the answer is a big YES! Let me share everything I’ve learned about making absolutely delicious air fryer shrimp.
Why Air Fryer Shrimp is Awesome
Before we dive into the how-to’s here’s why you’ll love cooking shrimp in your air fryer
- Super Quick: Only takes 5-10 minutes total
- Healthier Option: Uses way less oil than traditional frying
- Perfect Texture: Gets crispy outside while staying juicy inside
- Easy Clean-up: No oil splatter mess to deal with
- Versatile: Works with both fresh and frozen shrimp
What You’ll Need
Basic Ingredients:
- 1 pound jumbo or large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Your favorite seasonings (I’ll share some awesome combos below!)
Equipment:
- Air fryer
- Tongs
- Paper towels
How to Make Perfect Air Fryer Shrimp
Step 1: Prep Your Shrimp
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels
- If frozen, you can either:
- Thaw overnight in fridge (recommended)
- Cook directly from frozen (add 5 minutes to cooking time)
Step 2: Season Your Shrimp
Here’s my go-to seasoning mix:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder- 1/4 teaspoon salt- 1/4 teaspoon black pepperStep 3: Cooking Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (205°C) for 5 minutes
- Place shrimp in single layer in basket (don’t overcrowd!)
- Cook for:
- Fresh raw shrimp: 5-6 minutes
- Frozen raw shrimp: 10 minutes
- Pre-cooked shrimp: 3-4 minutes
Pro tip Flip shrimp halfway through cooking for even crispiness!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Problem: Rubbery Shrimp
- Solution: Don’t overcook! Shrimp are done when they form a ‘C’ shape and turn pink
Problem: Not Crispy Enough
- Solution: Make sure to:
- Pat shrimp really dry before cooking
- Don’t overcrowd the basket
- Use a light coating of oil
Delicious Ways to Serve Air Fryer Shrimp
-
As an Appetizer
- Serve with cocktail sauce
- Make a quick remoulade sauce
- Garlic butter dipping sauce
-
Main Dish Ideas
- Over pasta or rice
- In tacos
- On salads
- With roasted veggies
Storage Tips
- Fridge: Keep leftover shrimp in airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheating: Pop back in air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F
- Don’t Freeze: Already cooked shrimp don’t freeze well
My Favorite Variations
1. Garlic Butter Shrimp
- 3 tablespoons melted butter- 4 minced garlic cloves- Juice of 1 lemon- Fresh parsley2. Spicy Cajun Style
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne (if you're brave!)- Lemon wedges for servingFinal Tips for Success
- Buy deveined, peeled shrimp to save prep time
- Larger shrimp work better in the air fryer
- Don’t skip preheating your air fryer
- Keep an eye on cooking time – shrimp cook fast!
P.S. Don’t forget to check your shrimp’s internal temp – it should hit 120°F (49°C) for food safety. Stay safe while enjoying your yummy shrimp!
FAQs
Q: Can I use breaded shrimp?
A: Yep! Just spray with a bit of oil and add 2-3 minutes to cooking time.
Q: What about shell-on shrimp?
A: You can! Same temp, but might need extra minute or two. Great for locking in flavor!
Q: Help! My shrimp stuck to the basket!
A: Next time, give your basket a quick spray with cooking oil before adding shrimp.
Now go forth and air fry some amazing shrimp!
How to Make Air Fryer Shrimp
- To cook shrimp in the air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer at 400° F for 5 minutes.
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Drying the shrimp well helps the oil and seasonings to stick.
- In a small bowl, stir together the seasonings.
- Brush half of the olive oil over the top sides of the shrimp.
- Sprinkle with half of the seasonings, gently patting the seasoning onto the shrimp.
- Flip the shrimp over and brush oil over the other side, then sprinkle on the remaining seasonings.
- Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer. Air fry at 400° F for 3 minutes. Flip the shrimp over and cook for 1-5 more minutes, until shrimp are cooked through.
Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe Ingredients
Besides the shrimp, the only ingredients you need for this recipe are olive oil and a few pantry seasonings. It doesn’t get any easier than that!
- Shrimp: I used jumbo shrimp, which I bought frozen and thawed before cooking. (See more about cooking frozen shrimp in the air fryer below.) Buying shrimp that’s already peeled and deveined (or easy peel shrimp) will save you time and effort. Be sure to buy raw shrimp, not cooked shrimp.
- Olive Oil: Brushing the shrimp with a small amount of olive oil will help the seasonings to stick.
- Seasonings: I used a Cajun-inspired mix of seasonings. Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt and pepper combine to make a delicious shrimp seasoning. I like using smoked paprika for a touch of spicy, smoky flavor. Feel free to use sweet paprika if you prefer a milder flavor. You can substitute 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning for the individual seasonings in this recipe. Or use your favorite seasoning blend!
Find the full printable recipe with ingredient amounts and instructions in the recipe card below. If you’re just getting started with air frying, read my guide on How to Use an Air Fryer.