Hey there! I’ve been experimenting with air fryer shrimp lately, and I’m super excited to share everything I’ve learned about getting that perfect cook time. Let’s dive right in and make some amazingly juicy shrimp!
Quick Answer
For perfectly cooked air fryer shrimp, cook at 400°F for:
- Small shrimp (31-40 count): 6-8 minutes
- Medium shrimp (21-30 count): 8-10 minutes
- Large shrimp (16-20 count): 10-12 minutes
- Jumbo shrimp (U10): 10-14 minutes
Why Air Fryer Shrimp is Awesome
Y’all I gotta tell you – air fryer shrimp is a total game-changer! Here’s why I’m obsessed
- Super quick cooking time (under 10 mins!)
- Uses way less oil than traditional frying
- Gets amazingly crispy on the outside while staying juicy inside
- Perfect for busy weeknight dinners
- Great for meal prep
Essential Prep Steps
Before we start cookin’ here’s what you’ll need to do
-
Clean & Devein:
- Rinse under cold water
- Remove shells (I like keeping tails on for looks!)
- Remove that yucky black vein
- Pat dry with paper towels
-
Season:
- Toss with olive oil
- Add your fave seasonings (I’m partial to garlic powder and smoked paprika)
- Don’t forget salt and pepper!
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Here’s my foolproof method:
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (takes about 3-5 mins)
- Place shrimp in a single layer (don’t crowd them!)
- Cook according to size (see timing chart above)
- Shake basket halfway through
- Check for doneness – they should be pink and opaque
Common Mistakes (Trust Me, I’ve Made Them All!)
Listen up! These are the biggies to avoid:
- Overcrowding: Don’t pile them up! Work in batches if needed
- Skipping preheating: Those few minutes make a difference
- Not drying properly: Wet shrimp = less crispy results
- Walking away: These little guys cook fast – keep an eye on them!
Pro Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
After messing up plenty of batches (oops!), here’s what I’ve learned:
-
Frozen vs Fresh:
- Fresh is best but frozen works too
- If using frozen, thaw first for better results
- Pat dry REALLY well before seasoning
-
Temperature Matters:
- 400°F is my sweet spot
- Lower temp = less crispy
- Higher temp = risk of overcooking
-
Seasoning Ideas:
- Garlic butter (my personal fave!)
- Cajun style
- Simple lemon pepper
- Sweet chili
Serving Suggestions
Here’s how I love serving my air fryer shrimp:
- Over rice with veggies
- In tacos (Taco Tuesday win!)
- On salads
- As an appetizer with dipping sauce
- Mixed into pasta
Storage Tips
Got leftovers? Here’s the deal:
- Store in airtight container
- Keep in fridge up to 3 days
- Reheat in air fryer for 2-3 mins at 350°F
Final Thoughts
Remember: The key to success is watching those cooking times and not walking away. Every air fryer’s a bit different, so you might need to adjust slightly. But stick with these guidelines, and you’ll be golden!
Happy air frying, friends! Drop a comment if you try this out – I’d love to hear how it worked for you! ✨
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.
- Toss shrimp with olive oil until well coated, then add the seasonings, salt and pepper and toss gently to combine.
- Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook at 400 degrees for 8 minutes until cooked through.
Jumbo shrimp takes about 8 minutes of cooking time in the air fryer at a temperature of 400 degrees. Medium to large-sized shrimp will take 1-2 minutes less cooking time.
For best results, I recommend using fresh or thawed shrimp in the air fryer as it has the best texture. If your shrimp is frozen, cook in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes until thawed, then blot dry as needed and toss with the oil and seasonings and continue to cook for an additional 8 minutes or until cooked through.
- 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.
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.
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.
Air Fryer Shrimp
FAQ
How long do you cook shrimp in the air fryer?
Cook shrimp in the air fryer at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) until shrimp are bright pink on the outside and the meat is opaque, about 8 minutes.
How long do you cook raw shrimp for?
Raw shrimp typically cooks in 2-5 minutes, depending on the cooking method and shrimp size.
How to tell if shrimp is done in an air fryer?
Check for doneness: The shrimp should be opaque, pink, and form a loose “C” shape (not a tight “O”). If using an instant-read thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 145°F in the meatiest part. Since cooking times can vary by air fryer model, check for doneness at 4 minutes to prevent overcooking.
How long do you fry shrimp at 350 degrees?
How long to cook shrimp in air fryer?
It is generally recommended to cook shrimp at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes. However, cooking times may vary based on the size and thickness of the shrimp. Shake or flip the shrimp: Halfway through the cooking time, pause the air fryer and shake the basket or flip the shrimp using tongs. This helps to ensure even browning and cooking on all sides.
How do I make air fried shrimp crispy?
To ensure your air-fried shrimp turns out perfectly cooked and crispy every time, here are a few additional tips to keep in mind: Preheating your air fryer before cooking is crucial to ensure even cooking and optimal results. Most air fryers require preheating for around 3-5 minutes before adding the ingredients.
Can You air Fry shrimp?
Excess moisture on the surface of the shrimp can hinder the crisping process and result in less desirable texture. Use a mist of oil: While the air fryer eliminates the need for excessive oil, a light mist of oil on the shrimp can help enhance the crispy exterior. Use an oil mister or cooking spray to evenly coat the shrimp before air frying.
Can you cook thawed shrimp in an air fryer?
To cook thawed shrimp in the air fryer, set air fryer to 400ºF and cook for 3-4 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. To cook frozen shrimp in the air fryer, set temperature to 400ºF and cook for 6-8 minutes. Can you cook shrimp in an air fryer? Yes! Shrimp are perfect for cooking in an air fryer.
Should you season shrimp before cooking in an air fryer?
Yes, seasoning shrimp before cooking in an air fryer is highly recommended to enhance their flavor. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as garlic powder, paprika, lemon juice, or even a simple salt and pepper mix, depending on your flavor preference.
Do you need oil when cooking shrimp in an air fryer?
It is not necessary to use oil when cooking shrimp in an air fryer, as the hot air circulating in the fryer will crisp up the shrimp without the need for added oil. However, you can lightly coat the shrimp with oil for a crispier texture if desired.