Air Fryer Shrimp

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Shrimp has always been one of those go-to proteins for me—quick, versatile, and always satisfying. But ever since I started making Air Fryer Shrimp, it’s taken on a whole new level of ease and crispiness. With just a handful of ingredients and almost zero cleanup, it’s the kind of meal I can whip up on a busy weeknight or serve as an appetizer at a dinner party without breaking a sweat.

What I love most is how the air fryer locks in that juicy tenderness while giving the shrimp a beautifully crisp coating. No oil splatters, no hovering over the stove—just juicy, golden bites with a perfect crunch. Whether I’m tossing them in a salad, serving them with dipping sauce, or just enjoying them straight off the plate, these shrimp never stick around for long.

---

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Shrimp

• Crispy without deep-frying: Get that golden, crispy texture with a fraction of the oil.
• Fast & easy: Ready in under 15 minutes from prep to plate.
• Perfect for any occasion: Serve it as a main, appetizer, or even a salad topper.
• Minimal ingredients: Most of what you need is probably already in your pantry.
• Customizable seasoning: Spice it up or keep it simple—totally your call.

---

What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use?

For this Air Fryer Shrimp recipe, I prefer using large or extra-large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined with the tails on or off depending on how I’m serving them. Frozen shrimp work just fine too—just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning. The dry surface helps the coating crisp up better in the air fryer. If you’re shopping fresh, go for wild-caught when available for the best flavor.

---

Options for Substitutions

Don’t worry if you’re missing a few ingredients—this recipe is flexible:

• Breadcrumbs: You can swap regular breadcrumbs for panko if you want extra crunch, or use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the dish gluten-free.
• Seasoning: Feel free to play around. Old Bay, Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, or even taco seasoning are great flavor twists.
• Oil spray: If you don’t have avocado or olive oil spray, a light brush of oil will work. Just don’t overdo it—shrimp doesn’t need much.
• Protein swap: Not a shrimp fan? This same method works beautifully with scallops or even small chunks of chicken breast.

---

Ingredients for This Air Fryer Shrimp

• Raw Shrimp: The star of the show—tender, juicy, and quick to cook. Choose large shrimp for a meatier bite.
• Olive Oil or Avocado Oil Spray: Helps achieve that golden, crisp coating without deep-frying.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a savory depth and warmth to every bite.
• Paprika: Gives a mild smokiness and a rich color.
• Salt & Pepper: The basics that enhance all the other flavors.
• Breadcrumbs or Panko: This is what gives the shrimp that crispy texture. Panko is especially good for added crunch.
• Chopped Fresh Parsley: Optional, but it adds a nice pop of color and freshness as a garnish.
• Lemon Wedges (for serving): A quick squeeze of lemon brightens everything up right before serving.

---

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

Start by peeling and deveining your shrimp if they aren’t already cleaned. Pat them dry with a paper towel—this step is crucial for getting them crispy in the air fryer.

---

Step 2: Season and Coat

In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Then sprinkle the breadcrumbs or panko over them and gently toss until the shrimp are evenly coated. You want just enough to create a light crust.

---

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3 to 5 minutes. A hot air fryer ensures the shrimp cook evenly and crisp up quickly.

---

Step 4: Air Fry the Shrimp

Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket—don’t overcrowd them. Lightly spray them with oil. Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through. The shrimp should be opaque and golden on the outside.

---

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the air fryer and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve with lemon wedges or your favorite dipping sauce while still hot and crispy.

---

How Long to Cook the Air Fryer Shrimp

Shrimp cook incredibly fast, especially in the air fryer. At 400°F (200°C), they usually take about 6 to 8 minutes total, depending on their size. Flip them halfway through to ensure even browning. You’ll know they’re done when they turn opaque and have a slight golden crust on the outside.

---

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Shrimp

• Don’t skip drying the shrimp: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
• Preheat your air fryer: A hot basket helps start the crisping process right away.
• Don’t overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed. Air circulation is key to that crispy finish.
• Use oil spray sparingly: Just a light mist helps the breadcrumbs brown beautifully.
• Watch closely: Shrimp overcook easily. Pull them out as soon as they’re firm and opaque.
• Use panko for extra crunch: If you’re after that restaurant-style texture, panko is the way to go.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the drying step: Damp shrimp won’t crisp up properly—make sure they’re fully patted dry.
• Overcrowding the basket: This leads to uneven cooking and soggy spots. Give each shrimp space.
• Overcooking: Shrimp cook fast, and even one extra minute can make them rubbery.
• Not flipping halfway: This ensures both sides get golden and evenly cooked.
• Using too much oil: A heavy hand can make the coating greasy instead of crispy.

---

What to Serve With Air Fryer Shrimp?

Garlic Butter Rice

Light and fluffy rice with just enough richness to pair perfectly with the shrimp.

Crispy Coleslaw

The cool crunch of slaw offers a nice contrast to the hot, crisp shrimp.

Lemon Orzo Salad

Bright, citrusy, and packed with herbs—it balances the savory shrimp wonderfully.

Tartar Sauce or Aioli

A creamy dip always hits the spot with crisp shrimp. Try spicy mayo for a twist!

Grilled Vegetables

Zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus give you a colorful, healthy side.

Corn on the Cob

Simple, sweet, and satisfying—brushed with a little butter and lime zest.

Avocado Salad

Creamy avocado with cherry tomatoes and red onion gives a fresh, vibrant bite.

Soft Tortillas

Turn the shrimp into tacos with some shredded lettuce and salsa for a fun meal idea.

---

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers, let the shrimp cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3–4 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving—they’ll turn rubbery and lose their crunch.

Freezing cooked shrimp isn’t ideal if you want to keep that crisp texture, but if needed, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer for 5–7 minutes.

---

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a general estimate for a serving of Air Fryer Shrimp (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 210
• Protein: 24g
• Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 480mg

These values may vary depending on the exact size of shrimp, amount of coating, and type of oil or breadcrumbs used.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp without thawing?

No, it’s best to thaw the shrimp first. Cooking them frozen can lead to uneven texture and watery results.

What size shrimp is best for air frying?

Large (31–40 count) or extra-large shrimp (26–30 count) work best—they’re meaty and stay juicy inside.

Do I have to peel the shrimp before air frying?

Yes, unless you’re going for a peel-and-eat style. Peeled shrimp cook more evenly and are easier to coat.

Can I make these shrimp without breadcrumbs?

You can! Just season them well and air fry. They won’t be as crispy but still delicious.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Definitely—add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or use a spicy seasoning blend.

What if I don’t have an oil spray?

Brush the shrimp lightly with oil using a pastry brush or your hands to avoid over-oiling.

How do I know when the shrimp are done?

They’ll turn opaque and curl into a “C” shape. Avoid letting them curl too tightly—that means they’re overcooked.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even crispiness.

---

Conclusion

Air Fryer Shrimp is the ultimate example of how simple ingredients and a little heat can turn into something incredibly satisfying. It’s a recipe I come back to again and again—whether I need a quick dinner, a party appetizer, or just something that feels indulgent without being heavy. Crisp, flavorful, and endlessly versatile, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen too.

---

Print