Making Shrimp In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a great way to cook shrimp, as they save on oil and effort, and produce a delicious flavour and texture. Shrimp can be cooked in an air fryer in under 10 minutes, and can be served in tacos, salads, rice bowls, pasta, or as an appetiser.

How to make shrimp in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Shrimp (fresh or frozen)
• Olive oil (or avocado oil, vegetable oil, or grapeseed oil)
• Lemon juice
• Spices (e.g. garlic powder, sweet or smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, onion powder, dried parsley, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, Cajun seasoning)
• Breadcrumbs (optional)
• Eggs (optional)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF/200ºC.
• Clean and dry the shrimp, removing the shells and veins.
• In a separate bowl, mix your chosen spices with the oil and, if using, the lemon juice.
• Coat the shrimp with the spice mixture, ensuring both sides are covered.
• Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. If you have a lot of shrimp, you may need to cook them in batches.
• Air fry the shrimp for 5-8 minutes at 400ºF/200ºC. There is no need to turn them while cooking, but you may wish to shake the basket halfway through.
• Serve immediately.

Tips:

• If you want to add some breading or extra crispiness, you can dip the shrimp in egg wash and then coat them with breadcrumbs and/or Parmesan cheese before placing them in the air fryer.
• Frozen shrimp can be used, but they should be thawed and dried before cooking.
• Leftover shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or frozen for up to 2-3 months.

What to serve with air fryer shrimp

Air fryer shrimp is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas for what to serve with air fryer shrimp:

Tacos

Wrap the shrimp in corn tortillas and top with cilantro, salsa, guacamole, or a creamy lime sauce. You can even season the shrimp with Latin spices, like chili powder and cumin, or use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas to save on carbs.

Bowls

Create a bowl with a base of quinoa or rice, add your favourite vegetables, and drizzle with fresh lemon juice. You can also add other proteins like chicken or beans to make it a more filling meal.

Salads

Top any salad with air-fried shrimp for extra protein and flavour. You can also add other ingredients like avocado, cherry tomatoes, or boiled eggs to make it a more substantial meal.

Main Dish

Serve the shrimp with roasted broccoli rabe, butternut squash, carrots, or any other side dish. You can also pair it with Southern-style sides like homemade coleslaw, mac and cheese, or jalapeno cornbread.

Tostadas

Layer a tostada shell with refried beans, guacamole, salsa, and shrimp. You can also add other toppings like cheese, sour cream, or shredded lettuce for a more substantial meal.

Sandwiches

Sandwich the shrimp between two pieces of bread with butter lettuce and tartar sauce, or try a shrimp burger with cold shrimp, spicy mayo, lettuce, and tomatoes.

Pasta

Toss air-fried shrimp with your favourite pasta or add it to a cream-based pasta like carbonara or potato gnocchi. You can also try shrimp pesto pasta or add it to a spicy vodka pasta for a kick.

Appetizers

Air fryer shrimp can be a great low-carb appetizer, especially if you use smaller shrimp. Serve it with your favourite dipping sauce, like hot honey sauce, garlic yogurt sauce, or ketchup.

How to store and reheat air fryer shrimp

Air fryer shrimp is a quick and easy meal to make, but what do you do with the leftovers? Here is a guide on how to store and reheat your shrimp to keep it tasting delicious.

Storing Air Fryer Shrimp

Leftover shrimp should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for three to four days.

Reheating Air Fryer Shrimp

There are several ways to reheat your shrimp to keep it tasting great. Here are some of the best methods:

• In the air fryer: Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket and reheat for 2-4 minutes at 300-400°F, turning halfway through.
• On the stove: Heat a splash of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the shrimp in the skillet without overcrowding and heat for 2 minutes on each side or until warm.
• In the oven: Preheat the oven to 300-400°F. Place the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil. Reheat for about 10 minutes or until thoroughly warm.
• In the microwave: Place the shrimp in a single layer in a microwave-safe container and sprinkle with a tiny bit of water. Seal the container and microwave for 1-2 minutes on high.

When reheating shrimp, it is important not to overcook it, as this can make it rubbery and chewy. It is also best to consume the shrimp within 3 to 4 days of cooking it.

How to prepare shrimp for air frying

Preparing shrimp for air frying is a quick and easy process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Clean and Dry the Shrimp

Start by cleaning the shrimp. Remove the shells and veins, and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps the oil and seasonings stick to the shrimp during cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Seasoning

In a separate bowl, create your seasoning blend by mixing your chosen spices and oil. Common spices used for shrimp include garlic powder, sweet or smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, Cajun seasoning, and lemon juice. You can experiment with different spices to find your preferred flavour.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp

Place the cleaned shrimp in a bowl and pour the seasoning blend over them. Toss or mix the shrimp until they are completely coated with the seasoning on both sides. You can also rub or brush the seasoning onto each shrimp individually.

Step 4: Arrange the Shrimp in the Air Fryer Basket

Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. If you have a large quantity of shrimp, you may need to cook them in batches.

Step 5: Cook the Shrimp

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically around 400°F/200°C. Cook the shrimp for approximately 5-9 minutes, depending on their size and your air fryer model. There is no need to turn them while cooking.

Step 6: Serve

Shrimp are done when they turn a pink/orange colour and form a 'C' shape. Overcooked shrimp will close in on themselves and look like circles. Serve your air-fried shrimp with your favourite sides or use them in dishes like tacos, salads, bowls, or sandwiches. Enjoy!

Air fryer shrimp seasoning options

Air fryer shrimp is a versatile dish that can be seasoned in a variety of ways to suit your taste preferences. Here are some seasoning options to consider:

Basic Seasoning

A simple yet effective combination of spices includes garlic powder, sweet paprika, dried parsley, and salt. You can also add black pepper to this mix for an extra kick. Mix these spices with olive oil and stir to combine before adding the shrimp.

Latin-Inspired Seasoning

For a Latin-inspired twist, season your shrimp with chili powder and cumin. This combination works especially well if you plan to serve your shrimp in corn tortillas with cilantro and creamy lime sauce, creating a delicious taco dish.

Italian Seasoning

Italian seasoning is a great option if you're looking to add some Mediterranean flair to your shrimp. Combine Italian seasoning with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This blend pairs well with pasta, rice, or a salad.

Lemon Pepper Seasoning

Lemon pepper seasoning adds a zesty and tangy flavor to your shrimp. Combine lemon juice with kosher salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. This seasoning option is excellent for a shrimp salad or sandwich.

Cajun Seasoning

If you prefer a spicier option, Cajun seasoning is a great choice. You can purchase pre-made Cajun seasoning or make your own blend by mixing cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and other spices of your choice. This seasoning pairs well with rice bowls or tacos.

Old Bay Seasoning

Old Bay Seasoning is a popular choice for shrimp and can be purchased at most grocery stores. It typically includes a blend of celery salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and paprika. This seasoning is excellent for shrimp cocktails or boiled shrimp dishes.

When seasoning your shrimp, remember to pat them dry with paper towels before applying the seasoning. This ensures that the spices and oil adhere well to the shrimp. Additionally, cook your shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket and in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Frequently asked questions