Air-Fryer Shrimp: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a great way to cook shrimp, with many recipes available online. The cooking time is usually under 10 minutes, and the results are tender and juicy. You can use frozen shrimp, but it's important to thaw them first and pat them dry. Some recipes call for breading, while others suggest a simple spice rub. Air-fried shrimp can be served as an appetiser with sauce, or as a main course with vegetables or in tacos, pasta, or salad.

Air fryer shrimp recipes

Air-fried shrimp is a quick, tasty, and healthy meal that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some tips and recipes to help you make the perfect air-fried shrimp.

Tips for Preparing Shrimp

• Use large or jumbo shrimp for the best results, as they are juicier than smaller ones.
• Clean and dry the shrimp before cooking. Remove the shells and veins, and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help the oil and seasonings stick to the shrimp.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer. Cook the shrimp in a single layer and in batches if necessary.
• Flip the shrimp halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Experiment with different seasonings to find your favorite flavor. Some popular options include lemon pepper, Cajun seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, and more.

Basic Air Fryer Shrimp

Ingredients:

• Shrimp (large or jumbo)
• Olive oil (or any oil of your choice)
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Italian seasoning

Directions:

• Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel.
• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice. Add the seasonings and mix well.
• Toss the shrimp in the seasoning mix until coated.
• Air fry the shrimp at 200C/400F for 7-8 minutes.
• Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos

Ingredients:

• Shrimp
• Corn tortillas
• Cilantro
• Creamy lime sauce
• Latin spices (optional)

Directions:

• Prepare the shrimp as described in the basic recipe above.
• Wrap the shrimp in corn tortillas and top with cilantro and creamy lime sauce.
• If desired, season the shrimp with Latin spices such as chili powder and cumin.
• Enjoy!

Air Fryer Shrimp Salad

Ingredients:

• Cooked shrimp
• Your choice of greens and vegetables

Directions:

• Prepare the shrimp as described in the basic recipe above.
• Add the cooked shrimp to your favorite salad or serve it over greens.
• Enjoy!

Air Fryer Shrimp Pasta

Ingredients:

• Cooked shrimp
• Your favorite pasta

Directions:

• Prepare the shrimp as described in the basic recipe above.
• Toss the cooked shrimp with your favorite pasta. Cream-based pasta, such as spaghetti aglio e olio or carbonara, works particularly well.
• Enjoy!

How long to air fry shrimp

Air fryer shrimp is a quick and easy meal that can be ready in under 10 minutes. The cooking time depends on the size of the shrimp and the brand of the air fryer. For example, a Phillips air fryer cooks shrimp perfectly in 7 minutes, while a larger air fryer may take a little longer.

To cook shrimp in an air fryer, first pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel. Then, add the shrimp to a bowl with olive oil and seasonings, and mix until the shrimp are coated. Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Cook at 400°F/200°C for 5 to 9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

It is important not to overcrowd the air fryer, as this will prevent the shrimp from cooking evenly. If you are cooking a large batch of shrimp, you may need to cook them in batches. Flipping the shrimp halfway through will ensure they are crisp on both sides.

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, black beans, or a creamy lime sauce. You can season the shrimp with Latin spices like chili powder and cumin, or use taco seasoning. For a low-carb option, use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.

Bowls

Create a rice bowl or a quinoa bowl with your choice of vegetables and drizzle with fresh lemon juice. You can also add beans, avocado, or crunchy slaw for a heartier meal.

Salads

Top any salad with air-fried shrimp for extra protein. It goes well with Mediterranean chopped salad, Caesar salad, or a simple cabbage salad.

Main Dish

Serve the shrimp with roasted vegetables like broccoli rabe, butternut squash, or carrots. You can also pair it with 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 avocado.

Sandwiches

Make a shrimp sandwich or shrimp burger by placing the shrimp between two pieces of bread with butter lettuce and tartar sauce, or 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 spaghetti aglio e olio.

Appetizer

Serve the shrimp as a low-carb appetizer, especially if you use smaller shrimp. Offer a variety of dipping sauces like hot honey sauce, garlic yogurt sauce, or ketchup.

Sides

Shrimp goes well with leafy greens like asparagus, sauteed green beans, garlic sauteed spinach, or cabbage salad.

Can you use frozen shrimp in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook frozen shrimp in an air fryer! It's a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy dinner. There's no need to defrost the shrimp before cooking, and the whole process should take less than 15 minutes.

To cook frozen shrimp in an air fryer, first, separate the shrimp and knock off any ice crystals. Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for around 4-11 minutes at 400°F/200°C, shaking the basket halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your shrimp and the model of your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Before cooking, you can season the shrimp with spices such as garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, cumin, or black pepper. You can also brush the shrimp with oil or butter to add extra flavour and crispiness.

Once cooked, your shrimp will be pink/orange and form a 'C' shape. They should be slightly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Serve them as an appetizer with your favourite sauce, or add them to tacos, salads, bowls, or pasta dishes.

How to store leftover air fryer shrimp

To store leftover air fryer shrimp, you'll need to refrigerate or freeze it.

Refrigerating Leftover Air Fryer Shrimp

Leftover shrimp should be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic wrap. It will last in the fridge for up to three or four days. When reheating, you can either eat the shrimp cold or pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds.

Freezing Leftover Air Fryer Shrimp

If you're not planning to eat your leftover shrimp within three or four days, it's best to freeze it. Frozen shrimp will stay good to eat indefinitely, but it's best to consume it within three months to avoid any loss in quality. To freeze shrimp, place it in a heavy-duty freezer bag or wrap it in foil and place it in an airtight container.

Frequently asked questions