Making Shrimp In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a convenient and healthy alternative to deep frying, pan frying, or baking shrimp. Air-fried shrimp can be prepared in under 10 minutes and is a versatile dish that can be served as a main, in tacos, salads, bowls, or sandwiches.

To make air-fried shrimp, you'll need shrimp (peeled and deveined), olive oil or another oil of your choice, and seasonings of your choice—common options include garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Some recipes also call for an egg wash and breadcrumbs for a crispy coating.

After cleaning and seasoning the shrimp, arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. Air fry at around 400°F for 5 to 8 minutes, depending on the size of your shrimp and your air fryer model.

How to make shrimp in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Shrimp (fresh or frozen)
• Olive oil
• Lemon wedges
• Spices (e.g. garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper)
• Optional: breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Prepare the shrimp by peeling and deveining them. You can leave the shell on the tail or remove it, depending on your preference.
• If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat dry with paper towels.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C.
• In a separate bowl, mix the olive oil and spices to create a seasoning blend. You can also add lemon juice to the mix.
• Coat the shrimp with the seasoning blend. Place the shrimp in a bowl and pour the blend over them, then toss to ensure they are completely coated.
• Arrange the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket, and cook in batches if necessary.
• Air fry the shrimp for 5-8 minutes at 400°F/200°C. For smaller shrimp, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Serve immediately. The shrimp can be served as a main dish, in tacos, salads, pasta, or as an appetizer.

Tips:

• For crispy shrimp, pat them dry with paper towels before adding the seasoning.
• Don't overlap or overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the shrimp in batches if needed.
• For extra crispiness, sprinkle some breadcrumbs and/or Parmesan cheese on the shrimp before air frying.
• You can store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

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 soft or hard corn tortillas and top with salsa, guacamole, cilantro, black beans, pico de gallo, and fresh cilantro. You can also 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 or quinoa bowl with your favourite vegetables and a protein source like shrimp. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice or your favourite sauce.

Salads

Top any salad with air-fried shrimp for some extra protein. You can also add other ingredients like avocado, beans, or crunchy slaw.

Main Dish

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

Tostadas

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

Sandwiches

Make a shrimp sandwich or shrimp burger by placing the shrimp between two pieces of bread with butter lettuce and tartar sauce, or your favourite toppings like spicy mayo, lettuce, and tomatoes.

Pasta

Toss air-fried shrimp with your favourite pasta. It goes well with cream-based pasta like spaghetti aglio e olio, carbonara, or potato gnocchi.

Appetizer

Serve air-fried shrimp as a low-carb appetizer, especially if you use smaller shrimp. Provide your favourite dipping sauce on the side.

Sides

Take inspiration from the Southern USA and pair your shrimp with sides like coleslaw, mac and cheese, or jalapeno cornbread. Shrimp also goes well with leafy greens like asparagus, sauteed green beans, garlic sauteed spinach, or a simple raw cabbage salad.

How to store and reheat shrimp

Storing and reheating shrimp is a delicate process. When done correctly, you can enjoy tender and juicy shrimp for up to four days after cooking. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store and reheat shrimp to achieve the best results.

Storing Shrimp:

• It is recommended to store shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Shrimp can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
• Make sure to store the shrimp within two hours of cooking to ensure food safety.

Reheating Shrimp:

• There are several methods to reheat shrimp, including using an air fryer, oven, stovetop, steamer, or microwave.
• The air fryer and stovetop methods are particularly effective for reheating fried shrimp and keeping it crispy.
• When using the air fryer or stovetop, place the shrimp in a single layer and heat for about 2 to 4 minutes at 350°F to 400°F.
• For the oven, place the shrimp on a baking sheet and reheat for about 10 minutes at 300°F to 400°F.
• If using a steamer, place the shrimp in a single layer in the basket and steam for 2 minutes.
• The microwave is a quick option, but be cautious as microwaving for too long can make the shrimp rubbery. Microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, checking periodically.

Seasoning options for shrimp

There are countless ways to season shrimp, and you can use anything from a simple squeeze of lemon juice and oil to a complex blend of spices. Here are some ideas for seasoning options for shrimp cooked in an air fryer:

Spicy and Savoury

• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Black pepper
• Red chilli flakes
• Cajun seasoning
• Chipotle chilli powder
• Cumin
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt

Herby

• Oregano
• Basil
• Thyme
• Parsley
• Italian seasoning
• Coriander

Sweet

Regular or sweet paprika

Other

• Lemon pepper
• Allspice
• Cloves
• Nutmeg
• Cardamom
• Old Bay Seasoning

How to prepare shrimp for the air fryer

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

Step 1: Clean and Dry the Shrimp

Start by removing the legs of the shrimp. Then, peel off the shell, starting from where the legs were removed. You can leave the shell on the tail or remove it, depending on your preference and the dish you are making.

Next, use a small paring knife to devein the shrimp. Cut along the back of the shrimp where you see the dark vein and remove it with the tip of your knife or your fingers. Once peeled and deveined, run each shrimp under water to remove any remaining unwanted substances. Finally, pat the shrimp 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, mix your chosen spices and seasonings. You can use a simple seafood seasoning mix or create your own blend. Some popular options include garlic powder, sweet or smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices to find your favorite flavor combinations.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp

Place the cleaned and dried shrimp in a bowl and add your chosen oil. Olive oil or avocado oil works well. Mix until the shrimp are coated with oil. Then, add the seasoning mix and toss or stir until the shrimp are evenly coated on both sides. You can also brush the seasoning onto the shrimp if you prefer.

Step 4: Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. If you have a large number of shrimp, you may need to work in batches. Depending on the size of your shrimp, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Step 5: Air Fry the Shrimp

Once your shrimp are coated and arranged in the air fryer basket, it's time to start cooking. Air fry the shrimp at 400°F/200°C for 5-8 minutes, depending on their size. For smaller shrimp, aim for the lower end of the range, while larger shrimp may need a minute or two more.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Your shrimp are now ready to be served! They can be enjoyed as a main dish, in tacos, salads, rice bowls, or pasta. For an extra touch, serve with a squeeze of lemon juice and fresh herbs like parsley.

Frequently asked questions