Air-Fried Shrimp: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Air fryers are a quick and easy way to cook shrimp, with most recipes taking under 10 minutes. The versatility of shrimp means they can be seasoned and flavoured in a variety of ways, including Cajun, Old Bay, lemon pepper, honey-harissa, and ginger-sesame. They can be served as a main dish with rice or pasta, as a taco filling, or as a salad topping.

Air fryer shrimp preparation

Preparing shrimp in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook a versatile dish that can be served as a main, an appetizer, or added to salads, bowls, or pasta. The whole process should take no longer than 30 minutes, including preparation and cooking time.

Firstly, decide on your shrimp. Large or jumbo shrimp are recommended as they are naturally juicier, but you can use smaller shrimp and adjust the cooking time accordingly. You can also use frozen shrimp, but make sure they are fully thawed before cooking. Buying peeled and deveined shrimp will save you time, but if you are prepping the shrimp yourself, make sure to pat them dry with paper towels before cooking. This will help the shrimp get extra crispy and golden brown.

Next, you will need to season the shrimp. You can use a variety of spices, such as garlic powder, sweet paprika, dried parsley, salt, pepper, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, or chili powder. You can also add olive oil or melted butter to the shrimp before seasoning to help the spices stick. Once you have added your chosen seasonings, toss the shrimp until they are evenly coated.

Now you are ready to start cooking. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (205°C) for 5 minutes. While you are waiting, give the shrimp one last pat dry with a paper towel, then transfer them to the air fryer basket or rack, making sure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to cook the shrimp in batches.

Finally, cook the shrimp for 7 to 8 minutes at 400°F (200°C). There is no need to flip the shrimp, but you may want to shake the basket halfway through. Once the shrimp are cooked, they will be plump, juicy, and a pinkish or slightly orange hue. Serve immediately with your choice of sides or as part of a main dish.

Seasoning and cooking methods

Before cooking, it is recommended to pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This will help the shrimp get extra crispy and golden brown. You can also peel and devein the shrimp before cooking.

For seasoning, you can use olive oil, lemon juice, kosher salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and chili powder. You can also add in some cumin, chili flakes, or baking soda. Mix the spices with the oil and then add the shrimp, tossing to coat.

If you want to get creative, you can try different seasoning mixes like lemon pepper, Cajun seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, or honey-harissa. You can even add some panko bread crumbs and/or parmesan cheese for extra crispiness.

When cooking, arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping or overcrowding. Depending on the size of your air fryer and the shrimp, you may need to cook in batches.

Cook the shrimp at 400°F for 5 to 8 minutes, until they are cooked through and lightly crispy. For smaller shrimp, reduce the cooking time. You can also cook frozen shrimp in the air fryer, just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

After cooking, the shrimp can be served as a main dish with rice or pasta, as a taco filling, or as a salad topping. They can also be enjoyed as an appetizer with dipping sauces like hot honey sauce, garlic yogurt sauce, or ketchup.

How to serve air fryer shrimp

Air fryer shrimp is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:

Main Dish

Air fryer shrimp can be the star of your meal. Serve it as the main protein source, pairing it with a carb like roasted potatoes or pasta, and a vegetable like green beans or broccoli. This creates a well-rounded and delicious dinner.

Rice Bowl

Add some shrimp to a rice bowl! Check out recipes like the Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Bowl or the Ground Turkey Teriyaki Rice Bowl for inspiration.

Tacos

Shrimp tacos are a tasty option. Simply add the cooked shrimp to flour or corn tortillas with shredded lettuce, black beans, pico de gallo, guacamole, and fresh cilantro. You can also make Baja-Style Shrimp Tacos.

Appetizer

Shrimp is a great low-carb appetizer, especially when using smaller shrimp. Serve it with your favourite dipping sauce, like hot honey sauce, garlic yoghurt sauce, or ketchup.

Salads

Air fryer shrimp makes a wonderful salad topping for a light meal. Try it with a corn and tomatillo salad, or go for a heartier option like a shrimp, avocado, and quinoa salad.

Pasta

Toss some fresh air-fried shrimp into your favourite pasta dish. Try a shrimp pesto pasta or shrimp Alfredo.

Sides

When serving shrimp as the main dish, you can pair it with a variety of sides. Some suggestions include lemon wedges, roasted vegetables, or a simple garden salad.

Spices and Seasonings

Experiment with different spices and seasonings to change up the flavour of your shrimp. Try Cajun seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, lemon pepper, or a simple combination of salt and pepper. You can also try more complex seasoning blends like cilantro-lime, ginger-sesame, or honey-harissa.

Reheating and storing shrimp

Shrimp is best eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze leftover shrimp by placing them in a ziplock bag and storing them in the freezer for up to two months.

To reheat shrimp, you can use an air fryer or a baking sheet. If using an air fryer, place the shrimp in the air fryer basket and air fry for 2-3 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until heated through. If the shrimp are frozen, air fry for one minute to thaw before mixing with seasoning and oil. If using a baking sheet, thaw the shrimp and then place them on the sheet to reheat until crispy.

It is important to note that the texture of reheated shrimp may not be as good as freshly cooked shrimp. Reheating shrimp in an air fryer may also take less time than the initial cooking time, so it is important to keep a close eye on the shrimp to avoid overcooking.

Air fryer shrimp vs. other cooking methods

Air fryer shrimp is a quick and easy way to cook shrimp, and it is a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. The air fryer's convection oven-like properties make it efficient at circulating air, resulting in faster preheating and cooking times compared to a standard oven. This method is also convenient for busy weeknights, as it typically takes less than 10 minutes to prepare and cook the shrimp.

When cooking shrimp in an air fryer, it is recommended to use large or jumbo shrimp as they are naturally juicier. However, smaller shrimp can also be used by reducing the cooking time. The shrimp should be peeled, deveined, and pat dried before being seasoned and placed in the air fryer basket in a single layer. The cooking time varies depending on the air fryer brand and the size of the shrimp, but on average, it takes around 4 to 8 minutes at 400°F (200°C or 205°C).

Compared to other cooking methods such as deep frying, pan-frying, or baking, the air fryer provides a healthier option as it requires minimal oil. This results in a dish that is lower in fat and calories without compromising taste or texture. The air fryer also ensures that the shrimp is cooked evenly and prevents overcooking, a common issue with other cooking methods.

Additionally, the air fryer is versatile and allows for various seasonings and flavours to be added to the shrimp. Some popular options include lemon pepper, Cajun seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, and Italian seasoning. The shrimp can also be served in multiple ways, such as in a salad, with pasta, or as an appetizer with sauces like hot honey or garlic yoghurt.

In conclusion, the air fryer is an excellent option for cooking shrimp, offering convenience, speed, and a healthy alternative to traditional frying methods. The ability to experiment with different flavours and the guarantee of perfectly cooked shrimp make it a popular choice for those seeking a quick and tasty meal.

Frequently asked questions