Tillie Doyle
Cooking shrimp in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty, low-carb meal. It's a versatile dish that can be served as a main course, appetizer, or party snack, and it's ready in under 10 minutes! The key to getting it right is to pat the shrimp dry before cooking, so the oil and seasoning stick to the shrimp, and to cook the shrimp in a single layer to ensure even cooking. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp, and there are many different seasonings you can experiment with to find your favorite flavor.
Cooking Raw Shrimp in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shrimp Size | Small, medium, large, or jumbo |
| Shrimp Type | Fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined |
| Oil | Olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil |
| Seasoning | Lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, onion powder, oregano, parsley, seafood seasoning, or taco seasoning |
| Cooking Time | 4-10 minutes at 400°F/200°C, depending on shrimp size |
| Serving Suggestions | Salads, bowls, tacos, rice bowls, pasta, or with vegetables |
| Storage | Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the shrimp
When selecting shrimp, look for those that have already been peeled and deveined to save time on preparation. If you prefer to do this yourself, start by removing the shells and veins. Some people also recommend removing the tails, although this is a matter of personal preference. Once the shrimp are cleaned, be sure to pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial, as it helps the shrimp achieve a crispy texture during cooking and allows the oil and seasonings to adhere better.
The size of the shrimp you choose will impact the cooking time. Small shrimp typically take 5 to 7 minutes to cook, while medium shrimp take 7 to 9 minutes. Jumbo shrimp, being larger, require a few additional minutes, ranging from 8 to 11 minutes. It's important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Instead, arrange the shrimp in a single layer and cook in batches if necessary.
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Seasoning and oiling the shrimp
To prepare your shrimp for air frying, start by patting them dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps to absorb any excess moisture, ensuring that your shrimp will turn out crispy and golden brown. It also helps the oil and seasonings stick to the shrimp better during cooking.
Next, you'll want to season your shrimp. Add the shrimp to a bowl and toss them with your chosen oil and seasonings until they are evenly coated. You can use olive oil or any other cooking oil you prefer. As for seasonings, you can go with a simple combination of salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, onion powder, or lemon juice. Play around with different combinations to find your favourite! You can also try a dry brine of salt, baking soda, and sugar for plump, snappy shrimp.
When seasoning your shrimp, it's important to make sure they are not overcrowded in the bowl. You may need to work in batches to ensure each shrimp is thoroughly coated. Once they're seasoned, give them a gentle massage to help the oil and seasonings work their way into the crevices of the shrimp.
After your shrimp are seasoned and oiled, they're ready to be arranged in the air fryer basket! But remember, don't overcrowd the basket—arrange the shrimp in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
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Air fryer settings
Before cooking the shrimp, preheat your air fryer to 400ºF/200ºC. You can let it heat up for a few minutes to ensure the shrimp starts to cook quickly.
When cooking, make sure the shrimp are laid out in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking and prevent the shrimp from crisping up. If you have a lot of shrimp, work in batches.
The cooking time will depend on the size of your shrimp and the brand of your air fryer. Small shrimp will take around 5 to 7 minutes, medium shrimp will take 7 to 9 minutes, and jumbo shrimp will need an additional few minutes, typically 9 to 11 minutes. Check the shrimp around the 6-minute mark, and if yours is a larger air fryer, you may need to reduce the cooking time.
Flip the shrimp halfway through cooking to ensure they are crispy on both sides.
Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately.
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Cooking time
The cooking time for raw shrimp in an air fryer depends on the size of the shrimp and the brand of the air fryer. Small shrimp takes 5 to 7 minutes to cook, while medium shrimp takes 7 to 9 minutes. Jumbo shrimp, being larger, take a little longer, typically cooking in 9 to 11 minutes. However, one source suggests cooking jumbo shrimp for only 8 to 9 minutes, and another suggests 5 to 6 minutes for all sizes of shrimp.
If you are using frozen shrimp, it is recommended to thaw them first. Frozen shrimp will take 8 to 10 minutes to cook in a preheated air fryer at 400°F. Precooked shrimp only takes about 5 minutes.
To ensure even cooking, it is important not to overcrowd the air fryer. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer, and cook in batches if necessary. Flipping the shrimp halfway through will ensure they are crispy on both sides.
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Serving suggestions
Air fryer shrimp is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
Main Course
Air fryer shrimp can be the star of your meal, served as the main protein source. Pair it with a carb like roasted potatoes, pasta, or rice, and a vegetable side such as green beans, broccoli, or asparagus. For a well-rounded dinner, you can also add a tasty sauce or seasoning to your shrimp.
Salads and Bowls
Air fryer shrimp is a great addition to salads, such as a corn and tomatillo salad, or a rice bowl with roasted veggies, beans, avocado, and crunchy slaw. You can also make a shrimp taco bowl or a Mediterranean chicken and rice bowl.
Tacos and Tortillas
Shrimp tacos are a popular choice, and you can add your own twist with corn or flour tortillas, shredded lettuce, black beans, pico de gallo, guacamole, and fresh cilantro. For a fun appetizer, serve shrimp with tortilla chips and soft tortilla shells, along with a side of guacamole.
Appetizers and Party Dishes
Air fryer shrimp makes a great appetizer or party dish. Serve it with a homemade cocktail sauce, hot honey sauce, garlic yoghurt sauce, or ketchup for dipping. It can also be a tasty addition to a shrimp cocktail or shrimp dip.
Sides and Vegetables
Air fryer shrimp goes well with a variety of sides, including roasted broccoli rabe, butternut squash, carrots, or mashed potatoes. For a lighter option, serve it with lemon wedges or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Pasta
Toss air fryer shrimp with your favourite pasta, or try a shrimp pesto pasta.
Sandwiches
For a quick and easy meal, layer shrimp with refried beans, guacamole, salsa, and lettuce on a tostada shell or between two pieces of bread.
Reheating and Storage
Leftover air fryer shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and enjoyed cold or reheated. To reheat, use a pan on the stove or the air fryer at 300-350°F until warmed through.
With so many serving options, air fryer shrimp is a versatile and delicious addition to your culinary repertoire.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes between 4 to 10 minutes to cook raw shrimp in an air fryer. The time varies depending on the size of the shrimp and the brand of the air fryer.
Set your air fryer to 400°F/200°C.
Clean the shrimp by removing the shells and veins. Devein the shrimp and remove large tails. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel.
You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil.
The shrimp will be fully cooked when it turns pink/orange and forms a clear 'C' shape.
