Air-Fryer Shrimp: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Making shrimp in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty, healthy meal. It's a versatile dish that can be served as a main course, in tacos, pasta, salads, or as an appetizer. The best part? It only takes around 5 to 10 minutes to cook!

To make air-fried shrimp, you'll need shrimp (fresh or frozen), oil, and your choice of seasonings. Start by cleaning the shrimp and removing the shells and veins. Then, mix the oil and seasonings in a bowl, and brush the mixture onto the shrimp. Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at 390-400°F for 4 to 8 minutes, depending on the size of your shrimp. That's it! You can now enjoy juicy and tender shrimp that's perfectly cooked and full of flavour.

How to clean shrimp before air frying

Preparing shrimp for air frying is a straightforward process, but it does require a few steps to ensure the shrimp are cleaned properly. Here is a detailed guide on how to clean shrimp before air frying:

Defrost the Shrimp

If you are using frozen shrimp, it is essential to defrost them properly. The best way is to place the shrimp in a bowl and leave them in the refrigerator overnight. If you are short on time, you can also run cold water over the shrimp in a sealed bag for 5-10 minutes. Do not use warm or hot water, as this will affect the texture of the shrimp.

Rinse the Shrimp

Once the shrimp are defrosted, place them in a colander and rinse them thoroughly with cold water. This step helps remove any loose shell bits or residue. When rinsing, inspect each shrimp closely and discard any that appear slimy, discoloured, or have a strong fishy odour.

Remove the Head and Legs

Removing the head is optional but can be done by pinching the head between your fingers and twisting until it comes off. Alternatively, use kitchen shears to cut the connection between the head and the body. After removing the head, turn the shrimp so that the belly is facing you. Grasp the legs firmly and pull them towards the tail, breaking them off.

Peel the Shell

There are a few ways to remove the shell. You can start from the tail end, where the legs were removed, and pull the shell off in segments. Alternatively, use a small paring knife to cut along the back ridge of the shrimp to separate the shell, and then pull it off.

Remove the Vein (Optional)

Along the back of the shrimp is a dark vein, which is the intestinal tract. To remove it, use a small paring knife to make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp. Then, use the tip of the knife or your fingers to lift and pull out the vein. This step is optional but may improve the appearance of the shrimp and eliminate any worries about consuming the digestive tract.

Dry the Shrimp

After cleaning, rinse the shrimp again with cold water to remove any remaining residue. Then, place the shrimp on a paper towel and ensure they are thoroughly dried before cooking.

Store Properly

If you are not cooking the shrimp immediately, store them loosely in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Shrimp are highly perishable, so it is important to consume them as soon as possible after cleaning.

How to season shrimp for air frying

Preparing shrimp in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. Here are some detailed steps on how to season shrimp for air frying:

Firstly, you'll want to pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel. This step is important to ensure that the shrimp gets extra crispy and golden brown during the air-frying process.

Next comes the seasoning. For this step, you'll need a mixing bowl, olive oil or avocado oil, and your choice of seasonings. Add the shrimp to the bowl and pour in the oil. You only need a small amount of oil, as air frying requires very little. For the seasonings, you can use a simple seafood seasoning mix, or create your own blend. Some suggested seasonings include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, lemon juice, salt, and Italian seasoning. Mix the shrimp, oil, and seasonings together until the shrimp are fully coated.

Once the shrimp are seasoned, it's time to arrange them in the air fryer basket. Make sure to place them in a single layer, without overcrowding the basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the shrimp in batches.

Finally, it's time to air fry! Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook the shrimp for 4-8 minutes, depending on their size. For larger shrimp, you may need to increase the cooking time. If you're using an air fryer that fits a large basket, like the Phillips air fryer, 7 minutes should be sufficient. For smaller air fryers, you may need to check on the shrimp around the 6-minute mark to ensure they don't overcook.

And that's it! You now have delicious, juicy, and tender air-fried shrimp that can be enjoyed as a main dish, in tacos, salads, pasta, or however you like.

How long to air fry shrimp

The cooking time for air fryer shrimp varies depending on the size of the shrimp and the brand of the air fryer. On average, it takes 7 to 8 minutes to cook shrimp in an air fryer at 200C/400F. However, it is important to note that the cooking time may be shorter or longer depending on the specific circumstances. For example, larger shrimp may take a little longer to cook, while smaller shrimp will cook faster. Additionally, different air fryer brands may have slight variations in cooking time, so it is recommended to keep an eye on the shrimp while it is cooking and adjust the time accordingly.

When cooking shrimp in an air fryer, it is important to arrange the shrimp in a single layer and in batches to ensure even cooking. Overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to unevenly cooked shrimp and prevent them from crisping up properly. It is also a good idea to flip the shrimp halfway through the cooking process to ensure they are crisp on both sides.

To check if the shrimp is done, look for a few key indicators. Fully cooked shrimp will have a pinkish or slightly orange hue and will be opaque. They will also curl into a "C" shape when cooked properly.

How to store leftover shrimp

Storing leftover shrimp correctly is important to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store leftover shrimp:

Refrigeration

Leftover shrimp can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. It is important to refrigerate the shrimp within two hours of cooking it. Place the shrimp in shallow airtight containers or wrap it tightly with heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic wrap. Ensure your refrigerator is set to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.

Freezing

If you want to store shrimp for longer, you can freeze it. Frozen shrimp will stay good for up to three months in the freezer. To freeze shrimp, place it in an airtight wrap or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. The shrimp will remain safe to eat indefinitely in the freezer, but its quality will start to suffer after three months.

Reheating

Leftover shrimp can be eaten cold or reheated. To reheat, place the shrimp in the microwave for 30 seconds to one minute, or until warmed through. You can also reheat shrimp in a pan on the stove or in the air fryer at 300-350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through.

What to serve with air-fried shrimp

There are many options for what to serve with air-fried shrimp. Here are some ideas:

Tacos

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

Bowls

Fill a bowl with quinoa or rice, your choice of veggies, and a protein like air-fried shrimp. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice or your favorite sauce.

Salads

Top any salad with air-fried shrimp for extra protein. You can also add other proteins, like chicken or tofu, for a heartier salad.

Main Dish

Serve the shrimp with roasted broccoli rabe, butternut squash, carrots, or any other side dish. You can also add 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 cheese, sour cream, or avocado.

Sandwiches

Sandwich the shrimp between two pieces of bread with butter lettuce and tartar sauce, or your favorite condiments.

Appetizers

Air-fried shrimp can be served as a low-carb appetizer, especially if you use smaller shrimp. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, like spicy remoulade, hot honey sauce, garlic yogurt sauce, or ketchup.

Frequently asked questions