Air Fryer Shrimp: Fast, Crispy, And Delicious

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook juicy and tender shrimp in just 5-10 minutes. The cooking time depends on the size of the shrimp and the power of the air fryer. For example, large shrimp will take around 10 minutes to cook in a 1500-watt air fryer.

To prepare, simply toss the shrimp with olive oil and your choice of seasonings, such as garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Then, air fry at 400°F for 5-10 minutes, depending on the size of your shrimp.

Air fryer shrimp is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, in tacos, pasta, salad, or with your favorite sides. It's a quick, easy, and healthy option for any busy weeknight.

How to prepare shrimp for air frying

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

Step 1: Peel and Devein the Shrimp

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

To devein the shrimp, use a small paring knife to cut along the back of the shrimp where you see the dark vein. Then, remove the vein with the tip of your knife or your fingers. Once you have finished peeling and deveining, rinse each shrimp under water to remove any remaining unwanted substances. Finally, place the prepared shrimp in a bowl of cold water or ice until you are ready to cook.

Step 2: Thaw Frozen Shrimp (if applicable)

If you are using frozen shrimp, you will need to thaw them before cooking. There are two methods to do this:

• Place the frozen shrimp in a bowl and leave them to thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Run the frozen shrimp under cold water for 2-3 minutes until you are able to begin peeling off the shell.

Step 3: Season the Shrimp

Add the peeled, deveined, and cleaned shrimp to a mixing bowl. You can season the shrimp with a variety of spices, such as garlic powder, sweet paprika, dried parsley, salt, onion powder, or Italian seasoning. For a simple option, use a store-bought seafood seasoning mix. Drizzle olive oil or avocado oil over the shrimp and toss until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.

Step 4: Arrange the Shrimp in the Air Fryer Basket

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the seasoned shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches.

Step 5: Air Fry the Shrimp

Air fry the shrimp for 4-6 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your shrimp, you may need to increase the cooking time by 1-2 minutes. The shrimp are done when they turn pinkish-orange in color and form a 'C' shape.

How to cook shrimp in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Shrimp (raw, peeled, deveined, with or without tails)
• Olive oil (or another cooking oil of your choice)
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Italian seasoning (or oregano)
• Onion powder (optional)
• Parsley (optional)

Utensils

• Paper towels
• Mixing bowl
• Air fryer

Method

• Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel.
• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice (if using). Add the seasonings and mix well.
• Toss the shrimp in the seasoning mix, ensuring they are well coated.
• Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket—cook in batches if necessary.
• Air fry the shrimp for 7-9 minutes at 200C/400F, shaking the basket halfway through. The shrimp are done when they are pink/orange and form a 'C' shape.
• Serve immediately.

Tips

• If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed and dried before adding the seasoning.
• For extra crispiness, sprinkle with panko breadcrumbs and/or parmesan cheese before cooking.
• Change up the seasonings to suit your taste—try Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, or Old Bay seasoning.

How long to cook shrimp in an air fryer

Air fryer shrimp is a quick and easy meal that can be ready in under 10 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your shrimp and the power of your air fryer, but generally, you'll be enjoying perfectly cooked shrimp in no time!

How to Cook Shrimp in an Air Fryer

First, you'll want to peel and devein your shrimp if they aren't already. You can leave the tail on or off, depending on your preference and the dish you're making. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel—this will help them get crispy in the air fryer.

Next, it's time to season your shrimp. You can use a simple combination of olive oil and seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, or get creative with Old Bay seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or lemon pepper. You only need a small amount of oil—just enough to help the seasonings stick to the shrimp.

Now it's time to cook your shrimp! Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they're not overcrowded. Overcrowding will lead to uneven cooking. Cook at 400°F for 5-6 minutes for jumbo shrimp, or a little less for smaller shrimp. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Shrimp

• Don't overcook your shrimp. They cook quickly and can go from perfectly cooked to rubbery in no time.
• Fresh shrimp is best, but if you're using frozen shrimp, make sure they're fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
• Don't spray the air fryer basket with oil. This will make it harder to clean. Instead, coat the shrimp with oil so that the spices stick to them.

Serving Ideas

Air fryer shrimp is incredibly versatile and can be served in so many ways. Here are some ideas:

• Tacos or burritos: Wrap your shrimp in tortillas with your favorite toppings.
• Pasta: Toss shrimp with your favorite pasta dish for a protein boost.
• Rice: Serve shrimp with steamed rice or make a shrimp bowl.
• Salad: Add shrimp to a leafy green salad for some extra protein.
• Veggies: For a low-carb option, pair shrimp with steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots.
• Appetizer: Serve shrimp as a low-carb appetizer, especially if they're on the smaller side.

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 air fryer shrimp:

Shrimp Salad

Add the cooked shrimp to a salad or serve it over your favourite greens. This is a great option if you're looking for a light and refreshing meal. You can also add some vegetables like avocado, tomatoes, or cucumbers to your salad.

Shrimp Sandwich

For a quick and easy meal, make a shrimp sandwich. Spread some spicy mayo on a piece of bread, add lettuce, tomatoes, and of course, the air fryer shrimp. You can eat it cold or warm, depending on your preference.

Shrimp Tacos

Add a twist to your regular taco night by using air fryer shrimp as the filling. Place the shrimp in soft or hard shell tacos, and top with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. You can also add some Latin spices like chili powder and cumin to the shrimp for extra flavour.

Shrimp Bowls

Create a hearty and nutritious bowl by adding quinoa or rice, roasted vegetables, and the air fryer shrimp. Drizzle some fresh lemon juice over the bowl for added flavour.

Shrimp Pasta

Toss the air fryer shrimp with your favourite pasta. You can also add some pesto or a creamy sauce to the pasta for extra flavour.

Appetizer or Party Dish

Air fryer shrimp makes a great appetizer or party dish. Serve it with some fun sauces like hot honey sauce, garlic yogurt sauce, or ketchup. Your guests will surely enjoy this tasty treat.

Main Dish

Make a delicious main dish by serving the air fryer shrimp with roasted vegetables like broccoli rabe, butternut squash, or carrots. You can also serve it with a side of rice or quinoa.

Tostadas

Layer a tostada shell with refried beans, guacamole, salsa, and the air fryer shrimp. You can also add some sour cream and cheese for extra flavour.

Shrimp Fajitas

If you're looking for a fun and interactive meal, make shrimp fajitas. Cook the shrimp in a skillet with some vegetables like onions and peppers, and serve with warm tortillas. Your guests can assemble their own fajitas, making it a fun and engaging meal.

How to store leftover shrimp

Storing leftover shrimp is a straightforward process, but it requires care and attention to ensure the shrimp stays fresh and safe to eat. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Refrigerating Leftover Shrimp

If you plan to consume the leftover shrimp within a few days, refrigeration is a suitable option. Here's what you need to do:

• Cool the Shrimp: Allow the shrimp to cool down to room temperature. Do not leave the shrimp at room temperature for more than 1-2 hours, as this can promote bacterial growth.
• Storage Container: Place the shrimp in an airtight container or a heavy-duty storage bag. Ensure the container is shallow if you are storing a large quantity of shrimp.
• Refrigerator Temperature: Store the shrimp in the coldest part of your refrigerator. Make sure your refrigerator is set to 40°Fahrenheit or lower.
• Storage Duration: Properly stored shrimp will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Leftover Shrimp

If you don't plan to consume the shrimp within a few days, freezing is a better option to preserve its freshness and quality. Here's how to do it:

• Cool the Shrimp: As with refrigeration, allow the shrimp to cool down to room temperature before freezing. Adhere to the 1-2 hour guideline to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezer Packaging: Place the shrimp in a heavy-duty freezer bag. Alternatively, you can wrap the shrimp in foil and then place it in an airtight container for added protection.
• Label and Date: Label the packaging with the date of freezing. This helps you keep track of how long the shrimp has been frozen.
• Storage Duration: Frozen shrimp can be stored for up to 3 months and remains safe to eat indefinitely. However, for the best quality, it is recommended to consume it within 6 months.

Reheating Frozen Shrimp

When you're ready to use your frozen shrimp, simply take it out of the freezer and reheat it. You can place it directly into a pan for reheating or add it to a dish and heat it accordingly. You can also thaw the shrimp in the refrigerator before reheating if you prefer.

Frequently asked questions