Air Fryer Shrimp: Perfect Timing For Succulent Seafood

Air fryer shrimp is a quick and easy meal to make, with most recipes taking under 10 minutes to cook. The cooking time depends on the size of the shrimp and the air fryer model. It is also possible to cook frozen shrimp in an air fryer, but they may need a little extra time.

How to prep shrimp for the air fryer

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

Step 1: Clean and Dry the Shrimp

Start by removing the shells and veins from the shrimp. It is recommended to pat them dry with paper towels before adding any seasonings or oil. This step ensures that the shrimp are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside.

Step 2: Prepare the Seasoning

In a separate bowl, create your desired seasoning blend. You can use a variety of spices, such as garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, Cajun seasoning, or nutmeg. Mix the spices well, and then add oil to the blend and mix again.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp

Now, it's time to coat the shrimp with the seasoning. Place the cleaned shrimp in a bowl and pour the seasoning blend over them. Toss or mix until the shrimp are completely coated. Alternatively, you can rub or brush the seasoning onto each shrimp.

Step 4: Arrange the Shrimp in the Air Fryer Basket

Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. If you have a large quantity of shrimp, you may need to cook them in batches.

Step 5: Air Fry the Shrimp

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 390-400°F. Once preheated, place the basket in the air fryer and cook for 5-8 minutes, depending on the size of the shrimp and your air fryer model. There is no need to flip the shrimp during cooking.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

Your shrimp are cooked when they turn pink/orange and form a "C" shape. Overcooked shrimp will look like a circle. Piercing the shrimp with a fork should offer a little resistance, but they should still be tender.

Tips:

• You can use fresh or frozen shrimp, but if using frozen, ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before adding any seasonings.
• If you want breaded shrimp, dip them in an egg wash and then coat them with breadcrumbs before placing them in the air fryer.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
• For extra crispiness, flip the shrimp halfway through the cooking time.
• Experiment with different seasonings to find your favorite flavor combinations.

Preparing shrimp in the air fryer is a quick and easy process that results in delicious, crispy shrimp every time!

How to season shrimp for the air fryer

Preparing shrimp in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season shrimp for the air fryer:

Step 1: Choose Your Shrimp

Select the size of shrimp you want to cook. Jumbo shrimp are a popular choice as they are naturally juicier, but you can also use smaller shrimp. If you opt for smaller shrimp, you may need to reduce the cooking time.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

Peel and devein the shrimp. To peel, start by removing the legs, then peel off the shell. You can leave the shell on the tail or remove it, depending on your preference and the dish you are making. For deveining, use a small paring knife to cut along the back of the shrimp and remove the dark vein. Rinse the shrimp with water and place them in a bowl of cold water or ice until you are ready to cook.

Step 3: Pat the Shrimp Dry

Before adding any seasonings, it is important to pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This step will help the shrimp get crispy and golden brown when cooked in the air fryer.

Step 4: Season the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to a mixing bowl and spray or drizzle with olive oil or avocado oil. You can also use other types of oil if you prefer. Then, add your choice of seasonings and toss until the shrimp are evenly coated. There are many seasoning options to choose from:

• Seafood seasoning
• Old Bay seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Black pepper
• Lemon pepper
• Cajun seasoning
• Italian seasoning
• Smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper
• Cumin
• Chili powder

Step 5: Cook the Shrimp

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Once preheated, place the seasoned shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook for 4-8 minutes, depending on the size of your shrimp. For jumbo shrimp, aim for the higher end of the cooking time range.

And that's it! You now have delicious, seasoned shrimp cooked to perfection in your air fryer. Enjoy them as a main dish, in tacos, salads, pasta, or however you like!

How long to air fry shrimp for

Air fryer shrimp is a quick and easy meal to make for those busy weeknights. The air fryer is a convenient way to prepare a crispy texture on your favourite foods with little to no oil.

The time it takes to air fry shrimp depends on the size of the shrimp and the brand of the air fryer. For example, large or jumbo shrimp are naturally juicier than smaller ones, and therefore may take longer to cook. It is also important to ensure that the shrimp are not overcrowded in the air fryer, and are placed in a single layer to ensure even cooking.

In general, it takes between 4 to 9 minutes to air fry shrimp. For example, at 390 degrees F, it takes 4 to 5 minutes to cook shrimp in the air fryer. At 400 degrees F, it takes 5 to 6 minutes. At 200C/400F, it takes 7 to 8 minutes.

To determine if your shrimp are thoroughly cooked, they should be an evenly coloured shade of pink or opaque white with no grayish tint or translucent texture and reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F. As they cook, the shrimp will curl into the shape of a "C". A loose "C" shape indicates that the shrimp are ready to be eaten, while a tighter curl may indicate that they are overcooked.

What to serve with air fryer shrimp

Now that you've cooked your shrimp in the air fryer, it's time to think about what to serve with it. Here are some ideas:

Tacos

Wrap your air fryer 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. For a low-carb option, use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.

Bowls

Create a bowl with a base of quinoa or rice, add your favourite veggies, and drizzle with fresh lemon juice. You can also add other proteins like chicken or tofu if you're serving big portions.

Salads

Top any salad with air-fried shrimp for extra protein and a savoury kick. Try a classic Caesar salad or a Mediterranean-inspired mix with greens, veggies, and a tangy vinaigrette.

Main Dish

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

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

Try a shrimp sandwich or po'boy. Add some butter lettuce and tartar sauce, or go for a spicier option with a slathering of spicy mayo.

Sides

Keep it simple and serve your air fryer shrimp with a side of roasted vegetables, a baked potato, or mac and cheese.

Appetizers

Shrimp can be a great appetizer, especially when served with a dipping sauce like tangy seafood cocktail sauce or garlic butter.

Surf and Turf

Combine land and sea by pairing your air fryer shrimp with steak. This surf and turf option is perfect for a fancy dinner or special occasion.

With these ideas, you can create delicious and varied meals using air fryer shrimp as the star ingredient!

How to store leftover air fryer shrimp

Storing leftover air fryer shrimp is simple and can be done in a few different ways, depending on how long you want to keep it for.

Firstly, it's important to note that cooked shrimp is much more delicate than poultry or meat and doesn't stay good for as long. Shrimp is typically safe to eat for up to three days when stored in the refrigerator and up to six months when stored in the freezer.

Refrigerating Leftover Shrimp

To store leftover shrimp in the refrigerator, allow the shrimp to cool to room temperature, but do not leave it out for more than 1-2 hours after cooking to prevent bacteria growth. Then, place the shrimp in an airtight container or a heavy-duty storage bag and store it in the coldest part of the fridge for up to three days.

Freezing Leftover Shrimp

If you want to store your leftover shrimp for longer, freezing is a great option. Allow the shrimp to cool to room temperature and then place it in a heavy-duty freezer bag, or wrap it in foil and place it in an airtight container. Label and date the packaging, then store it in the freezer for up to six months.

Reheating Shrimp

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover shrimp, you can simply eat it cold, or reheat it in the microwave for 30 seconds, or in the air fryer until crispy.

Food Safety

It's important to handle seafood safely to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Cooked shrimp should not be left out for more than two hours, and for no more than one hour if the outside temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Additionally, be sure to check that your shrimp is thoroughly cooked before storing or eating. It should be an evenly coloured shade of pink or opaque white with no grayish tint or translucent texture and reach an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Frequently asked questions