Air Fryer Shrimp: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Air fryer shrimp is a quick and easy meal that can be prepared in under 10 minutes. It is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course, in tacos, salads, pasta, or as an appetizer. The key to cooking shrimp in an air fryer is to ensure that they are not overcrowded in the basket and are cooked in a single layer. This allows them to cook evenly and ensures that they are crispy. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the shrimp and the brand of the air fryer, but on average, it takes about 5-8 minutes to cook at a temperature of 400°F/200°C. Frozen shrimp can also be used, but it is important to thaw and pat them dry before cooking.

Seasoning options for shrimp

There are many ways to season shrimp, and the right blend of spices can really make the dish. Here are some ideas for seasoning options to elevate your air fryer shrimp:

• Cajun-inspired seasoning: smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. You can also use sweet paprika for a milder flavour.
• Mediterranean-inspired seasoning: garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
• Spicy shrimp: add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to your seasoning blend for a kick.
• Lemon-herb shrimp: combine lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic powder, dried parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Latin-inspired shrimp: season the shrimp with chili powder and cumin, and serve in corn tortillas with cilantro and creamy lime sauce.
• Old Bay seasoning: a classic blend of celery salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and paprika.
• Parmesan-garlic shrimp: coat the shrimp in a mixture of Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.
• Indian-inspired shrimp: try a blend of cumin, coriander, turmeric, and paprika.
• Keep it simple: sometimes, less is more. A simple blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder can really let the natural sweetness of the shrimp shine.

How to cook shrimp in an air fryer

Air-fried shrimp is a quick, easy, and tasty dish that can be prepared in several ways. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook shrimp in an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Before cooking, you need to clean and dry the shrimp. Start by removing the shells and veins. You can leave the tail on or remove it, depending on your preference and the dish you are making. After cleaning, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps the oil and seasonings stick to the shrimp during cooking.

Step 2: Make the Seasoning Blend

In a separate bowl, mix your chosen spices and seasonings. You can use a simple blend of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, or get creative with seasonings like garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, Cajun seasoning, or chili powder. Mix the spices, then add the oil and mix well.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp

Place the cleaned shrimp in a bowl and pour the seasoning blend over them. Toss or mix until the shrimp are completely coated with the seasoning on both sides. You can also brush the seasoning onto each shrimp individually.

Step 4: Arrange the Shrimp in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C. Arrange the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. If you have a lot of shrimp, you may need to cook them in batches.

Step 5: Cook the Shrimp

Cook the shrimp for 5-8 minutes at 400°F/200°C. There is no need to turn them while cooking. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your shrimp and your air fryer. For larger shrimp, you may need to cook for 8-9 minutes.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

Fully cooked shrimp will have turned from dull grey and white to a pink/orange colour and formed a 'C' shape. They should offer a little resistance when pierced with a fork but still be tender. If the shrimp have closed in on themselves and look like circles, they are overcooked.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Air-fried shrimp can be served as a main dish with sides, or used in tacos, salads, pasta dishes, or rice bowls. They can also be enjoyed as a low-carb appetizer with your favourite dipping sauce.

How to know when shrimp is cooked

There are several ways to determine whether your shrimp is cooked:

• Look at the colour: Raw shrimp is usually grey and translucent. When cooked, shrimp should be white with pops of pink or red. You shouldn't be able to see into the shrimp anymore.
• Evaluate the shape: Raw shrimp tend to be fairly straight. When cooked, shrimp will curl into a "C" shape. Overcooked shrimp will curl further into an "O" shape.
• Feel the texture: Undercooked shrimp will feel fleshy and springy. Overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery. Perfectly cooked shrimp will be tender and have a slight give.
• Take the temperature: The internal temperature of fully cooked shrimp is 120°F (49°C).

How to prepare frozen shrimp

Preparing frozen shrimp is a quick and easy process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Defrosting:

First, you need to defrost the shrimp. The best way is to place them in the refrigerator for 12 hours to thaw gradually. However, if you're short on time, you can use the quick method: place the shrimp in a large bowl of very cold water for 15-20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to separate any clumps.

Drying:

Once the shrimp are thawed, it's important to pat them dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial as it ensures the shrimp cook properly instead of steaming.

Seasoning:

After drying, you can add your choice of seasonings. A simple combination of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika works well. You can also experiment with other spices like Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or Old Bay seasoning. Toss the shrimp in a bowl with the oil and seasonings until they are evenly coated.

Cooking:

Now you're ready to cook the shrimp. You can use an air fryer, pan, or oven. For an air fryer, arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the basket and air fry at 400°F for 5-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. If using a pan, heat some butter or olive oil over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes on each side until opaque. For oven baking, preheat the oven and a baking sheet, toss the shrimp with the spice blend, and broil on the preheated sheet for about 5 minutes until they curve slightly and become opaque.

Serving:

Shrimp are versatile and can be served in many ways. You can add them to salads, tacos, pasta, rice bowls, or sandwiches. They also go well with various sides, such as roasted vegetables or refried beans.

Remember, shrimp cook quickly and are prone to overcooking, which can make them rubbery. Keep a close eye on them during cooking to ensure they are cooked just right!

How to store leftover shrimp

Storing leftover shrimp is a delicate process, as shrimp is more delicate than poultry or meat and has a shorter shelf life. Here are the steps to ensure your leftover shrimp stays safe and fresh:

Refrigeration

If you plan to consume the leftover shrimp within 3-4 days, refrigeration is a suitable option. Here are the steps to properly refrigerate shrimp:

• Timing: It is important to refrigerate shrimp within two hours of cooking. Cooked shrimp should not be left out for more than two hours, and if the outside temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, this time reduces to one hour.
• Containers: Use shallow, airtight containers to store the shrimp. If using a container, ensure it is clean and dry.
• Wrapping: If not using a container, wrap the shrimp tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Ensure the wrapping is secure to prevent air exposure.
• Temperature: Keep your refrigerator temperature at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.

Freezing

If you don't plan to consume the shrimp within the next few days, freezing is a better option. Here are the steps to properly freeze shrimp:

• Wrapping: Use freezer-grade plastic wrap or heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap to wrap the shrimp securely. Alternatively, place the shrimp in a freezer bag.
• Storage Duration: Shrimp can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. After this period, the quality of the shrimp may deteriorate, but it will still be safe to eat.
• Defrosting: When you are ready to consume the shrimp, defrost it in the refrigerator to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. You can also run it under cool water if you plan to use it immediately.
• Reheating: You can eat the shrimp cold, or reheat it in the microwave for 30 seconds to one minute.

Signs of Spoilage

It is important to check for signs of spoilage before consuming leftover shrimp. Here are some indicators that your shrimp has gone bad:

• Smell: Shrimp that has gone bad will have a sour or funny smell.
• Appearance: Look for a dull color and a slimy texture. If the shrimp appears slimy, discard it immediately.

By following these steps, you can safely store and enjoy leftover shrimp. Remember to practise food safety and maintain a clean environment to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Frequently asked questions