Air Fryer Shrimp: Perfectly Cooked In Just 10 Minutes

Air fryer shrimp is a quick, tasty, and healthy meal that can be prepared in under 10 minutes. The cooking time depends on the size of the shrimp and the brand of the air fryer, but generally, it takes between 5 to 9 minutes to cook shrimp in an air fryer at 400°F. It's important to not overcrowd the air fryer and to cook the shrimp in a single layer, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.

Cooking time depends on shrimp size

The cooking time for shrimp in an air fryer at 400°F depends on the size of the shrimp. Smaller shrimp will take less time to cook, while larger shrimp may take up to 8–9 minutes. For example, one source recommends cooking frozen shrimp at 400°F for 4 minutes, then brushing them with seasoned butter and cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes. Another source recommends cooking shrimp at 400°F for 5 to 6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. A third source suggests cooking shrimp at 400°F for 7 to 8 minutes, depending on the brand of the air fryer and the size of the shrimp.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the brand and size of the air fryer, as well as the number of shrimp being cooked at once. It's recommended to cook shrimp in a single layer and in batches to ensure even cooking. Overcrowding the air fryer can result in uneven cooking, with certain sides of the shrimp becoming overdone. Flipping the shrimp halfway through the cooking process can help ensure that they are cooked evenly on both sides.

Additionally, the cooking time may be affected by the preparation of the shrimp. For example, if the shrimp are frozen, they may need a little longer to cook. It's recommended to thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat them dry with a paper towel before cooking. This helps to remove any excess moisture and ensures that the shrimp cook evenly.

When cooking shrimp in an air fryer, it's important to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Shrimp are typically considered cooked when they turn pink or orange and form a clear "C" shape. Overcooked shrimp may become dry and rubbery, so it's best to err on the side of caution and cook them for a shorter amount of time.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures your shrimp will cook evenly and efficiently, and helps to avoid overcooking or undercooking.

To preheat your air fryer, first, ensure your shrimp is prepared and ready to cook. You can marinate your shrimp beforehand, or toss it in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and spices. If you are using frozen shrimp, it is important to let it thaw completely before preheating your air fryer. Once your shrimp is prepared, take some time to preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure your shrimp cooks evenly and efficiently.

The preheating time for an air fryer can vary depending on the model and brand, so it is always a good idea to refer to your product manual for specific instructions. Generally, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer for around 3-5 minutes, or until it reaches the desired temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

While your air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the shrimp by placing it in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray. This ensures that the hot air circulates evenly around each piece of shrimp. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Seasoning options

When it comes to seasoning shrimp, there are countless options to choose from. You can either use a pre-made blend or make your own.

Pre-made blends

Lemon pepper, Cajun seasoning, and Old Bay seasoning are some fun pre-made blends to try. You can also use Italian seasoning, which provides a mix of herbs and spices in every spoonful.

Make your own blend

If you want to make your own blend, you can mix and match a variety of spices. For a savory-smoky flavor, toss the shrimp in garlic butter sauce or add some heat with a Cajun seasoning. You can also try a blend of chipotle chile powder, paprika, cumin, and garlic powder. Alternatively, use smoked paprika for a shrimp that tastes like it was cooked in a smoker, or regular/sweet paprika for a mild and slightly sweet flavor. For a balanced savory flavor, add garlic powder and onion powder. Finally, add salt and black pepper to round out all the flavors, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Other options

If you want some breading or extra crispiness, sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs and/or Parmesan cheese on the shrimp. You can also try coconut panko breaded shrimp by toasting the panko and coconut in a pan with oil before coating the shrimp.

Cooking in batches

Cooking shrimp in an air fryer requires a delicate balance, as it can be easy to undercook or overcook them. One of the most important things to keep in mind is not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cooking the shrimp in a single layer is crucial to ensuring even cooking and achieving the desired crispness. This means that if you have a large quantity of shrimp, it is advisable to cook them in batches.

When cooking in batches, it is important to maintain consistency in the cooking time and temperature for each batch. This ensures that all the shrimp are cooked to the same level of doneness and have a uniform texture and taste. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 400°F for a few minutes before adding the shrimp. This initial heat ensures that the shrimp start cooking quickly and helps to maintain a consistent cooking time for each batch.

The cooking time for each batch of shrimp in the air fryer will vary depending on the desired level of doneness and the size of the shrimp. On average, it takes about 5 to 8 minutes to cook shrimp in an air fryer at 400°F. For larger shrimp, the cooking time may be extended to up to 8 or even 9 minutes. It is important to keep an eye on the shrimp and adjust the cooking time as needed to avoid overcooking or undercooking.

To ensure even cooking and crispness on both sides, it is recommended to flip the shrimp halfway through the cooking process. This allows for even heat distribution and prevents the shrimp from drying out or becoming rubbery. By cooking in batches and flipping the shrimp, you can achieve a consistent level of doneness and texture across all batches.

Cooking shrimp in an air fryer at 400°F typically yields tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked results. The exact cooking time may vary slightly depending on the brand and size of the air fryer, as well as the size and quantity of the shrimp. By following the general guidelines of cooking in batches, maintaining consistent temperatures, and flipping the shrimp halfway through, you can achieve delicious and evenly cooked shrimp every time.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer shrimp is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas:

Main Dish

You can serve air fryer shrimp as the main protein source for a weeknight dinner. Add a carb like roasted potatoes or pasta, and a vegetable like green beans or broccoli, for a well-rounded meal.

Rice Bowl

Add the juicy shrimp to a bed of white or brown rice with a variety of toppings, such as fresh or roasted veggies, beans, crunchy slaw, and avocado. For inspiration, check out the Shrimp Taco Bowl recipe by Wellness by Kay.

Tacos

Shrimp tacos are another tasty option. Simply add the cooked shrimp to flour or corn tortillas with shredded lettuce, black beans, pico de gallo, guacamole, and fresh cilantro. For a different take on shrimp tacos, try the Baja-Style Shrimp Tacos recipe, also by Wellness by Kay.

Appetizer

Air fryer shrimp also works great as a low-carb appetizer, especially if you use smaller shrimp. Serve it with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tostadas

Layer a tostada shell with refried beans, guacamole, salsa, and shrimp. For an extra indulgent treat, sandwich the shrimp between two pieces of bread with butter lettuce and tartar sauce.

Salads

Air fryer shrimp is a healthy, low-carb option that can be added to salads.

Sandwiches

For a quick and easy lunch, try an air fryer shrimp sandwich.

Sides

Air fryer shrimp can be served with a variety of sides, such as roasted broccoli rabe, butternut squash, or carrots.

Lemon Wedges

Serve the shrimp with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and fresh parsley.

Spices and Seasonings

Get creative with spices and seasonings to change up the flavor of your shrimp. Try lemon pepper, Cajun seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, or a combination of cumin, chili powder, and Old Bay seasoning.

Breading

For extra crispiness, sprinkle some panko bread crumbs and/or Parmesan cheese on the shrimp before air frying. For a coconut twist, toast some Panko and coconut in a pan with oil before coating the shrimp.

Reheating

Leftover air fryer shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can be enjoyed cold or reheated in the air fryer at 300-350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through.

Frequently asked questions