Air Fryer Shrimp: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Air fryers are a great way to cook shrimp, producing a delicious flavour and texture with minimal effort. Shrimp can be cooked in an air fryer in under 10 minutes, making it a quick and easy meal for any day of the week. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the shrimp and the brand of air fryer, but generally, it takes between 4 to 8 minutes to cook shrimp in an air fryer.

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 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 making.

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: Pat the Shrimp Dry

Before adding any seasonings or oil, use a paper towel to pat the shrimp dry. This step will help ensure that your shrimp are extra crispy and golden brown after air frying.

Step 3: Season the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to a mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil or avocado oil. You can also use a cooking spray to spray the shrimp with oil. Then, add your desired seasonings and mix until the shrimp are evenly coated. You can use a simple seafood seasoning mix or create your own blend with spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper.

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 don't overlap or overcrowd the basket. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches.

Step 5: Air Fry the Shrimp

Air fry the shrimp at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 8 minutes, depending on their size and your air fryer model. For larger shrimp, you may need to reduce the cooking time. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking and browning.

And that's it! You're now ready to enjoy your delicious and crispy air-fried shrimp.

How long to air fry shrimp

Air fryer shrimp is a quick and easy meal that can be prepared in under 10 minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how long to air fry shrimp:

Preparation:

Before air-frying the shrimp, there are a few preparation steps to ensure the best results:

• Peel and devein the shrimp.
• Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Removing any excess moisture will help the shrimp cook evenly and ensure a crispy texture.
• Season the shrimp: In a mixing bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil and your choice of seasonings. Toss until the shrimp are evenly coated. You can use a simple combination of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, or get creative with spices like garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or Cajun seasoning.

Air Frying:

• Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to a temperature between 390-400°F (200°C). Most air fryers will take just a few minutes to preheat.
• Arrange the shrimp in a single layer: Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the shrimp in batches.
• Air fry for 4-8 minutes: For jumbo shrimp, air fry for 7-8 minutes at 400°F (200°C). For smaller shrimp, reduce the cooking time to 4-5 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

Serving:

• Shrimp are cooked when they curl into a "C" shape and turn opaque with a pinkish hue. Overcooked shrimp will close into a circle shape.
• Serve immediately: Air fryer shrimp is best served fresh and hot. Enjoy your shrimp as a main dish with sides, or get creative and use them in tacos, salads, pasta, or rice bowls.
• Leftovers: Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They can be enjoyed cold or reheated in a pan, oven, or air fryer at a lower temperature to avoid overcooking.

How to serve air-fried shrimp

There are many ways to serve air-fried shrimp, and it is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your tastes. Here are some ideas for how to serve air-fried shrimp:

Tacos

You can wrap the shrimp in corn tortillas and top with cilantro, salsa, guacamole, and a creamy lime sauce. You can even season the shrimp with Latin spices like chili powder and cumin, or try a lettuce wrap for a low-carb option.

Bowls

Create a bowl with quinoa or rice, your favourite vegetables, and a drizzle of fresh lemon juice. You can also add other proteins and sides to make it a more substantial meal.

Salads

Top any salad with air-fried shrimp for extra protein and a unique twist. You can also add other ingredients like avocado, tomatoes, or a vinaigrette dressing to complement the shrimp.

Main Dish

Serve the shrimp with roasted vegetables like broccoli rabe, butternut squash, or carrots as a tasty and healthy main course. You can also offer a variety of dipping sauces on the side, such as spicy honey, garlic yogurt sauce, or ketchup.

Sandwiches

Make a shrimp sandwich or po'boy by placing the shrimp between two pieces of bread with butter lettuce and tartar sauce, or your choice of condiments and vegetables.

Pasta

Toss air-fried shrimp with your favourite pasta. It goes well with cream-based pasta like spaghetti aglio e olio, carbonara, or potato gnocchi. You can also add it to a shrimp scampi dish for an extra shrimp flavour boost.

Appetizer

Shrimp can be a great low-carb appetizer, especially if you use smaller shrimp. Serve it with your favourite dipping sauce, such as hot honey sauce, garlic yogurt sauce, or marinara sauce.

Rice Bowl

Add the shrimp to a bed of white or brown rice along with fresh or roasted vegetables, beans, crunchy slaw, and avocado for a delicious and filling rice bowl.

Sides

Air-fried shrimp pairs well with sides like potatoes, roasted vegetables, or mac and cheese. You can also serve it with a slice of jalapeno cornbread or leafy greens like asparagus, green beans, or spinach.

How to store leftover shrimp

Leftover shrimp should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and can be kept for up to three to four days. It is important to note that shrimp is more delicate than poultry or meat and can spoil faster. To maintain its freshness and quality, shrimp should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking.

When storing leftover shrimp, ensure that it is tightly wrapped or sealed. This can be done by using heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic wrap, or by placing it in an airtight container. If you won't be consuming the shrimp within three days, it is recommended to re-wrap it with fresh plastic wrap or butcher paper.

For longer storage, cooked shrimp can be frozen. It will stay safe to eat indefinitely, but for optimal quality, it should be consumed within three months. To freeze shrimp, wrap it in freezer-grade plastic or foil, ensuring no air is left inside. When it comes to thawing, it is best to do so slowly in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth.

Leftover shrimp provides a quick and convenient option for future meals. It can be eaten cold or reheated in the microwave for 30 seconds to one minute.

How to reheat leftover shrimp

If you have leftover shrimp, you can store it in an airtight container for three to four days in the refrigerator. You can eat it cold or reheat it. Here are some ways to reheat leftover shrimp:

Using an Air Fryer

Reheating shrimp in an air fryer is one of the best ways to reheat leftover shrimp. To do this, set the air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Lightly spray the shrimp with oil (optional), and arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Reheat for 2-4 minutes.

Using an Oven

Using an oven is another great way to reheat leftover shrimp. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) or 400°F. Place the shrimp on a wire rack with a baking sheet underneath, and put them into the oven. If you don’t have a wire rack, use a preheated baking sheet. Cook the shrimp for about 5-10 minutes, checking to make sure your shrimp is warmed through. If you’re using a baking sheet, turn the shrimp halfway through cooking to avoid the batter getting soggy.

Using a Microwave

You can also reheat shrimp in the microwave, but this method is not recommended as it can make the shrimp chewy and the exterior soggy. Place the shrimp on a paper-towel-lined microwave-safe plate. Set the microwave to 50% power and cook the shrimp in 10-second bursts until warmed through.

Using a Stovetop

Reheating shrimp on a stovetop is another option, but it may result in oily shrimp. Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil or butter over medium heat in a skillet. Once the skillet is hot, add the shrimp and fry for about 3 to 5 minutes, turning them occasionally to crisp all sides.

Frequently asked questions