Air Fryer Shrimp: Perfect Timing For Elite Models

Air fryers are a great way to cook shrimp, producing a delicious flavour and texture with minimal effort. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the shrimp and the air fryer being used, but generally, shrimp will take around 4-8 minutes to cook in an air fryer.

How to cook frozen shrimp in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 1 pound of frozen shrimp
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Avocado oil spray
• Parsley (optional)
• Lemon wedges (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
• While the air fryer is heating up, separate the shrimp and knock off any ice crystals with a spoon.
• Place a single layer of shrimp (about half a pound) into the air fryer basket.
• Drizzle the shrimp with olive oil and sprinkle with lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning.
• Air-fry for 7-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
• Repeat with the remaining shrimp.
• Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges, if desired.

Tips

• Frozen shrimp can be cooked straight from frozen, with no need to defrost.
• If you're short on time, you can cook the shrimp for 4 minutes, brush with melted butter, and air-fry for another 3-4 minutes.
• For a tasty appetizer, serve the shrimp with your favorite sauce.

How to cook fresh shrimp in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Fresh shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Italian seasoning

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF/200ºC.
• Clean the shrimp, removing the shells and veins. Pat dry with paper towels before cooking – this will help the oil and seasonings stick to the shrimp during cooking.
• In a separate bowl, make your shrimp seasoning blend. Mix the spices, then add the oil and lemon juice, and mix well.
• Rub the shrimp with the seasoning (or brush it on) on both sides. You can place the cleaned shrimp in a bowl and pour the blend over it, then mix or toss to completely coat it.
• Arrange the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If you have a lot of shrimp, work in batches so as not to overcrowd the basket.
• Air fry for 6-8 minutes. There's no need to turn the shrimp while cooking.
• Serve immediately.

Tips

• Before cooking, the shrimp will be a dull grey and white colour. When fully cooked, the shrimp will be pink/orange and form a C shape. If the shrimp has closed in on itself and looks like a circle, it’s overcooked.
• You can use frozen shrimp, but you must thaw it and pat it dry before cooking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket, or the shrimp won't cook evenly.
• Flipping the shrimp halfway through will ensure they are crisp on both sides.
• Change up the flavour with different seasonings, like lemon pepper, Cajun seasoning, and Old Bay seasoning.
• If you want extra crispiness, sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs and/or parmesan cheese on the shrimp.

Serving Suggestions

• Shrimp salad: Use the cooked shrimp in a shrimp salad or over your favourite greens.
• Shrimp sandwich: Make a sandwich with cold shrimp, spicy mayo, lettuce, and tomatoes.
• Shrimp tacos: Add the shrimp to soft or hard shell tacos, along with salsa and guacamole.
• Shrimp pasta: Toss some fresh air-fried shrimp through your favourite pasta.
• Sauces: Serve the shrimp as an appetizer or party dish with some fun sauces, like hot honey sauce, garlic yogurt sauce, or ketchup.
• Rice bowl: Add the shrimp to a bed of white or brown rice with toppings like veggies, beans, crunchy slaw, and avocado.
• Salad: Top any salad with air-fried shrimp for extra protein.
• Main dish: Serve the shrimp with roasted broccoli rabe, butternut squash, carrots, or any other side.

How to season shrimp for an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook shrimp, and the process is incredibly quick and easy. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season shrimp for an air fryer, with some tips on how to get the best results.

Step 1: Pat the Shrimp Dry

Use a paper towel to pat the shrimp dry. This is an important step as it helps to ensure that the shrimp gets crispy when cooked.

Step 2: Choose Your Seasonings

You can use a variety of seasonings for your shrimp. A simple option is to use a store-bought seafood seasoning mix, such as Old Bay. Alternatively, you can make your own mix with spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and dried parsley. You can also add some citrus flavour with lemon juice or lemon pepper. For a more Latin-inspired flavour profile, try using chili powder and cumin.

Step 3: Add Oil and Toss the Shrimp in the Seasoning

Place the shrimp in a bowl and add your chosen oil and seasonings. Toss the shrimp until they are evenly coated. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil for this step.

Step 4: Arrange the Shrimp in the Air Fryer Basket

Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket as this can lead to uneven cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the shrimp in batches.

Tips for Cooking

• Flipping the shrimp halfway through the cooking process will ensure that they are crispy on both sides.
• For extra crispiness, sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs and/or Parmesan cheese on the shrimp before cooking.
• If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw it completely and remove any excess moisture with a paper towel before adding the seasonings.
• Depending on the size of your shrimp, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Larger shrimp will take a little longer to cook, while smaller shrimp will be done more quickly.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer shrimp can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas:

• Shrimp salad: Serve the shrimp over your favourite greens or in a shrimp salad.
• Shrimp sandwich: Try a shrimp sandwich with cold shrimp, spicy mayo, lettuce, and tomatoes.
• Shrimp tacos: Add the shrimp to soft or hard shell tacos with salsa, guacamole, and cilantro.
• Shrimp pasta: Toss the shrimp with your favourite pasta or try a shrimp pesto pasta.
• Shrimp bowls: Serve the shrimp over rice or quinoa with veggies and a drizzle of lemon juice.
• Appetizer: Serve the shrimp as a low-carb appetizer with a dipping sauce.

Storing and Reheating

Air fryer shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, place the shrimp in a ziplock bag and store for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the shrimp and then cook in the air fryer or on a baking sheet until crispy.

How to know when shrimp is cooked in an air fryer

Knowing when shrimp is cooked in an air fryer is quite simple. Before cooking, raw shrimp will be a dull grey and white colour. When it is fully cooked, it will have turned a pink/orange colour and formed a 'C' shape. If the shrimp has closed in on itself and looks like a circle, it is overcooked.

When pierced with a fork, the cooked shrimp will give a little bit of resistance, but still be tender.

How to store leftover air-fried shrimp

Air-fried shrimp is a quick and easy meal to make, but what do you do when you have leftovers? Here are some tips to ensure your leftover shrimp stays fresh and safe to eat.

Firstly, it's important to note that shrimp is more delicate than poultry or meat and doesn't stay good for as long. It's best to store leftover shrimp in the refrigerator or freezer, and the sooner you do so, the better, as shrimp shouldn't be left out at room temperature for more than 1-2 hours.

If you plan on eating your leftover shrimp within the next few days, it's best to store it in the refrigerator. To do this, let the shrimp cool to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container or a heavy-duty storage bag. Ensure your refrigerator is set to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, and place the shrimp in the coldest part of the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

If you don't plan on eating the shrimp within the next few days, it's best to freeze it. Again, let the shrimp cool to room temperature, 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 3-6 months.

When you're ready to eat your frozen leftover shrimp, you can reheat it in a pan or in the air fryer until crispy. You can also defrost it first by placing it in the refrigerator or running it under cool water, but this isn't necessary.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure your leftover air-fried shrimp stays fresh and safe to eat, ready for you to enjoy again!

Frequently asked questions