Air-Fried Shrimp: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a quick and easy way to cook shrimp, with most recipes taking under 10 minutes. The versatility of shrimp means they can be seasoned in a variety of ways, from Cajun to Old Bay, and served as a main, in tacos, or as a low-carb appetiser. They can be cooked from frozen, but it's important to ensure they are fully thawed first. The key to getting the best results is to pat the shrimp dry before cooking and ensure they are in a single layer in the air fryer basket to avoid overcrowding.

How to cook shrimp in an air fryer

Seasoning options

Seasoning shrimp is a crucial step in adding flavour and making the dish your own. The options are endless, but here are some ideas to get you started:

Lemon Pepper:

A classic combination that adds a zesty, tangy twist to your shrimp. This simple yet effective seasoning option is a great way to enhance the natural flavour of the shrimp without overwhelming it.

Cajun Seasoning:

If you're looking to add a kick to your shrimp, Cajun seasoning is a perfect choice. It brings a spicy, savoury flavour to the dish and is a great way to add some excitement to your meal.

Old Bay Seasoning:

This iconic blend of celery salt, paprika, and other spices is a popular choice for shrimp. It adds a unique, savoury flavour that is sure to elevate your dish. Old Bay Seasoning is a versatile option that can be used as a dry rub or mixed with oil to create a delicious marinade.

Italian Seasoning:

For those who love the flavours of Italy, Italian seasoning is a blend of herbs such as basil, oregano, and thyme. It adds a delicious, aromatic touch to your shrimp and can be enhanced even further with the addition of garlic powder and onion powder.

Garlic Powder, Sweet or Smoked Paprika, Salt, and Pepper:

This combination of spices creates a well-rounded flavour profile. The sweetness or smokiness of the paprika, the savoury notes of garlic, and the classic salt and pepper duo make for a delicious and versatile seasoning blend.

Chili Powder, Cumin, and Garlic Powder:

For those who enjoy a spicy kick, this combination of chili powder and cumin provides a robust and savoury flavour. The garlic powder adds a subtle savoury note that rounds out the seasoning blend.

Dry-Brining:

For a unique twist, try dry-brining your shrimp with salt, baking soda, and sugar. This method results in plump, snappy shrimp with a delicious, crispy exterior.

Taco Seasoning:

If you're feeling adventurous, try using taco seasoning instead of the traditional seafood seasoning. This unexpected twist will give your shrimp a bold, zesty flavour that is perfect for tacos or adding a twist to your regular shrimp dish.

Remember, these are just a few of the endless seasoning options available to you. Get creative, experiment with different combinations, and don't be afraid to make the recipe your own!

Oil choices

When it comes to choosing an oil for air-frying shrimp, there are several options to consider. The type of oil you use can impact the flavour and texture of the shrimp, so it's important to select the right one for your taste preferences. Here are some popular choices:

Olive Oil

Olive oil is a popular choice for air-frying shrimp due to its distinct flavour and health benefits. Its relatively high smoke point makes it suitable for high-heat cooking methods such as air frying. When using olive oil, it is recommended to combine it with spices and seasonings to create a flavourful mixture that coats the shrimp evenly. This technique ensures that the shrimp absorbs the flavours and develops a crispy texture.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is another healthy option that works well for air frying. It has a neutral flavour and a high smoke point, making it a versatile choice for various dishes. Avocado oil is also known for its nutritional benefits, including high levels of monounsaturated fats and vitamin E.

Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil is a common choice for air frying and other cooking methods. It has a neutral flavour and a high smoke point, making it suitable for a wide range of recipes. Vegetable oil is also usually inexpensive and easily accessible in most grocery stores.

Other Options

While olive, avocado, and vegetable oils are the most commonly used, you can also experiment with other types of oil depending on your preferences. Some alternatives include peanut oil, which has a high smoke point and a nutty flavour, or sesame oil, which adds a unique aroma and flavour to your dish.

When selecting an oil for air frying shrimp, consider factors such as smoke point, flavour, and health benefits. Additionally, the chosen oil should complement the seasonings and spices used in the recipe to create a harmonious blend of flavours.

Air fryer settings

To cook shrimp in an air fryer, you should first preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200–205°C). The exact temperature may vary slightly depending on your air fryer, so check the manual for the best temperature to achieve a crispy texture.

Next, prepare your shrimp by deveining and removing the tails. You can leave some tails on for presentation if you wish. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels, then add them to a bowl and toss with olive oil and your chosen seasonings. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning.

After the shrimp are coated in oil and seasonings, arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure the shrimp are not overcrowded, as this will prevent them from cooking evenly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the shrimp in batches.

Finally, air fry the shrimp for 7 to 8 minutes at 400°F (200°C) or 4 minutes at 400°F (205°C). Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking and browning. The shrimp are done when they are bright pink on the outside and the meat is opaque.

If you are cooking frozen shrimp, add 2 to 3 minutes to the cooking time for raw shrimp, or halve the time if they are pre-cooked.

Shrimp preparation

Shrimp can be purchased fresh or frozen, and it is recommended to buy them peeled and deveined to save time. If you buy frozen shrimp, make sure to fully thaw them before adding any spices or seasonings.

Before cooking, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This will help the shrimp become crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and it will also help the oil and seasonings stick to the shrimp during cooking.

For the seasoning, you can use your favourite combination of spices. For example, you can use lemon juice, kosher salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. You can also add olive oil to the shrimp before adding the seasoning. Mix the shrimp with the oil and seasonings in a bowl until the shrimp are fully coated.

If you want to add breading or extra crispiness, you can sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs and/or parmesan cheese over the shrimp before cooking.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer shrimp is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:

Main Dish

Air-fried shrimp can be the star of your meal as the main protein source. Serve it with a carb like roasted potatoes, pasta, or rice, and a vegetable like green beans, broccoli, or a salad. You can also add other toppings and sides, such as roasted broccoli rabe, butternut squash, or carrots.

Tacos and Tostadas

For a taco night twist, add your air-fried shrimp to flour or corn tortillas with shredded lettuce, black beans, pico de gallo, guacamole, and fresh cilantro. For a tostada, layer a tostada shell with refried beans, guacamole, salsa, and shrimp.

Pasta

Shrimp and pasta are a classic combination. Toss your air-fried shrimp with your favourite pasta or try a shrimp pesto pasta. For extra flavour, add some garlic butter or make a shrimp carbonara.

Appetizer or Party Dish

Air-fried shrimp also works well as an appetizer or party dish. Serve it with some fun sauces like hot honey sauce, garlic yogurt sauce, or ketchup. It can also be a great addition to a shrimp cocktail or shrimp dip.

Rice Bowl

For a rice bowl option, add your juicy shrimp to a bed of white or brown rice. Top it with fresh or roasted veggies, beans, crunchy slaw, and avocado.

Sides and Toppings

No matter how you serve your air-fried shrimp, don't forget the sides and toppings! A squeeze of lemon juice, fresh parsley, and/or chili flakes can enhance the flavour. You can also try other seasonings like Old Bay, Cajun seasoning, or lemon pepper.

With these serving suggestions, you can now enjoy your air-fried shrimp in a variety of delicious ways!

Frequently asked questions