Marianne Martinez
Cooking shrimp in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy meal or appetizer. Air fryers can cook shrimp in under 10 minutes, with minimal ingredients and simple spices, making them a versatile option for busy weeknights. They are also a healthier alternative to traditionally fried shrimp as they require little to no oil. This guide will show you how to cook juicy and tender shrimp in an air fryer oven, with tips on preparing, seasoning, and cooking your shrimp to perfection.
How to cook shrimp in an air fryer oven
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 400-430°F |
| Time | 5-11 minutes |
| Shrimp size | Large or jumbo |
| Shrimp type | Raw, fresh or frozen |
| Shrimp preparation | Deveined, peeled, rinsed, and patted dry |
| Seasoning | Olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, onion powder, dried parsley, red pepper flakes |
| Breading | Flour, egg, panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese |
| Serving suggestions | Salad, rice, pasta, bowls, fajitas, tacos, sandwiches, grits, rice bowl dishes, shrimp tacos, charcuterie board |
| Storage | Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the shrimp size and type
Shrimp come in various sizes, so it’s important to set your air fryer cooking time according to the size to avoid over or undercooking. The most common shrimp sizes are super colossal (8-15 shrimp per pound), colossal (16-20), jumbo (21-30), large (31-40), medium (41-60), and small (71-90).
Large or jumbo shrimp are juicier than smaller shrimp, and they work best for air frying. Smaller shrimp tend to overcook quickly. However, you can use small shrimp, but you will need to reduce the cooking time.
You can buy fresh or frozen shrimp. Frozen shrimp may need extra time depending on their size. You can cook them from frozen in the air fryer, but they must be completely defrosted first. You can defrost frozen shrimp by placing them in a colander and running them under cold water until they soften, or by placing them in a bowl of cold water until they are no longer frozen solid.
You can also buy shrimp that are already peeled and deveined, or you can peel and devein them yourself. If you plan to serve them as an appetizer, leave the tails on. If you’re adding them to a dish you’ll eat with utensils, remove the tails before cooking.
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Seasoning and marinating the shrimp
Seasoning and marinating shrimp is a simple process that can greatly enhance the flavor of your air-fried shrimp. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you get started:
Choosing the Shrimp:
Start by selecting the right shrimp for your dish. Large or jumbo shrimp are typically recommended, as they are naturally juicier and less prone to overcooking compared to smaller shrimp. However, you can use smaller shrimp by adjusting the cooking time accordingly. Ensure your shrimp are peeled, deveined, and thawed if they were frozen. Leaving the tails on or off is a matter of personal preference, depending on how you plan to serve them.
Marinating the Shrimp:
Marinating the shrimp infuses incredible flavor and is highly recommended if you have the time. In a medium-sized bowl, combine a marinade of olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, Italian seasoning, lemon juice, soy sauce, dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk these ingredients together. Then, add the shrimp to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour or even overnight for more intense flavor penetration.
Seasoning the Shrimp:
If you prefer dry seasoning, pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel after removing them from the marinade. Then, add the shrimp to a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with your desired seasonings. Toss or mix until the shrimp are evenly coated. You can also add the seasonings directly to the marinade before adding the shrimp. Suggested seasonings include salt, pepper, lemon pepper, Cajun seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, dried parsley, and dried dill weed.
Cooking Spray (Optional):
Before placing the shrimp in the air fryer, you may want to spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This step is optional but can help ensure the shrimp release easily and maintain their shape.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for shrimp in an air fryer oven depend on the size of the shrimp and the brand of the air fryer. It's important to note that shrimp are very easy to undercook or overcook, so it's crucial to set the correct timing and temperature.
For jumbo shrimp, it is recommended to air fry at 400°F for 5 to 8 minutes. If you're using a Phillips air fryer, check the shrimp around the 6-minute mark, as they may cook faster. If you're using a different brand, the cooking time may be slightly longer or shorter, so it's important to keep an eye on the shrimp to ensure they don't overcook.
For medium or large shrimp, the cooking time may be slightly shorter. It's recommended to start checking the shrimp around the 4-minute mark to ensure they don't overcook.
If you're cooking frozen shrimp, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time, depending on the size of the shrimp. Make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking, and pat them dry before adding any seasonings.
When cooking shrimp in an air fryer oven, it's important to ensure that they are arranged in a single layer and not overlapping. This ensures even cooking. Additionally, it's recommended to preheat the air fryer oven before adding the shrimp, as this helps to ensure that the proper temperature is reached and that the shrimp cook evenly.
To determine if your shrimp are thoroughly cooked, they should be an evenly colored shade of pink or opaque white with no grayish tint or translucent texture and reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F. As they cook, the shrimp will curl into a "'C'" shape. A loose "C" shape indicates that the shrimp are ready to eat, while a tighter curl may suggest overcooking.
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Cooking techniques
Shrimp can be cooked in an air fryer oven from frozen, but it's recommended to thaw them first for the best flavor. If you are using frozen shrimp, you can partially air fry them and add seasonings halfway through the cooking time, or put them in a colander and run them under cold water until they soften. You can also place them in a bowl of cold water until they are no longer frozen solid, then peel and devein them if necessary, and pat them dry with a paper towel.
It's important to arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping, to ensure even cooking. If you are cooking a large batch, you may need to cook the shrimp in batches. You can spray the basket with oil to prevent sticking, and you should also pat the shrimp themselves dry with a paper towel so that the seasoning will stick.
You can season the shrimp with a simple combination of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, or get creative with spices like garlic powder, paprika, parsley, onion powder, and black pepper. You can also dredge the shrimp in egg and flour for a crispy coating, but make sure the coating is not dripping when you place the shrimp in the basket.
Once you have seasoned the shrimp and arranged them in the basket, you can set the air fryer to between 400 and 430°F and set the timer for 5 to 11 minutes, depending on the size of the shrimp and whether they are coated in batter. The shrimp are done when they are pink or opaque white with no grayish tint, and they have reached an internal temperature of at least 145°F. They should curl into a "C" shape, with a loose "C" indicating they are ready to eat and a tighter curl suggesting they may be overcooked.
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Storing and reheating shrimp
Storing shrimp
If you have any leftover shrimp, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure that it is placed in an airtight container. If you wish to keep it for longer, you can store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Use a ziplock bag to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating shrimp
To reheat your shrimp, first, thaw it if it is frozen. Then, place the shrimp on a baking sheet or in an air fryer basket and heat until crispy. This should take around 2-3 minutes at 400°F (200°C). You can also reheat the shrimp in a skillet for about three minutes on each side.
It is worth noting that the texture of the shrimp may not be as good after reheating. Therefore, it is best to eat shrimp straight away.
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