Air-Fried Shrimp: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Air fryers are a great way to cook shrimp, producing a delicious flavour and texture with minimal effort. This guide will take you through the process of making shrimp in an air fryer, including preparation, cooking, and serving suggestions.

How to clean shrimp for air frying

Cleaning shrimp for air frying is a simple process but an important one to ensure your shrimp are tasty and safe to eat. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Peel the Shrimp

Start by removing the legs of the shrimp. Then, peel off the shell, starting from where the legs were removed. The shell should come off smoothly. You can choose to leave the shell on the tail or remove it, depending on your preference and the dish you are making.

Step 2: Devein the Shrimp

To devein the shrimp, use a small paring knife and cut along the back of the shrimp where you see the dark black vein. Then, remove the vein with either the tip of your knife or your fingers. Rinse the shrimp under water to remove any remaining bits.

Step 3: Thaw Frozen Shrimp

If you are using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them before cooking. You can place the frozen shrimp in a bowl in the refrigerator overnight to thaw, or run them under cold water for a few minutes.

Step 4: Pat the Shrimp Dry

Before cooking, it is important to pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This step will help the shrimp get crispy and golden brown when air-fried. It will also help the oil and seasonings stick to the shrimp better.

Step 5: Season the Shrimp

Place the cleaned and dried shrimp in a bowl and add your desired seasonings. You can use a simple seafood seasoning mix or create your own blend with spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure to coat the shrimp evenly with the seasonings.

Step 6: Arrange the Shrimp in the Air Fryer Basket

Place the seasoned shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. If you have a lot of shrimp, you may need to cook them in batches.

Step 7: Air Fry the Shrimp

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually around 400°F. Cook the shrimp for 5-6 minutes, depending on their size and your air fryer model. There is no need to turn them while cooking.

Step 8: Check for Doneness

Fully cooked shrimp will have a pinkish or orange hue and will curl into a "C" shape. They should be opaque and not grey or translucent. When pierced with a fork, the shrimp should offer a little resistance but still be tender.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

Your air-fried shrimp are now ready to be served! They can be enjoyed as is or added to various dishes like tacos, pasta, salads, or rice bowls.

How to season shrimp for air frying

To season shrimp for air frying, you can use a variety of spices and herbs to add flavour. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Choose Your Spices

You can use a simple seafood seasoning mix or make your own blend. Common spices used in shrimp seasoning include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. You can also add some lemon juice to the mix. If you want to get creative, try experimenting with spices like cayenne pepper, Cajun seasoning, allspice, nutmeg, or cardamom.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp. You can leave the tail on or remove it, depending on your preference. Use a small paring knife to cut along the back of the shrimp and remove the dark vein. Rinse the shrimp under water to remove any unwanted residue. Place the cleaned shrimp in a bowl of cold water or ice until you're ready to cook.

Step 3: Make the Seasoning Blend

In a separate bowl, mix your chosen spices and herbs. Then, add olive oil or avocado oil to the mix. You can also add lemon juice for extra flavour. Stir well to combine.

Step 4: Coat the Shrimp

Add the peeled and cleaned shrimp to a mixing bowl. Pour the seasoning blend over the shrimp and toss until each shrimp is evenly coated. You can also brush the seasoning onto each shrimp individually to ensure complete coverage.

Step 5: Cook the Shrimp

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. Depending on the size of your shrimp, you might need to work in batches. Air fry for 5-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The shrimp are done when they turn pink/orange and form a "C" shape.

How to cook shrimp in an air fryer

Ingredients

You will need:

• Shrimp (fresh or frozen)
• Olive oil (or another oil of your choice)
• Lemon juice
• Spices (e.g. garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper)
• Breadcrumbs (optional)
• Eggs (optional)

Method

• Clean the shrimp by removing the shells and veins. If your shrimp are frozen, make sure to thaw them first and pat them dry with paper towels.
• In a separate bowl, mix your chosen spices with the oil and lemon juice. You can also add in breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese for extra crispiness.
• Coat the shrimp with the seasoning mixture. You can do this by brushing the mixture onto the shrimp or placing the shrimp in a bowl and pouring the mixture over them.
• Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. You may need to cook the shrimp in batches if you have a lot.
• Air fry the shrimp at between 390-400°F for around 6-8 minutes. There is no need to turn the shrimp while cooking.
• Serve immediately with your choice of sides and enjoy!

Tips:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer to ensure the shrimp cook evenly.
• Flipping the shrimp halfway through will ensure they are crispy on both sides.
• Experiment with different spices and seasonings to find your favorite flavor combinations.
• If you want to bread your shrimp, dip them in egg wash first to help the breadcrumbs stick.

How to serve air-fried shrimp

Now that you've cooked your shrimp in the air fryer, it's time to serve them! Here are some ideas for how to serve air-fried shrimp:

Tacos

Wrap the shrimp in corn tortillas and top with cilantro and salsa and guacamole. You can even season the shrimp with Latin spices, like chili powder and cumin, or use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas for a low-carb option.

Bowls

Create a bowl with a base of quinoa or rice, add your favourite veggies, and drizzle with fresh lemon juice. You can also include other proteins and toppings of your choice.

Salads

Top any salad with air-fried shrimp for extra protein and a savoury touch. Try it with a simple cabbage salad or air-fried asparagus, sautéed green beans, or garlic sautéed spinach.

Main Dish

Serve the shrimp with roasted broccoli rabe, butternut squash, carrots, or any other side of your choice. You can also offer them with classic sides like homemade coleslaw, mac and cheese, or a slice of jalapeno cornbread.

Sandwiches

Sandwich the shrimp between two pieces of bread with butter lettuce and tartar sauce, or try a shrimp po'boy.

Tostadas

Layer a tostada shell with refried beans, guacamole, salsa, and shrimp for a tasty tostada treat.

Pasta

Stir the shrimp into your favourite pasta for an easy protein boost. Shrimp go especially well with cream-based pasta, like spaghetti aglio e olio, carbonara, or potato gnocchi.

Appetizers

Serve the shrimp as an appetizer with a variety of dipping sauces, such as spicy honey, creamy homemade butter, classic buffalo sauce, or simple ranch.

Sides

Pair your shrimp with complementary sides, such as leafy greens, air-fried asparagus, sautéed green beans, garlic sautéed spinach, or a simple raw cabbage salad.

How to store leftover air-fried shrimp

Storing leftover air-fried shrimp safely will ensure that your delicious dish remains tasty and safe to eat. Here are some detailed instructions on how to properly store and handle leftover shrimp:

Firstly, it is important to note that shrimp is a perishable food item and can spoil quickly if not stored correctly. Leftover shrimp should be refrigerated or frozen as soon as possible after cooking to prevent bacterial growth. If you plan to eat the shrimp within 3-4 days, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids are ideal. Make sure the shrimp is cooled to room temperature before sealing and placing it in the fridge.

Label the container with the date, so you know how long it has been stored. Shrimp should be consumed within 3-4 days of cooking for the best quality and safety. If you want to keep the shrimp longer, freezing is a good option. Place the shrimp in a freezer-safe container or bag, again ensuring it is airtight. Label the container with the date, and use within 2-3 months for the best quality.

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover shrimp, there are a few options for reheating. You can use the air fryer again to reheat the shrimp, placing them inside at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can use an oven, microwave, or stovetop, ensuring the shrimp is heated to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F. Always ensure the shrimp is heated thoroughly before consuming.

It is important to handle leftover shrimp safely to prevent foodborne illness. Always use clean utensils and containers when storing and never leave shrimp at room temperature for more than two hours. If the shrimp has been left out for an extended period or begins to smell, taste, or look unpleasant, discard it immediately. By following these simple storage instructions, you can safely enjoy delicious, crispy air-fried shrimp multiple times!

Let me know if you would like more information on any of the steps outlined above, or if you would like additional tips on storing and reheating leftover shrimp.

Frequently asked questions