Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding the seasonings. Frozen shrimp are actually often fresher than "fresh" shrimp at the seafood counter since they're frozen shortly after being caught. For quick thawing, place the frozen shrimp in a colander and run cool water over them for 5-7 minutes.

What size shrimp works best in the air fryer?

Large (31/35 count) or jumbo (21/25 count) shrimp work best in the air fryer. They're easier to handle and less likely to overcook. If using smaller shrimp, reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes and check them early.

Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?

Definitely! You can cook these seasoned shrimp on a baking sheet in a 400°F oven for about 8-10 minutes, or sauté them in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side. The air fryer just happens to give them a wonderful texture with minimal effort.

Is this recipe spicy?

With just 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, this recipe has a mild warmth rather than significant heat. If you enjoy spicy food, feel free to double the cayenne. For a milder version, you can omit the cayenne completely and the shrimp will still be packed with flavor from the other seasonings.

Easy Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe

Name: Easy Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 7 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Shrimp; 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; Seasoning and marinade; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

This incredibly flavorful Easy Air Fryer Shrimp transforms ordinary seafood into a restaurant-worthy dish in just 16 minutes! With a perfect blend of herbs and spices coating each succulent shrimp, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The air fryer creates that ideal texture – perfectly cooked with a slight crisp on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lightning Fast: From start to finish, you’ll have delicious shrimp on the table in under 20 minutes. Perfect for those nights when you need dinner in a hurry!
Incredibly Simple: Just mix, toss, and air fry – no complicated techniques or fancy equipment needed beyond your air fryer.
Versatile: Works beautifully as an appetizer, main dish, or protein addition to salads, pasta, or rice bowls.
Healthier Option: Using the air fryer means getting that wonderful texture without drowning the shrimp in oil.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Shrimp: The star of the show! Large or jumbo shrimp work best. Peeled and deveined with tails on or off based on your preference. Fresh or thawed frozen both work beautifully.
Olive Oil: Helps the seasonings stick to the shrimp and promotes that beautiful golden color. Use extra virgin for best flavor.
Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish and helps tenderize the shrimp. Fresh lemon juice will give you the most vibrant flavor.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a gorgeous color and subtle smoky flavor that makes these shrimp irresistible.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Provide savory depth without the need to chop fresh aromatics.
Dried Herbs (oregano and basil): Create a Mediterranean flavor profile that complements the shrimp perfectly.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
Cayenne Pepper: Adds a gentle kick of heat. Adjust according to your spice preference.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Mediterranean Style

Add a teaspoon of dried dill, a tablespoon of finely crumbled feta cheese after cooking, and a squeeze of extra lemon.

Cajun Twist

Replace the herb mix with 2 tablespoons of your favorite Cajun seasoning for a spicier Southern-inspired version.

Asian Fusion

Skip the Mediterranean herbs and instead marinade in 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon honey, and 1 minced garlic clove. Sprinkle with sesame seeds after cooking.

Garlic Butter Shrimp

After air frying, toss the hot shrimp in 2 tablespoons of melted butter mixed with 2 minced garlic cloves and chopped fresh parsley.

How to Make Air Fryer Shrimp

Step 1: Season the Shrimp

In a large mixing bowl, drizzle the shrimp with olive oil and lemon juice, ensuring they’re well coated. This creates the base for your seasonings to adhere to. Add all the dry seasonings (smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and cayenne) and toss thoroughly until every shrimp is beautifully coated in the vibrant spice mixture.

Step 2: Prepare the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 3 minutes. Preheating ensures your shrimp start cooking immediately when placed inside, helping achieve that perfect texture.

Step 3: Arrange the Shrimp

Place the seasoned shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding, as this will prevent proper air circulation. If you’re cooking a large batch, it’s better to work in multiple batches for the best results. For easier cleanup and handling, you can thread them onto skewers (pre-soaked if wooden).

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

Air fry the shrimp for 7-8 minutes until they turn pink, opaque, and reach an internal temperature of 145°F. There’s no need to flip them halfway through – the air fryer circulates hot air around them for even cooking.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and serve hot for the best flavor and texture. A final squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a wonderful brightness to the finished dish.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook very quickly! They’re done when they turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery.
Size Matters: Larger shrimp work best in the air fryer. If using smaller shrimp, reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes.
Pat Dry First: Before seasoning, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings stick better and reduces any excess moisture.
Consistent Sizing: Try to use shrimp of similar size so they cook at the same rate.
Check Early: Since air fryer models vary, check your shrimp at the 5-minute mark the first time you make this recipe, then adjust timing as needed.

How to Serve

As an Appetizer

Arrange on a platter with lemon wedges and a small bowl of cocktail sauce or garlic aioli for dipping. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color.

In a Main Dish

Shrimp Tacos: Stuff into warm tortillas with slaw, avocado, and a squeeze of lime.
Pasta Dish: Toss with angel hair pasta, a bit of olive oil, fresh garlic, and cherry tomatoes.
Rice Bowl: Serve over cilantro lime rice with black beans, corn, and avocado.
Salad Topper: Add to a Greek salad with cucumber, tomato, red onion, olives, and feta.

Perfect Pairings

These shrimp go wonderfully with roasted asparagus, a simple green salad, garlic bread, or cilantro lime rice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavor will be best if eaten within 24 hours.

Freezing

While you can freeze the uncooked seasoned shrimp for up to 3 months, I don’t recommend freezing already cooked shrimp as they can become tough when reheated.

Reheating

Air Fryer: Reheat at 330°F for just 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Use 50% power in 30-second intervals to avoid overcooking.
Cold Option: Leftover shrimp are also delicious chilled in a salad!

Note: Be extremely careful not to overcook when reheating as shrimp can quickly become tough.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding the seasonings. Frozen shrimp are actually often fresher than “fresh” shrimp at the seafood counter since they’re frozen shortly after being caught. For quick thawing, place the frozen shrimp in a colander and run cool water over them for 5-7 minutes.
What size shrimp works best in the air fryer?

Large (31/35 count) or jumbo (21/25 count) shrimp work best in the air fryer. They’re easier to handle and less likely to overcook. If using smaller shrimp, reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes and check them early.
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?

Definitely! You can cook these seasoned shrimp on a baking sheet in a 400°F oven for about 8-10 minutes, or sauté them in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side. The air fryer just happens to give them a wonderful texture with minimal effort.
Is this recipe spicy?

With just 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, this recipe has a mild warmth rather than significant heat. If you enjoy spicy food, feel free to double the cayenne. For a milder version, you can omit the cayenne completely and the shrimp will still be packed with flavor from the other seasonings.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Air Fryer Shrimp recipe might just become your new weeknight hero! It’s remarkably simple yet delivers restaurant-quality results every time. The beauty lies in its versatility – serve it as a quick protein-packed dinner, an impressive party appetizer, or use it to elevate salads and grain bowls. The air fryer ensures perfect cooking with minimal effort, giving you more time to enjoy good food with the people you love. Give it a try tonight!