Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe

If you’re searching for a quick, healthy, and super tasty dinner that practically makes itself, then you’re going to want to try this Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out—juicy, perfectly seasoned shrimp with zero fuss. Seriously, this is one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to when life gets busy, but you still want something delicious on the table fast.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe is in its simplicity. A handful of everyday pantry spices and fresh garlic come together to make these shrimp pop with flavor without being overpowering. Plus, using medium shrimp hits a nice middle ground for cooking time and texture — but more on that below.

• Italian seasoning: I love this blend because it packs herbal notes without needing a dozen separate spices.
• Salt: A must to enhance all the subtle flavors—adjust to keep it just right for your taste buds.
• Ground black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and depth.
• Smoked paprika: This gives a smoky, slightly sweet layer that’s a game-changer.
• Onion powder: Brings a mild savory background note.
• Garlic (fresh minced or powder): Fresh is my go-to because it really brightens up the shrimp, but powder works fine if you’re in a pinch.
• Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and crisp the shrimp just enough.
• Medium shrimp: Peeled, deveined, and tails removed—this makes them cook evenly and plate beautifully.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Whether you’re craving something a little spicier or want to dress it up for a dinner party, there’s plenty of room to personalize it.

• Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes when mixing the spices—my family goes crazy for the extra heat!
• Garlic Butter Shrimp: After air frying, toss the shrimp in melted garlic butter and parsley for a richer, restaurant-style dish.
• Herb Switch-Up: Swap Italian seasoning for Cajun or Old Bay seasoning for a taste of the South.
• Different Shrimp Sizes: If you use larger shrimp, just add a minute or two to cooking time—small shrimp will cook faster, so keep an eye.

How to Make Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Mix Up Your Seasoning Magic

In a small bowl, whisk together the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Stir in your minced garlic or garlic powder so everything is ready to coat your shrimp evenly. I love doing this prep on the side while the shrimp are drying off, so it’s all hands on deck for tossing next.

Step 2: Coat the Shrimp

Make sure your shrimp are peeled, deveined, and the tails removed. Pat them dry well—that’s key for them to crisp up nicely. Toss them gently with olive oil and the seasoning mixture. Don’t skimp—the oil helps the seasoning stick and creates that lightly crisped finish we all love.

Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection

Lay the shrimp in a single layer in your air fryer basket—crowding them can cause uneven cooking, so take your time or cook in batches if needed. Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 4 minutes. At that point, check on them. If they’re not quite done, give the basket a good shake to flip the shrimp and continue cooking in 1-2 minute increments. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn a gorgeous pink on both sides and curl into a gentle “C” shape—avoid overcooking or they’ll get tough.

Step 4: Serve Immediately

These shrimp are best enjoyed fresh and hot from the air fryer. They’re great on their own or incorporated into your favorite dishes like salads, tacos, or pasta. Bonus: leftovers keep well in the fridge, just reheat carefully.

How to Serve Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the shrimp—it adds a fresh herbal bright spot and a pop of color. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving really brings out the best flavors. Sometimes I add a pinch of chili flakes if I want a bit more heat.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe are fluffy jasmine rice or garlic butter quinoa to soak up any leftover juices. For veggies, I often serve with a crisp green salad or roasted asparagus. It’s such a flexible protein that pairs beautifully with almost anything!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving these shrimp on warm tortillas with avocado slices and a dollop of sour cream for shrimp tacos. Another favorite is topping zucchini noodles with the shrimp and a drizzle of olive oil for a light, summery dinner. I’ve even served them over creamy polenta for a cozy dinner party—it always impresses!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. I like to keep them dry—no added sauce—so they stay firmer and don’t get mushy. When I’m ready to eat, I find they reheat best quickly in the air fryer or a hot skillet.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked shrimp once or twice; it works but texture can take a slight hit upon reheating. If you want to freeze, spread the cooked shrimp on a tray to freeze individually first, then transfer to a freezer bag for best results. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To keep shrimp from getting rubbery when reheating, I love using the air fryer again at a lower temp (around 350°F) for just a couple of minutes. You can also warm gently in a skillet with a splash of olive oil. Microwaving is quick but often leads to chewy bite, so I avoid that when possible.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe has honestly become a go-to in my kitchen whenever I’m short on time but don’t want to sacrifice flavor or healthiness. It’s simple, forgiving, and delicious—a rare combo that always makes me happy. I’m excited for you to try it, tweak it your way, and see how fast you can whip up a meal that everyone will love. Trust me, once you’ve had shrimp this good from your air fryer, there’s no going back!

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