I present an Easy Air Fryer Shrimp recipe that yields plump, juicy, perfectly seasoned shrimp in just 8 minutes using pantry staples, plus one simple tweak that makes all the difference.
I’m hooked on these Best Air Fryer Shrimp because they come out plump, juicy and ready in minutes. Using large shrimp and a splash of olive oil I get a crisp edge without drying them out.
I tested this across a ton of Air Fryer Cooked Shrimp Recipes and somehow this one hits every time, even when I rush. The seasoning is simple but not boring so you wont miss heavy sauces, and if you love Air Frying Shrimp this will probably become your go to.
I write messy sometimes but promise this is stupid easy and worth trying.
Ingredients
- Lean protein, low cal, packs vitamin B12 and iodine, cooks super fast, slightly sweet.
- Healthy fat, adds richness and helps browning, Mediterranean staple, not overpowering.
- Bright acidic kick, brings out seafood flavor, adds freshness and slight tang.
- Savory punch without the fuss, adds depth, milder than fresh garlic sometimes.
- Smoky warmth, subtle sweetness, gives color and a barbecue like vibe.
- Simple seasoning, enhances flavors, easy to control so shrimp dont get too salty.
- Bright herb, barely noticeable bite, freshens plate and looks pretty when sprinkled.
- Tiny heat boost, wakes the dish up, optional if you like spicy food.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 lb large shrimp (16 to 20 ct), peeled & deveined, tails on or off
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- lemon wedges (optional)
How to Make this
1. Pat 1 lb large shrimp (16 to 20 ct), peeled and deveined, very dry with paper towels; tails on or off is fine, just try to remove as much moisture as you can so they get a little crisp.
2. In a bowl mix 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika and 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper if you want heat.
3. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss well to coat, use your hands if needed, then let them sit 5 to 10 minutes at room temp to soak up the flavors.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 400 F for about 3 minutes. this helps them cook evenly.
5. Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the basket, dont overcrowd — do two batches if needed so they arent touching.
6. Air fry at 400 F for 3 to 4 minutes, shake or flip the shrimp, then cook another 2 to 4 minutes until shrimp are opaque, pink and just firm (about 6 to 8 minutes total depending on size). avoid overcooking or they get rubbery.
7. Transfer shrimp to a plate and let them rest 1 minute so juices redistribute.
8. Sprinkle with 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and squeeze extra lemon juice, serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Equipment Needed
1. Air fryer with basket (preheats to 400 F)
2. Large mixing bowl for tossing the shrimp
3. Measuring spoons plus 1 tbsp measurer for oil and lemon juice
4. Paper towels to dry the shrimp well
5. Tongs or a silicone spatula to flip or shake the shrimp
6. Sharp knife and small cutting board for parsley and lemons
7. Plate for resting and serving the cooked shrimp
FAQ
Best Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): melted butter for richer flavor, or avocado oil or canola oil for a neutral, high heat option.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tbsp): swap with lime juice 1:1, or 1 tsp white wine vinegar or rice vinegar; or use 1/2 tsp lemon zest plus a splash of water.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): use 1 small garlic clove minced, or 1/2 tsp granulated garlic, or 1/4 tsp garlic salt but cut back on the kosher salt.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 tsp): replace with sweet paprika plus a tiny pinch of cumin or smoked salt, or a pinch of chipotle powder for smoke and heat.
Pro Tips
– Pat the shrimp super dry and even pop them in the freezer for 8 to 12 minutes first if you got the time, it firms them up so they crisp instead of steam.
– Don’t let the lemon juice sit on them too long, 5 to 10 minutes is plenty or the acid will start to “cook” the shrimp and make them rubbery.
– Give each shrimp room in the basket, do quick batches so they arent touching, and toss them with just a teaspoon of oil so the seasoning sticks and they brown better.
– For extra crisp try a light dusting of cornstarch or potato starch before they go in the air fryer, it adds crunch without changing the flavor, and finish with a squeeze of lemon and a quick rest so the juices settle.
Best Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe
I present an Easy Air Fryer Shrimp recipe that yields plump, juicy, perfectly seasoned shrimp in just 8 minutes using pantry staples, plus one simple tweak that makes all the difference.
4
servings
143
kcal
Equipment: 1. Air fryer with basket (preheats to 400 F)
2. Large mixing bowl for tossing the shrimp
3. Measuring spoons plus 1 tbsp measurer for oil and lemon juice
4. Paper towels to dry the shrimp well
5. Tongs or a silicone spatula to flip or shake the shrimp
6. Sharp knife and small cutting board for parsley and lemons
7. Plate for resting and serving the cooked shrimp
Ingredients
1 lb large shrimp (16 to 20 ct), peeled & deveined, tails on or off
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
lemon wedges (optional)
Directions
- Pat 1 lb large shrimp (16 to 20 ct), peeled and deveined, very dry with paper towels; tails on or off is fine, just try to remove as much moisture as you can so they get a little crisp.
- In a bowl mix 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika and 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper if you want heat.
- Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss well to coat, use your hands if needed, then let them sit 5 to 10 minutes at room temp to soak up the flavors.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 F for about 3 minutes. this helps them cook evenly.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the basket, dont overcrowd — do two batches if needed so they arent touching.
- Air fry at 400 F for 3 to 4 minutes, shake or flip the shrimp, then cook another 2 to 4 minutes until shrimp are opaque, pink and just firm (about 6 to 8 minutes total depending on size). avoid overcooking or they get rubbery.
- Transfer shrimp to a plate and let them rest 1 minute so juices redistribute.
- Sprinkle with 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and squeeze extra lemon juice, serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 121g
- Total number of serves: 4
- Calories: 143kcal
- Fat: 3.7g
- Saturated Fat: 0.53g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Polyunsaturated: 0.4g
- Monounsaturated: 2.55g
- Cholesterol: 214mg
- Sodium: 409mg
- Potassium: 294mg
- Carbohydrates: 0.5g
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Sugar: 0.2g
- Protein: 27.4g
- Vitamin A: 40IU
- Vitamin C: 1.8mg
- Calcium: 82mg
- Iron: 0.57mg
