Perfect Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe – Quick, Easy, and Delicious!

Air Fryer Shrimp takes just 10 minutes from start to finish and delivers perfectly juicy, seasoned shrimp with a slight crispy edge every single time. It’s my go-to air fryer recipe for chaotic weeknights— minimal ingredients, minimal cleanup, and maximum flavor!

I found this method during a marathon of dinners squeezed between work, school pickups, and soccer practice. Cooking shrimp on the stovetop meant babysitting a hot pan, but the air fryer? It’s a total game-changer. Toss the shrimp in a simple spice mix, pop them in the basket, and let your air fryer handle the heavy lifting while you knock out everything else on your to-do list. If you’re all about speed in the kitchen, you’ll love this recipe as much as I do.

Why This Air Fryer Shrimp Is a Game-Changer

• Ready in just 10 minutes—prep and cook combined.
• Air frying eliminates the need for extra oil while delivering that crave-worthy crispy texture.
• No hovering over a hot stove; your hands are free for multitasking.
• Perfectly cooks shrimp through evenly without drying them out.
• Cleans up fast—just one bowl and an air fryer basket.

Equipment You’ll Need for This Air Fryer Shrimp

To make easy air fryer shrimp, you don’t need a lot of fancy tools. Here’s exactly what makes this work so smoothly:

• Air Fryer: Any model with a 400°F setting works well. If you’re shopping for one, I recommend one with a larger basket to avoid multiple batches. Smaller air fryers will still work but require more rounds.
• Tongs: For tossing shrimp with the spice mix and placing them in the air fryer.
• Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized bowl to coat the shrimp with oil and spices.

Pro Tip: Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the shrimp for even cooking.

Simple Ingredients for Air Fryer Shrimp

These crispy shrimp in the air fryer come together with just a few pantry staples. Here are the key players:

• Jumbo Shrimp: Peeled and deveined shrimp save tons of prep time. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely beforehand.
• Sweet Paprika: Adds a mild, smoky flavor and gives the shrimp a beautiful reddish hue when cooked.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Helps the spices adhere to the shrimp and adds a light richness.
• Dried Parsley: Gives a hint of herbal flavor and flecks of color for garnish.

Shortcut Tip: Swap dried parsley with fresh if you’ve got some in the fridge. And if you love a kick, toss in a pinch of cayenne or chili powder.

Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe Details

• Servings: 4 servings
• Prep Time: 4 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy

Air Fryer Shrimp Ingredients

• 2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3/4 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 3/4 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 32 jumbo peeled and deveined shrimp (1 ¼ pounds)
• Lemon wedges, for serving

How to Make Air Fryer Shrimp

1. Prep: In a medium bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, parsley, and kosher salt until combined.
2. Season: Add the shrimp and toss everything together until the shrimp are evenly coated. Make sure both sides of each shrimp are spiced!
3. Cook: Place the shrimp in a single layer in your preheated air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 5-6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.
4. Serve: Remove the shrimp, add a spritz of lemon juice, and dig in! Repeat with additional batches if needed.

Jake’s Tips for the Best Air Fryer Shrimp

• Don’t overcrowd the basket: Cook your shrimp in a single layer to get that perfect crispiness.
• Use thawed shrimp: Frozen shrimp can release water, which affects texture. If you forget to thaw them, a quick cold water rinse works wonders.
• Customize the spices: Feel free to swap in your favorite seasonings—Old Bay, Cajun spice, or taco seasoning all work beautifully.
• Reheat like a pro: Pop leftover shrimp back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F to crisp them up again.
• Pair it right: Serve your shrimp with a simple green salad, a side of rice, or even on tacos for a speedy dinner idea.

Easy Air Fryer Shrimp Variations

• Garlic Butter Shrimp: Skip the paprika and parsley, and toss the cooked shrimp in melted butter and minced garlic for a classic flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne or chipotle powder to the seasoning mix for a spicy boost.
• Asian-Inspired: Mix soy sauce and a drizzle of sesame oil into the seasoning blend before air frying.
• Clean-out-the-Spices: Use up odd seasonings like lemon pepper or a premade barbecue rub for fun twists!

Air Fryer Shrimp FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them first so they’re evenly coated in the spice blend. For a quick thaw, run them under cold water for a few minutes.

What size shrimp works best?

Jumbo shrimp (21-25 count per pound) are ideal for this best air fryer shrimp recipe. They’re large enough to stay juicy and cook through quickly.

How do I prevent overcooking?

Shrimp cook fast! Stick to the 5-6 minute window at 400°F and check for an opaque center and slightly curled tail—the sweet spot for doneness.

Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?

No air fryer? No problem! Cook the shrimp in a hot skillet for about 2-3 minutes per side. You’ll still get great results!

How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes, and they’ll be as good as new.

You’re now ready to make Air Fryer Shrimp your new weeknight hero! What’s your favorite quick dinner hack? Let me know in the comments—I’m always looking for fresh ideas. Happy cooking!