When I want a fast, reliable meal that still feels fresh and satisfying, I always come back to this perfect air fryer shrimp. I like how it cooks in just minutes, stays juicy on the inside, and picks up so much flavor from a simple spice mix. This recipe fits easily into busy days when I want something healthy without spending much time in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it is incredibly quick and nearly effortless from start to finish. I only need a handful of pantry spices and fresh shrimp, and the air fryer does all the hard work. I also like how versatile it is, since I can serve it in bowls, salads, tacos, or enjoy it on its own with vegetables. The shrimp turn out tender, lightly crisp on the outside, and never greasy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
I start by mixing the olive oil with the garlic powder, sweet paprika, dried parsley, and salt in a medium bowl. Once the seasoning is well combined, I add the shrimp and toss them until they are evenly coated on both sides.
I arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if needed so they are not overcrowded. I air fry them at 400°F for 5 to 6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Once they are cooked through and opaque, I serve them immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Servings And Timing
This recipe makes 4 servings, with about 8 jumbo shrimp per serving.
Prep time: 4 minutes
Cook time: 6 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Variations
I like to change up the flavors depending on my mood. Sometimes I swap the spice mix for a store-bought seasoning like Old Bay or a chili-lime blend. I also enjoy adding onion powder or smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. When I do not have an air fryer available, I cook the shrimp in a hot skillet for about 3 minutes per side until they are just cooked through.
Storage/Reheating
When I have leftovers, I store the shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days. I usually enjoy them cold in salads, but when I want them warm, I reheat them gently in the microwave for about 30 seconds to avoid overcooking.
FAQs
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp For This Recipe?
I can use frozen shrimp as long as I thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning, which helps them cook evenly and brown better.
How Do I Know When The Shrimp Are Done?
I look for shrimp that are opaque and curled into a loose “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp tend to curl tightly and become rubbery.
Do I Need To Preheat The Air Fryer?
I usually do not preheat my air fryer for this recipe, but if my model recommends it, I let it heat briefly before adding the shrimp.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
I like adding cayenne pepper, chili powder, or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix when I want a spicy kick.
What Can I Serve With Air Fryer Shrimp?
I often serve these shrimp with roasted vegetables, over rice or quinoa bowls, tucked into tacos, or on top of a fresh salad.
Conclusion
This perfect air fryer shrimp is one of my favorite go-to recipes when I want something fast, healthy, and full of flavor. I like how adaptable it is and how it fits effortlessly into so many meals. Whenever I need a reliable seafood dish that never disappoints, this is the recipe I turn to again and again.
Perfect Air Fryer Shrimp is a fast, flavorful recipe that delivers juicy, tender shrimp in just 10 minutes. Seasoned with simple spices and cooked without oil splatter, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or light meals.
Total Time:10 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Ingredients
2 tablespoons 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 shrimp, peeled and deveined
Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
In a medium bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, sweet paprika, parsley, and salt.
Add shrimp and toss until evenly coated.
Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 5–6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
Use thawed and patted-dry frozen shrimp if fresh isn’t available.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches if needed.
Look for shrimp that are opaque and loosely curled into a “C” shape to avoid overcooking.
Add cayenne or chili flakes for heat, or swap in your favorite seasoning blend.
Serve over rice, salads, or in tacos for a full meal.
