Hey there fancypants! Shrimp isn’t just for special occasions. Now that Air Fryer Shrimp is an option, you can quickly and easily dress up any meal. All you need is the right time and temp for tender, flavorful shrimp on any day that ends in ‘Y.’
Jump to:
It’s ok. You can admit you forget about shrimp; I used to. Any time I saw it – from 50 dollar bags of frozen shrimp in freezer vats at the store to mounds of slippery grey jumbo prawns at the fish market – I always had the same reaction: “Dang. Who’s eating this much shrimp?” Then I realize “Me! It could be me eating all that shrimp!!”
I think it’s because I was raised in the era of the shrimp cocktail ring, which means it’s subconsciously ingrained that (a) shrimp is an appetizer and (b) shrimps is only for fancy people, places, and/or things.
But, at some point in the 2000s (I don’t know when because I was too busy concerning myself with real problems and issues), some bougie “experts” decided that shrimp cocktail was pedestrian and it threw me for a loop. So, I dug deep into my sense memory to find something even stronger from my youth to combat that food impostor syndrome: Forrest Gump.
There’s a reason that Bubba scene is an oft-quoted favorite: “You can barbecue it, boil it, broil it, bake it, saute it. There’s uh, shrimp-kabobs, shrimp creole, shrimp gumbo. Pan fried, deep fried, stir-fried. There’s pineapple shrimp, lemon shrimp, coconut shrimp, pepper shrimp, shrimp soup, shrimp stew, shrimp salad, shrimp and potatoes, shrimp burger, shrimp sandwich. That- that’s about it.”
Well, 20+ years later, we can safely say that ain’t it, because you can now add air fryer shrimp to that list. Cooking shrimp in the air fryer means these buttery, succulent little bites can be in your mouth in just 6 minutes. Bubba would approve.
How to Cook Shrimp in the Air Fryer
Don’t fear the fryer! Yes – seafood can be persnickety but Air Fryer Shrimp come out perfect (never rubbery) every time, in just 6 minutes. Toss in a no-fail, quick marinade for guaranteed full flavor with hints of salt, spice and citrus. Perfect for pasta, salads, and dipping sauces.
For a condensed post, click to view the web story for our air fryer shrimp!
- Peel and devein fresh shrimp, rinse with cool water, and gently pat dry. OR defrost frozen shrimp under cool running water and pat dry.
- Combine ingredients in a large bowl and mix well
- Place shrimp in air fryer in a single layer.
- Program to 400°F for 6 minutes; there is no need to flip.
- When done, plate shrimp, add a fresh squeeze of lemon to taste and serve.
Tips for making this recipe perfectly
- Don’t overcrowd the basket – the shrimp should be arranged in a single, even layer.
- Preheat your air fryer if required (check manufacturer instructions).
- No need to flip!
- DO NOT OVERCOOK – contrary to prevailing “wisdom,” you don’t need more than 6 minutes at 400°F.
- Defrost frozen shrimp first – it’s worth the few extra minutes of prep.
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?
Yes! I often use frozen, wild-caught shrimp – it’s such a handy freezer stash.
Defrost the shrimp first – place into a colander and run under cold water until defrosted. Pat dry with paper towels, then proceed with the recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cook shrimp to 120°F.
Don’t let undercooked meat paranoia lead to tough, rubbery seafood. This isn’t chicken, beef, or pork. 6 minutes is all you need for tender, buttery, perfectly-cooked shrimp in the air fryer.
Yes and no – sure, you can dump frozen, unseasoned shrimp into the air fryer in a single layer (add 1 minute to the cook time). But it will be just that – unseasoned. Take a few minutes to defrost, dry, and season. Your taste buds will thank you.
How to Serve Air Fryer Shrimp
- As is! It’s delicious as an appetizer or snack with dipping sauce, be it classic cocktail or aioli – try avocado or garlic if you’re paleo, Whole30, or keto.
- Stir it into pasta dishes – best with cream sauce, pesto or just olive oil.
- Pair as a bonus protein with steak or chicken.
- So many salad options – try it with my BLT Salad, Deconstructed Guac Salad, or one of my faves, on a classic caesar instead of chicken.
More Summertime Seafood Recipes
- (The Best) Maryland Crab Cakes
- Keto Shrimp Scampi with Zoodles
- Oven Baked Halibut with Peach Salsa
- Crab Omelet with Avocado and Herb
- Spicy Shrimp with Avocado Aioli
- Superfood Salmon Salad
Did you make shrimp in your air fryer? I’d love to know how they turned out! Leave a comment and a rating below.
While you’re at it, let’s be friends – follow me on Pinterest and Instagram for the latest and greatest.
Recipe
Air Fryer Shrimp
Print Recipe Rate this Recipe Pin RecipeIngredients
- 1 pound large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp old bay seasoning
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- lemon wedges, for serving
- cocktail sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Clean fresh shrimp (remove shells and devein) then run under cool running water. Pat dry with a paper towel or cotton kitchen towel. Alternatively, defrost frozen shrimp under cool running water, then pat dry with a towel.
- Combine shrimp, olive oil, old bay, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a large bowl and gently mix until well coated.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Program to 400°F for 6 minutes; there is no need to flip.
- Remove from the basket, season with lemon to taste, and serve with dipping sauce, or as desired.
[…] Spicy Shrimp with garlic to Air Fryer Shrimp with lemon to Grilled Shrimp with garlic and lemon, these flavors all meld beautifully with this […]