Air Fryer Shrimp
Air fryer shrimp cook in less than 10 minutes and come out plump and juicy, with lightly browned, well-seasoned edges. Drying the shrimp well lets the spices cling and the outside colour, and pulling them as soon as they turn opaque keeps them tender instead of rubbery. One batch covers dinner and a few lunches.
Published
- Prep Time
- 10 mins
- Cook Time
- 8 mins
- Total Time
- 18 mins
- Servings
- 4 servings
How do you make Air Fryer Shrimp?
To make air fryer shrimp, pat 600 g of peeled, deveined large shrimp dry and toss with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper. Air fry in a single layer at 200°C (400°F) for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until the shrimp are pink, opaque throughout and curled into a loose C shape. Finish with lemon juice and parsley.
- Total time
- 18 mins
- Calories
- 180 per serving
- Protein
- 30 g
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Method
- Air frying
Ingredients
Shrimp
To finish
Equipment
Air fryer · Mixing bowl · Paper towels · Tongs
Quick Directions
Thaw and dry
If the shrimp are frozen, thaw them overnight in the fridge, or seal them in a bag and submerge it in cold water for 15-20 minutes.
Season
Toss the shrimp in a mixing bowl with the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper and cayenne until every shrimp is evenly coated.
Preheat
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3 minutes.
Air fry
Spread the shrimp in the basket in a single layer, working in 2 batches if your basket is small.
Finish and serve
Tip the shrimp into a clean bowl, squeeze over the lemon juice and toss with the parsley.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to make the perfect air fryer shrimp.
Thaw and dry
If the shrimp are frozen, thaw them overnight in the fridge, or seal them in a bag and submerge it in cold water for 15-20 minutes. Spread the shrimp on paper towels and pat them very dry, since wet shrimp steam instead of browning.
Season
Toss the shrimp in a mixing bowl with the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper and cayenne until every shrimp is evenly coated.
Preheat
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3 minutes.
Air fry
Spread the shrimp in the basket in a single layer, working in 2 batches if your basket is small. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until the shrimp are pink and opaque throughout and curled into a loose C shape. Cut the thickest one in half to check; there should be no grey, translucent flesh in the middle.
Finish and serve
Tip the shrimp into a clean bowl, squeeze over the lemon juice and toss with the parsley. Serve straight away with lemon wedges, over rice, in tacos or on a salad.
Recipe Tips
- Watch the shape. A loose C means the shrimp are cooked; a tight O means they have gone too far and will be rubbery.
- Size changes the time. Medium shrimp need 5-6 minutes and jumbo shrimp 8-10, so check the first batch early.
- Some frozen shrimp are packed in brine. Check the package and cut the salt to 1/2 tsp if they are already salted.
Variations
- Cajun: swap the paprika, oregano and cayenne for 2 tsp Cajun seasoning and serve with lime instead of lemon.
- Lemon pepper: replace the paprika with 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning and add the grated zest of half a lemon after cooking.
- Sweet chili: toss the cooked shrimp with 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce and a sprinkle of sliced spring onions.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 180 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbs | 2 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Saturated fat | 1 g |
| Fibre | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
Estimated from the listed ingredients; values vary by brand.
Related Recipes
Storing & Reheating
- Fridge
- Refrigerate within 2 hours in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer
- Freeze cooked shrimp in a single layer, then bag them, for up to 3 months.
- Reheat
- Eat cold in salads and wraps, or reheat in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 2-3 minutes until hot to 74°C (165°F). Reheat only once, since they toughen quickly.
Air Fryer Shrimp FAQs
How long do you cook shrimp in the air fryer?
Large raw shrimp take 6-8 minutes at 200°C (400°F), shaken halfway. Medium shrimp need 5-6 minutes and jumbo shrimp 8-10 minutes. They are done when they are pink and opaque throughout.
Can you cook frozen shrimp in the air fryer?
Yes. Rinse raw frozen shrimp under cold water to remove the ice glaze, pat them dry, season and air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 9-12 minutes, shaking halfway, until pink and opaque throughout. Frozen pre-cooked shrimp only need 4-5 minutes to heat through.
How do you know when shrimp is done?
Raw shrimp turn from grey and translucent to pink and opaque throughout, and they curl into a loose C shape. If you are unsure, cut the thickest shrimp in half. A tight O shape means they are overcooked.
Should you peel shrimp before air frying?
Peeled shrimp absorb the seasoning and are easier to eat, so peel and devein them first. You can leave the tails on for looks. Shell-on shrimp also work but need 1-2 extra minutes, and most of the seasoning stays on the shell.
Why is air fryer shrimp rubbery?
Rubbery shrimp are overcooked. Shrimp cook in minutes and keep firming up after they leave the heat, so check them at the low end of the time and take them out as soon as they turn opaque.
Disclaimer
- Nutrition information is an estimate based on the listed ingredients. It changes with the brands, portion sizes and swaps you use.
- Read ingredient labels for allergens and for diet claims such as gluten-free or vegan. Products and their ingredients can change.
- Cooking times are a guide, since ovens, air fryers and slow cookers all run differently. Use a food thermometer and cook meat, poultry and fish to the safe internal temperatures in government food safety guidance.
- This recipe is general information, not medical or nutrition advice. If you have an allergy, a health condition or a special diet, check with a qualified health professional.
