Prep Time | Cook Time | Servings | Difficulty |
10 min | 8 min | 4 people | Easy |
Hey there, flavor fanatics! I’m Steve, and I’m bringing you something that’s fast, fuss-free, and fantastically flavorful: air fryer shrimp recipes! Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy party appetizer, shrimp in the air fryer is the move. It’s part of the holy grail of easy air fryer recipes: minimal prep, big flavor, and almost no cleanup. Let’s dive into the crispy, juicy world of the best air fryer shrimp recipes out there!

Why Make Shrimp in the Air Fryer?
Air frying shrimp is not just a trend, it’s a total game-changer. Here’s why I keep it in my regular rotation:
- Versatility: From tacos to bowls to salads, shrimp recipes for the air fryer fit into any meal plan.
- Speed: Ready in under 10 minutes, no kidding!
- Texture: You get that golden, crispy shrimp in the air fryer without deep frying or excessive oil.
- Healthier: Air frying cuts down on fat, making it one of my favorite healthy shrimp recipes.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Shrimp Recipes

This base recipe is delicious as-is, but also easy to customize. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb large raw shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice or zest for a citrus kick
Pro Tip: Use fresh shrimp for best flavor, but frozen (thawed) works great too!
Instructions

- Prep the shrimp: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil and seasonings until evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer: 375°F for 3 minutes.
- Cook: Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 7 – 8 minutes, shaking halfway through. They should be pink, opaque, and lightly crisp on the edges.
- Serve: Let them rest for 2 minutes, then serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Chef Steve Tips for Making This Recipe
Steve’s Kitchen Wisdom:
– Don’t overcrowd the basket, airflow is key for that crispy finish.
– Use panko or crushed pork rinds for extra crunch in breaded versions.
– Like it spicy? Add cayenne or chipotle powder to the seasoning mix.
– Make a double batch, they go fast!
Sauces and Serving Ideas
Air fryer shrimp is like the little black dress of seafood, it goes with everything. Here are my go-to pairings:
– Sauces
- Garlic aioli
- Sweet chili sauce
- Honey sriracha mayo
- Lemon butter drizzle
- Classic cocktail sauce
– Serving Ideas
- Layer into a grain bowl with veggies and hummus.
- Serve over brown rice or quinoa for a healthy air fryer shrimp recipe.
- Build shrimp tacos with cabbage slaw and avocado.
- Toss into a Caesar or garden salad.

Nutrition
Here’s the best part – these wings taste indulgent but are light on the guilt. Per serving (approx. 5 – 6 wings):
- Serving Size: 4 oz cooked shrimp
- Calories: 170
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sugar: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
Note: Nutrition will vary slightly depending on sauces and toppings.
Final Thoughts from Chef Steve
There you have it, my friends, a simple, foolproof guide to making irresistible air fryer shrimp. Whether you’re new to the air fryer or already obsessed, these shrimp recipes are guaranteed to elevate your quick meals. Add them to your easy air fryer recipes rotation, and let flavor win the night.
Got a spicy twist or dip idea? Drop it in the comments below, Steve the IA Chef is always here for the flavor chat!
FAQs
1- Can I cook frozen shrimp in the air fryer?
Absolutely! Just rinse off the ice crystals, pat dry, season, and cook for about 10 minutes instead of 8.
2- What size shrimp is best for the air fryer?
Medium to large shrimp (26–30 count per pound) are ideal for even cooking and the best texture.
3- How do I know when shrimp is fully cooked?
Cooked shrimp are pink, opaque, and curled into a “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp curl too tight, like an “O”, and get rubbery.
4- What sides go well with air fryer shrimp?
Try garlic green beans, coleslaw, roasted corn, or even air-fried sweet potato fries for a balanced, delicious plate.
5- How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 – 4 minutes.