There’s something about shrimp sizzling in hot air that just gets me every time. Air Fryer Shrimp cooks up golden, a little crispy on the edges, and ridiculously tender insideall in under ten minutes.
I shot my first shrimp recipe back in 2016 for a coastal seafood feature, and I still remember how the garlic butter pooled around each piece under the studio lights. After testing this method probably thirty times since then, I’ve learned that high heat and a single layer are the only tricks you really need.
Thomas Baker
Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe: Quick, Easy and Irresistible
Enjoy perfectly juicy Air Fryer Shrimp in just minutes with this quick and simple recipe. Whether adding them to tacos, salads, or pasta, these shrimp deliver fast, fuss-free flavor that’s sure to please any seafood lover.
1 lb / 450 g shrimp or prawns large, peeled, deveined
2 tablespoons / 30 ml light olive oil
1 teaspoon / 2 g paprika
1 teaspoon / 3 g garlic powder
½ teaspoon / 3 g salt
¼ teaspoon / 0.5 g black pepper
Method
Set your air fryer to heat at 400°F (200°C).
Dry the shrimp thoroughly with a paper towel, then toss them in a bowl with the olive oil and all the seasoning until evenly coated.
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, avoiding stacking.
Cook the shrimp in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, checking regularly near the end to prevent overcooking, until they turn golden and are cooked through.
Notes
You can use either shrimp or prawns for this dish. Cooking times are for large (31/40) shrimp and should be adjusted if using bigger or smaller shrimp. Substitute any high-smoke-point cooking oil if preferred. Pre-made seasoning blends can be used, about 3 teaspoons. Check doneness with an instant-read thermometer aiming for 145°F (63°C) or higher.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your weeknight rotation. Air Fryer Shrimp delivers perfectly cooked seafood without any fussy techniques or cleanupjust toss, cook, and devour.
Lightning fast: From bowl to plate in under 15 minutes total
Foolproof texture: Tender inside with lightly golden edges, never rubbery
Versatile: Toss them into tacos, pile onto salads, stir into pasta, or eat them warm from the basket
Minimal cleanup: One bowl, one basketdone
What You’ll Need
The beauty here is simplicity. You probably have most of these pantry staples already, and the shrimp itself is the real star.
For the shrimp: Look for large peeled and deveined shrimp (the 31/40 count works beautifully). Pat them really dry before seasoningmoisture is the enemy of that golden finish.
For the coating: Light olive oil helps everything crisp up without heaviness. The seasoning blendpaprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepperis cozy, aromatic, and just enough to let the shrimp shine without overpowering it.
Ingredient
Why It Matters
Swap Options
Light olive oil
High smoke point, clean flavor
Avocado oil, grapeseed oil
Paprika
Adds color and mild warmth
Smoked paprika for deeper flavor
Garlic powder
Quick, even seasoning
Onion powder if needed
How to Make It
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F. While it heats, pat your shrimp completely dry with paper towelsthis step makes all the difference. Toss them gently in a bowl with the oil and all the seasonings until every piece is lightly coated.
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the basket, leaving a little breathing room between each one. Crowding leads to steaming instead of crisping. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, checking after 7 if your shrimp are on the smaller side. They’re done when they turn opaque and reach 145°F inside.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on them in the last few minutesshrimp go from perfect to overcooked fast, and you want them just cooked through with a hint of golden color on the edges.
Getting It Just Right
The most common issue? Overcooking. Shrimp cook incredibly fast, especially in the high heat of an air fryer. If you’re nervous, grab an instant-read thermometer and pull them at exactly 145°F.
If your shrimp are turning out rubbery, you’ve likely left them in a minute or two too long. Start checking at the 7-minute mark, especially if they’re medium-sized. Larger shrimp or prawns may need the full 10 minutes, but smaller ones are often done in 6 to 7.
Note: Not all air fryers heat the same way. The first time you make this, peek in at 6 minutes to get a feel for how yours runs.
Ways to Serve and Store
Fresh from the basket, these are perfect tucked into soft tortillas with slaw and lime, scattered over grain bowls, or stirred into lemony pasta. I’ve even served them cold the next day on top of a big green salad.
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes, or enjoy them chilled.
Storage Method
Time
Best For
Refrigerator
Up to 3 days
Salads, cold bowls, quick snacks
Freezer
Not recommended
Texture suffers when thawed
Reheat (air fryer)
2–3 min at 350°F
Restores warmth and slight crispness
Little Tweaks That Make a Big Difference
Want a spicy kick? Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix. For a smokier vibe, swap regular paprika for smoked paprikait adds depth without any extra effort.
If you’re using a pre-made seasoning rub, go with about 3 teaspoons total and skip the individual spices. Cajun blends, lemon pepper, or even taco seasoning work beautifully here.
Pro Tip: A quick squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving brightens everything up and makes the flavors pop.
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FAQs (Air Fryer Shrimp)
What temperature should I cook shrimp in the air fryer?
Cook shrimp at 400°F for the best results. This high heat creates a perfectly crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Lower temperatures won’t give you that desirable texture contrast that makes this dish so appealing.
How long does it take to cook shrimp in an air fryer?
Medium to large shrimp typically cook in 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Smaller shrimp need only 4-5 minutes total. The key is watching for that beautiful golden color and ensuring they’re no longer translucent in the center.
Should I peel shrimp before air frying?
Yes, always peel and devein the shrimp before cooking. This allows seasonings to penetrate the meat and ensures even cooking. Remove the shells completely but you can leave the tails on if you prefer them for presentation purposes.
Do I need to preheat my air fryer for this recipe?
Preheating for 2-3 minutes helps achieve that instant sear and crispiness. While not absolutely necessary, it makes a noticeable difference in texture. Most air fryers heat up quickly, so this small step is worth the extra time.
Can I cook frozen shrimp in the air fryer?
It’s better to thaw shrimp first for even cooking and proper seasoning absorption. If using frozen, add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time and pat them dry thoroughly. Fresh or properly thawed shrimp always gives superior results.
You’ll love how these Air Fryer Shrimp turn outgolden around the edges, tender inside, ready in under ten minutes. That first bite is warm, garlicky, and exactly what a weeknight dinner should feel like.
Try tossing them with melted butter and fresh parsley right after cooking, or squeeze lime over the top for tacos. Leftovers are perfect cold on salad the next day. A trick I picked up shooting coastal recipes: always check at seven minutes your first timeevery air fryer runs a little differently.
I’d love to see how yours turn outtag me if you share a photo! Did you grow up eating shrimp at summer cookouts or beachside dinners? Save this one for your family, and I hope it becomes a cozy go-to in your kitchen too.
With a passion for wholesome cooking inspired by family traditions, I create healthy, simple recipes focused on sourdough, shrimp, chicken, and balanced meals for everyday wellness.
Every recipe here is tested in my kitchen using U.S. measurements and easy-to-find ingredients, so you can cook confidently.
Thank you for joining this cozy community where nutritious and delicious meals come together.
