If you’re in the mood for a quick and delicious seafood dish, air fryer shrimp can be your go-to option. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll end up with juicy, flavorful shrimp that have a light crisp on the outside. Whether you’re whipping them up for a healthy dinner or as a party appetizer, these air-fried shrimp will be a guaranteed hit!
In this recipe, I use simple, familiar ingredients that many of us already have at home. Butter, lemon juice, paprika, black pepper, and salt come together to create a marinade that hugs the shrimp with subtle richness and a citrusy kick.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Air Fryer Shrimp
Before you begin, gather the following ingredients for this easy and delicious shrimp recipe. These simple components bring out the natural flavors of the shrimp without overwhelming them:
Shrimp Ingredients:
- 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined) – Make sure to choose fresh or defrosted shrimp. Medium or large shrimps work best, as they stay juicy and cook evenly.
- 3 tablespoons melted butter – This adds richness and ensures a slight crisp as the shrimp air fries.
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice – Provides a fresh, tangy burst of flavor that complements the shrimp beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – Adds a warm, smoky flavor and gives the shrimp a hint of color.
- ½ to 1 teaspoon ground black pepper – Depending on how much spice you like, adjust the amount of black pepper.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the overall flavor and ensures your shrimp is perfectly seasoned.
Kitchen Tools:
Here’s a list of basic kitchen tools you’ll need:
- Air Fryer – This is the star tool for this recipe, creating that quick, crispy finish without the mess of deep frying.
- Mixing bowl or Ziploc bag – For tossing the peeled shrimp with the marinade.
- Tongs or a silicone spatula – Helpful for tossing the shrimp and serving them after cooking.
- Paper towels – To pat the shrimp dry before marinating. This helps them cook more evenly and crisp up slightly.
Step-by-Step Air Fryer Shrimp
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
Start by peeling and deveining your 1 pound of shrimp if they aren’t already cleaned. Rinse the shrimp under cold water, then pat them dry thoroughly using paper towels. This step ensures that the marinade will stick better and gives the shrimp a nice outer texture when air-fried.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a mixing bowl , combine 3 tablespoons of melted butter , 2 teaspoons of lemon juice , 1 teaspoon of paprika , ½ to 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper , and ½ teaspoon of salt . Stir until well mixed. This marinade adds richness, a little smokiness, and a perfect balance of tang from the lemon juice.
Step 3: Toss the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the bowl with the marinade, and toss until every piece is evenly coated. You can let the shrimp sit and marinate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors really soak in, but if you’re in a hurry, feel free to move to the next step right away.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes . This ensures the shrimp will start cooking immediately, giving them a quick, perfect sear.
Step 5: Add the Shrimp to the Air Fryer
Once the air fryer is preheated, place the marinated shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer. This allows the hot air to circulate evenly for a perfect cook. Avoid overcrowding the basket. If you have a lot of shrimp, work in batches to ensure they all cook evenly.
Step 6: Air Fry the Shrimp
Cook the shrimp in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 8 to 10 minutes . You don’t need to flip the shrimp, as the air fryer’s hot air will cook them evenly from all sides. However, if you prefer a more uniform color on both sides, feel free to flip them halfway through the cooking time, around the 5-minute mark.
You’ll know the shrimp are done when they turn a vibrant pink color, have a slight curl into a ‘C’ shape, and are firm to the touch. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp can become rubbery if left too long.
Step 7: Serve It Up!
Once the shrimp are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Taste and feel free to add more melted butter, a sprinkle of black pepper, or an extra squeeze of lemon juice if you like. Serve the shrimp hot and enjoy them as they are or pair them with a dipping sauce like garlic butter or a spicy aioli.
Tip: These air fryer shrimp make an excellent addition to salads, pasta dishes, tacos, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Storing Leftovers
If by any chance you have leftovers (which is rare because they’re so delicious!), you can store the shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days . To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 2-3 minutes —just enough to warm them up without overcooking.
Conclusion
Now you see how easy it is to whip up delicious air fryer shrimp in no time! The air fryer delivers a quick, crispy, and flavorful shrimp experience without the need for excessive oil or complicated steps. Perfect as a light meal, snack, or appetizer, these shrimp are bound to become a regular on your meal rotation.
You don’t need to be a chef to bring the flavors of the sea into your home—just a few simple ingredients, an air fryer, and love for scrumptious shrimp. Try this out the next time you’re in the mood for a savory, quick fix, and watch as it becomes an instant favorite!