Air Fryer Shrimp is one of those meals that feels fancy but comes together in about ten minutes. Golden, crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside and no greasy stovetop mess to deal with.
I started making these back in 2019 when I was testing faster protein options for weeknight dinners, and the texture blew me away. The high heat circulation gives you that restaurant-quality sear without any oil splatter, and after tweaking the seasoning about a dozen times, I landed on a blend that works every single time. My daughter said they tasted “like the good kind from vacation,” which is honestly the best compliment I’ve gotten in months.
This Air Fryer Shrimp recipe delivers crispy and juicy shrimp in just minutes. Perfect for salads, tacos, or a quick snack, it’s a simple way to enjoy flavorful shrimp anytime. Enjoy fast and fuss-free Air Fryer Shrimp every time.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
Heat your air fryer to 400°F or 200°C.
Dry the shrimp with a paper towel, then toss them gently in a bowl with the olive oil and seasonings until evenly coated.
Spread the shrimp out in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, avoiding crowding.
Cook the shrimp at 400°F or 200°C for 8 to 10 minutes, checking near the end to make sure they are cooked through and golden brown.
Notes
You can use shrimp or prawns
Adjust cooking times based on shrimp size
Substitute any high smoke point cooking oil
Pre-made seasoning rub of about 3 teaspoons can be used
Confirm doneness with a thermometer
shrimp should reach 145°F or 63°C internally
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:8 minutes
Method:Air Fryer
Nutrition
Serving Size:1 serving
Calories:146.6kcal
Sugar:0.1g
Sodium:933.5mg
Fat:8.2g
Saturated Fat:1.1g
Unsaturated Fat:0.9g + 5.2g
Trans Fat:0.01g
Carbohydrates:1.9g
Fiber:0.3g
Protein:15.6g
Cholesterol:142.9mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This is one of those meals that saves dinner when you’re short on time but still want something that feels special. The air fryer does all the work, giving you golden, juicy shrimp in less than 15 minutesno babysitting required.
Lightning fast: From bowl to plate in about 13 minutes total, including prep.
Minimal cleanup: Just a bowl and your air fryer basketno greasy stovetop to scrub.
Endlessly versatile: Toss them into tacos, over salads, with pasta, or eat them straight from the basket with a squeeze of lemon.
Healthier than frying: You get crispy edges with just a couple tablespoons of oil instead of a whole pan.
What You’ll Need
The ingredient list here is beautifully short. You probably have most of this in your pantry already, and the shrimp take just five minutes to prep.
Start with large shrimp that are already peeled and deveinedit’s worth the convenience. The light olive oil helps everything crisp up without smoking, and the simple seasoning blend (paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper) brings warmth and flavor without overwhelming the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
Pro Tip: Pat your shrimp completely dry with paper towels before tossing. Any excess moisture will steam them instead of crisping them up.
Ingredient
Easy Swap
Light olive oil
Avocado oil or grapeseed oil
Paprika
Smoked paprika for deeper flavor
Garlic powder
Onion powder or Italian seasoning
Fresh large shrimp
Frozen (thawed and dried well)
How to Make Perfect Air Fryer Shrimp
The beauty of this method is how hands-off it is. Once you’ve tossed everything together, the air fryer takes over and gives you restaurant-quality results.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F so it’s ready to go. Toss the shrimp with the oil and all your seasonings in a bowl until every piece is lightly coated. Arrange them in a single layer in the basketdon’t pile them up or they’ll steam instead of crisp. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, checking around the 7-minute mark. They’re done when they’re opaque, golden on the edges, and register 145°F inside.
Note: Smaller shrimp cook faster, larger ones take a minute or two longer. Keep an eye on them toward the end so they don’t turn rubbery.
Tips for the Best Results
Don’t skip preheating: It helps the shrimp start searing immediately instead of slowly warming up.
Work in batches if needed: Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking and soggy spots.
Shake the basket halfway: A quick shake at the 4- or 5-minute mark helps them brown evenly on all sides.
Use an instant-read thermometer: It’s the easiest way to avoid overcooking. You’re aiming for 145°F internally.
How to Serve and Store
These shrimp are incredibly flexible. Serve them warm over rice or quinoa, stuff them into soft tortillas with slaw and lime, or toss them with pasta and a drizzle of garlic butter. They’re also perfect for meal prepjust reheat gently in the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes.
Storage Method
How Long It Lasts
Refrigerator (airtight container)
Up to 3 days
Freezer (freezer-safe bag)
Up to 2 months
Reheating in air fryer
2–3 minutes at 350°F
Pro Tip: If reheating from frozen, add an extra minute or two and check for doneness with a thermometer.
It took me weeks to get these air fryer shrimp just right. The first few batches were rubbery, then too dry, until I learned the secret was all in the timing and temperature. Now they come out perfectly tender with a golden crisp every single time.
FAQs ( Air Fryer Shrimp )
How long do you cook shrimp in the air fryer?
Cook medium-sized shrimp for 6-8 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through. Large shrimp may need an extra 1-2 minutes. The shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque with an internal temperature of 145°F.
Should I use frozen or fresh shrimp?
Both work great for this recipe! If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking. Fresh shrimp will have a slightly better texture, but frozen is more convenient and budget-friendly.
What temperature should I set my air fryer to?
Set your air fryer to 400°F for perfectly cooked shrimp. This high temperature creates a nice exterior while keeping the inside tender. Preheating for 2-3 minutes ensures even cooking from the start.
Do I need to flip the shrimp during cooking?
Yes, flip the shrimp halfway through cooking for even browning. Use tongs to gently turn each piece. This ensures both sides get crispy and prevents overcooking on one side.
Can I make this dish without oil?
You can cook this recipe oil-free, but adding a light spray or brush of oil helps achieve better browning and prevents sticking. Just 1-2 teaspoons is enough for a full batch of shrimp.
You’ll love how quickly these Air Fryer Shrimp come togethergolden, tender, and packed with flavor in less than 15 minutes. They’re crispy on the edges, juicy through the center, and so much lighter than anything pan-fried. Perfect for those nights when you want something special without the fuss or cleanup.
Try tossing them with a squeeze of lime and fresh cilantro for tacos, or serve them over buttery garlic pasta for an easy weeknight win. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three daysthey reheat beautifully in the air fryer at 350°F for just a couple minutes. A little trick I picked up: add a sprinkle of smoked paprika before reheating to bring back that just-cooked warmth.
I’d love to know how you serve yoursdo you go classic with lemon and parsley, or do you get creative with dipping sauces? Snap a photo and tag me, or drop a comment below and share your favorite way to enjoy them. Save this one for your next busy weeknight or share it with a friend who needs a new go-to dinner win.
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
