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air fryer shrimp recipe

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This easy air fryer shrimp recipe has revolutionized how we think about quick protein. Forget greasy pans and lengthy cooking times; embrace the simple joy of perfectly cooked shrimp right in your air fryer. It's incredibly fast, remarkably healthy, versatile, and cleanup is a breeze, consistently producing tender, never rubbery shrimp.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb Large Shrimp (peeled & deveined, tail on or off)
1 tbsp Olive Oil (or avocado oil)
1 tsp Garlic Powder
1 tsp Smoked Paprika
½ tsp Onion Powder
½ tsp Salt (or to taste)
¼ tsp Black Pepper (or to taste)
Optional Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Optional Lemon Wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Shrimp: Ensure your shrimp is completely thawed if using frozen. Pat the shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels. Place the dried shrimp in a medium bowl
  2. Season the Shrimp: Drizzle the olive oil over the shrimp. Sprinkle the garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper over the shrimp. Toss everything gently with your hands or a spoon until all the shrimp are evenly coated with the seasonings
  3. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes
  4. Arrange in Air Fryer: Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in your preheated air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary
  5. Air Fry: Cook for 5-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time. The exact time depends on the size of your shrimp and your specific air fryer model. The shrimp is done when it turns opaque pink and curls slightly
  6. Serve Immediately: Remove the shrimp from the air fryer. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges

Notes

Always pat your shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels before seasoning. Excess moisture will steam the shrimp instead of letting it get that lovely outer crispness.

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed for proper air circulation and even cooking.

Monitor cooking time closely. Shrimp cooks very quickly, so start checking around the 5-minute mark. Overcooked shrimp becomes rubbery and tough.

Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even exposure to hot air and uniform cooking.

A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the cooked shrimp brightens the flavors and enhances natural sweetness.

Feel free to experiment with seasonings to tailor the recipe to your family’s preferences.

Store any leftover air fryer shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

To reheat, place the shrimp back in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until just heated through. Alternatively, quickly sauté in a pan for 1-2 minutes over medium heat. Avoid reheating in the microwave.