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Big, juicy shrimp get tossed in a zesty seasoning mix and hit the air fryer so they come out crisp outside and tender in the middle. They’re punchy with flavor, cook up lightning fast, and stay so juicy thanks to that whirlwind of hot air. You’ll end up with shrimp that really soak up the seasonings and have a sweet bite, so they fit right in as a quick snack, fast dinner, or even tossed into whatever meal you’re making.
This trick saved me on a wild week when dinner needed to look impressive but I had zero time. The shrimp tasted so fresh and flavorful they vanished from the table in record time. My sister couldn’t believe they’d cooked up in the air fryer—her jaw dropped when I told her!
Mouthwatering Ingredients
- Chopped parsley: Tosses in a splash of green and a gentle herby taste
- Fresh lemon wedges: Squeeze on top for a punch of tart, bright flavor
- Black pepper: Brings a bit of kick to balance out the sweetness
- Sea salt: Pops the flavor of everything else and highlights the shrimp’s natural sweetness
- Paprika: Gives a warm smokiness and a pop of color
- Avocado oil: Handles high heat with ease and keeps the shrimp from sticking
- Large shrimp: Sweet and fast to cook, these are the star of the show
- Garlic powder: Packs plenty of garlicky flavor into each bite, no burning risk
Tasty Steps
- Finishing Touches:
- Move the shrimp onto a plate, scatter parsley and lemon wedges on top, and dig in while hot.
- Check Doneness:
- Your shrimp should curl, feel firm, and look nice and pink. Don’t let them go too long or they’ll dry out.
- Time to Air Fry:
- Heat up your air fryer to 400°F. Spread the shrimp in one layer. Cook for 3 minutes, shake them around, cook another 2 or 3 until they look crispy and cooked through.
- Splash and Season:
- Mix oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour over the shrimp and toss it all together—let that chill for about 10 minutes.
- Shrimp Prep:
- Double check frozen shrimp are fully thawed. Dry them really well, so there’s no wet spots left.
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My crew especially loves scooping these shrimp over a bed of creamy polenta with roasted tomatoes on crazy nights. My husband usually wraps his in tortillas with avocado and cilantro—can’t go wrong with shrimp tacos!
Tasty Combos
Pop the shrimp on top of creamy risotto with crisp asparagus, or set them out with dips like garlic aioli, cilantro-lime sauce, or classic cocktail sauce if you want a no-fuss starter.
Flavor Twists
Try Cajun style with Cajun seasoning and a bit of brown sugar. Go Mediterranean using oregano, lemon zest, and a pinch of red chili flakes. An Asian vibe comes from soy sauce, sesame oil, fresh ginger, and garlic.
Storing Info
Put leftovers in a tight container in the fridge—they’ll keep for a couple days. Warm them back up in the air fryer at 350°F for two minutes and they’ll crisp right back up.
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After trying tons of different ways to cook shrimp, air frying beats them all. It’s so simple, never fails to be juicy, and makes my top suggestion for anyone who wants great food without a fuss.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use frozen shrimp?
- Yep! Just let your shrimp fully thaw, then season and cook so they hold flavor and cook even all around.
- → How do I tell the shrimp are done?
- You're good once shrimp look pink and sort of tucked in. Usually that's 5 to 6 minutes cooking at 400°F.
- → What’s good with these shrimp?
- Try them with greens, roasted veggies, pasta, or rice. Or just dip in cocktail sauce as a fun starter.
- → Can I toss in other seasonings?
- For sure! Use Italian spices, some Cajun kick, or a pinch of cayenne if you want a little heat. Up to you!
- → How long do cooked shrimp keep?
- Once cooled, put in a sealed container in the fridge for two days max. Heat them back up in your air fryer for just a few minutes at 300°F.