Air Fryer Shrimp
This Air Fryer Shrimp recipe is quick, easy, and flavorful, delivering perfectly cooked shrimp with a crispy exterior and juicy interior using just a few simple ingredients.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp thawed, shells removed, and deveined (tails can be left on for presentation)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil adds richness and helps with crisping
- 1 clove garlic minced – brings aromatic depth and flavor
- salt and pepper to taste, for seasoning
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
- Make sure your shrimp are fully thawed if frozen. Pat them dry with paper towels to help the olive oil and garlic stick better and ensure a nice crisp finish. Remove shells and devein if not done yet. Leaving tails on is optional for presentation.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
- In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss shrimp in this mixture until evenly coated. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes to absorb flavors.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 to 5 minutes to ensure shrimp start cooking immediately and achieve a crispy exterior.
Step 4: Air Fry the Shrimp
- Place shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding for even cooking and perfect crisp. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to flip shrimp. Shrimp should turn pink and opaque when done.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove shrimp from the air fryer and serve immediately. They are great alone, in salads, or with grains or vegetables. Optionally, squeeze fresh lemon juice over and garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro.
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Medium Bowl
Notes
Pat shrimp dry before marinating for better crisping. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed. Adjust cooking time for shrimp size. Fresh garlic is best; garlic powder is a substitute. For extra crispiness, dust with cornstarch or breadcrumbs before air frying. Serve immediately for best texture; reheating can make shrimp rubbery.
Variations include adding cayenne pepper for spiciness, lemon zest and herbs for freshness, Asian-inspired soy sauce and sesame oil, garlic Parmesan, or coconut curry flavors.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in air fryer or oven at low temperature to avoid overcooking.